How to Create a WinPE Bootable Disk for Windows 11

An essential tool for troubleshooting Windows 11 issues

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Whether you need to recover a malfunctioning operating system, partition drives or deploy a new installation of Windows 11, you can create a WinPE bootable USB drive to get it done.

In this guide, we will discuss step-by-step instructions to create a WinPE bootable disk to perform various tasks, such as system maintenance.

What is a WinPE bootable disk?

WinPE (Windows Preinstallation Environment) bootable disk is a lightweight version of the Windows operating system. It was formerly a part of Windows ADK (WAIK) but now is available separately since the release of Windows 10 1809.

How do I create a bootable WinPE USB drive?

Before engaging in detailed steps to create a WinPE bootable disk, you should consider performing the following checks:

1. Install Windows ADK with WinPE Add-on

2. Install the WinPE add-on for the Windows ADK

3. Copy the WinPE files to a folder

4. Create a WinPE bootable disk

Formatting the drive before proceeding with the steps can help prevent issues like anInvalid partition table USB boot error.

Once the process is complete, eject the pen drive safely and use it to set up your hard drive, capture Windows images, modify the Windows OS if not running, or set up automatic recovery tools.

How can I create a WinPE ISO file?

First, follow all the steps mentioned inMethods 1, 2, and 3, then on theDeployment and Imaging Tools Environmentwindow, type in the following command to convert the file to ISO after replacingFolderPath of WinPE_64withthe folder path you created in Method 3 step 4&FolderPath of WinPE_64.isowith theFolderPath where you want to create the ISO fileand pressEnter:makewinpemedia /iso FolderPath of WinPE_64 FolderPath of WinPE_64.iso

Now that you have the ISO file, you can burn it to CD or DVD and use it. In case you are facing issues likecreating ISO files, read this guide to know the reasons and quick solutions.

Stuck somewhere while following the steps? Don’t hesitate to ask for help in the comments section below. We will be happy to assist!

How to Create a WinPE Bootable Disk for Windows 11#

How do I create a bootable WinPE USB drive?#

1. Install Windows ADK with WinPE Add-on#

2. Install the WinPE add-on for the Windows ADK#

3. Copy the WinPE files to a folder#

4. Create a WinPE bootable disk#

How can I create a WinPE ISO file?#