How To Format Flash Drive For Windows 11 Install May 2026

dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:D:\sources\install.wim /SWMFile:E:\sources\install.swm /FileSize:4000 (Replace D: with your mounted ISO drive letter and E: with your USB drive letter)

If the tool fails or you need more control, download (a free, open-source utility). Rufus automates the manual process, lets you choose between MBR/GPT and FAT32/NTFS, and automatically splits large files when needed. Warning: Formatting erases all data. Back up any important files on your USB drive before starting. how to format flash drive for windows 11 install

This splits the large file into smaller 4 GB chunks (install.swm, install2.swm, etc.), allowing FAT32 to work. If you simply format the drive and copy files, it may not be bootable. You need to write a boot sector. dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:D:\sources\install