Sometimes, for whatever reason, installing a PXE server or using a boot CD ISO isn’t desirable. Using a boot USB flash drive is the best bet in these situations. The problem: the guide to create a bootable USB drive in the MDT documentation doesn’t work. There is plenty of confusing information out there on the web for painful, slow ways to create a boot USB. And most of those don’t work either.
So what’s the easiest way?
- Download and install the Microsoft Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool. Aside: This is probably the most poorly named software, ever. It creates bootable flash drives and DVDs.
- Use the Microsoft Windows 7 USB/DVD to write your LiteTouch ISO to a USB flash drive.
- That’s it! Your USB is now bootable.
FAQs
What should I do if my computer doesn’t recognise the USB at startup?
Even if you have followed all the steps to create the drive, some computers might ignore it. This is usually because the “Boot Order” in the computer’s settings is wrong. To fix this, you should restart the computer and tap a specific key (usually F12, F11, or Esc) to open the Boot Menu. From there, select your USB drive manually. If it still doesn’t show up, check if “Secure Boot” is turned on in your BIOS settings, as this can sometimes block custom bootable drives from working.
Can I use the same USB drive to store my own personal files?
It is technically possible, but it is a very bad idea for a professional environment. If you add personal photos or documents to your MDT boot drive, you risk:
Running out of space: Windows updates or new drivers might need extra room on the drive later on.
Corruption: Frequently moving files on and off the drive increases the chance of a “read error” during a critical Windows installation.
Security risks: If you plug your work USB into a public computer to save a file, you might bring a virus back into your company’s network.
Does the size or speed of the USB drive actually matter?
Yes, the quality of the hardware makes a significant difference in how long you spend at each desk. To ensure a smooth process, keep these points in mind:
USB 3.0 or higher: Always use a blue-coloured USB 3.0 port and drive. This can make the installation finish up to ten times faster than the older, slower USB 2.0.
Minimum Capacity: While the boot files are small, you should use at least a 16GB or 32GB drive. This gives you enough “headroom” if you decide to include the entire Windows image on the stick later.
Build Quality: Avoid cheap, promotional “giveaway” USB sticks, as they often overheat and fail during long data transfers.
How often should I recreate or update my bootable USB?
You don’t need to do this every week, but you should refresh the drive whenever there is a major change in your office’s technology. You should create a new one if:
New Hardware Arrives: If your company buys a new model of laptop, the old USB might not have the correct “Network Drivers” to talk to your server.
Windows Version Updates: When Microsoft releases a major new version of Windows (like moving from one version of Windows 11 to the next), updating the boot media ensures better compatibility.
Deployment Changes: If your IT team changes the IP address or name of the deployment server, the old USB will still be looking for the old location.
Can I use a "MicroSD" card in a USB adapter instead of a flash drive?
Yes, you can use a MicroSD card with a USB adapter, and it will work exactly the same way. The computer views the adapter just like a standard flash drive. This is often a handy trick for IT staff who have spare memory cards from old phones or cameras. Just ensure the SD card is at least “Class 10” speed; otherwise, the process of loading the Windows environment will be painfully slow.
