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Build a custom Windows installer using Rufus
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Build a custom Windows installer using Rufus

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While Windows was probably preinstalled on your computer. We like to keep a copy of Windows in case Windows fails to boot, encounters a major system error, or we need to do a clean install. So in this video we take a look at how you can use Rufus, which is a free application, to build a customised version of the Windows installer.

Note: The customised options within Rufus, will allow you to make a Standard Windows installation or a Windows Go drive. While a Standard Windows installation is self explanitory. A Windows Go drive, is a self contained instance of Windows, installed onto a external USB drive, which then can be run in isolation on any x86 computer.

The other options Rufus offers, will allow you to taylor the Windows installer to your own needs. So for example you can set the installer to install Windows on older hardware, or not require the use of an online Microsoft account. You can also disable the use of Bitlocker, and skip some of the more annoying setup option such as regional settings and privacy questions.

Quick notes:
  • Having downloaded a copy of Rufus and Windows to your computer. Open Rufus (its a self contained application so will not need to be installed first).
  • Insert a blank USB flash drive (16GB or higher) into your computer.
  • Within Rufus, under the heading Device. You should see that Rufus has detected your USB drive.
  • Now under Image options make sure to choose Disk or ISO image, and then click on Select.
  • You will now need to navigate to the downloads folder where you saved your Windows ISO.
  • After adding you ISO to Rufus, leave the other settings on their defaults. Click on Start.
  • A popup window will appear offering you an number of additional setting to use.

Note: We like to tick the options, Remove requirements for 4GB + RAM, secure Boot and TPM 2.0. Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account, and Disable data collection (Skip privacy questions).

Added to Rufus 4.14, is an option called QoL improvements which removes things like Copilot, OneDrive, Outlook and Fast Startup. So it is a setting well worth enabling if you are looking for a less bloated Windows 11 experience.

Its also worth considering ticking the option to Disable Bitlocker automatic device encryption. As the encryption process can slow down the installation of Windows. However as using an un-encrypted computer (particularly a laptop) is not a good idea. Once you have installed Windows, and created a user profile on your computer. Dont forget to either re-enable Windows encryption, or use an alternative encryption system.

  • Click OK, where you will then be prompted to confirm that you wish to wipe your USB flash drive.
  • Select OK for a second time, to start the process of creating an Installer disk.
  • When the indicator bar is filled and is marked as Ready. You can remove your USB flash drive, and close down Rufus.
Accessing the boot menu

Note: In order to load the boot menu, you will need to use a hot key. Rather annoyingly, the hot key will not be the same for every model of computer. So you may need to check with the manufacture of your computer as to which key is the correct key to use. However as a general rule, the boot menu key will usually be either Esc, F7, F8, F9, F10, F12 or the FN key and F12.

  • In order to place your Windows/Linux computer into the boot menu you will need to do the following:
  • With the computer powered down.
  • Press the power button, and immediately start to repeatedly press the hot key designated on your computer for loading the boot menu.
  • Keep pressing the hot key until you see the boot menu or are informed that the boot menu is loading.

Note: If you see the log in screen or Windows starts to load. Then you have missed the window for loading the boot menu. So you will need to power down your computer and try again.

  • The boot menu will display all of the storage drives that the computer can see.
  • Using the cursor keys, move through the list of storage options and locate your USB flash drive. Usually with a USB flash drive being at the top of the list.
  • Now press Enter on the keyboard to have your computer boot from the flash drive.
Useful resources
Reference materials
  • Rufus website – FAQ