SoftNexi

Windows · System & Disk Utilities

Rufus for Windows

Small open-source Windows tool for writing bootable USB drives from ISO images, including Windows and Linux installers.

Updated July 8, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

Download

Overview

Rufus writes bootable USB media from ISO files. It is a single small executable, needs no installation, and is consistently faster than most alternatives at the same job.

For Windows installation media it also offers optional setup tweaks, such as bypassing the TPM and Secure Boot checks or skipping the Microsoft account requirement during Windows 11 setup. Those options are convenient but change what Microsoft supports, so they are choices to make deliberately.

For Linux ISOs it handles both UEFI and legacy BIOS targets and picks sensible defaults based on the image you select.

Key features

  • Creates bootable USB media from ISO, DD, and VHD images
  • UEFI and legacy BIOS boot support with GPT or MBR
  • Optional Windows 11 setup customizations
  • Bad block checking before writing
  • Portable single-executable operation
  • Can download official Windows ISO images directly

System requirements

Operating system
Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows 8 or later
Architecture
x64, ARM64, or x86 executable
Hardware
A USB drive of sufficient capacity; 8 GB or more for Windows 11 media
Permissions
Administrator rights for raw disk access

How to install Rufus

  1. 1. Download the executable

    Grab the standard or portable build from rufus.ie — there is no installer.

  2. 2. Run as administrator

    Rufus needs raw disk access, so approve the UAC prompt.

  3. 3. Back up the USB drive

    Copy anything you need off the target drive before writing.

How to use it

  1. 1. Select device and image

    Choose the USB drive at the top, then Select and pick your ISO file.

  2. 2. Choose the scheme

    For modern PCs use GPT with UEFI (non CSM). Use MBR with BIOS only for older hardware.

  3. 3. Write and verify

    Click Start, accept the data-loss warning, and wait for the READY status before ejecting.

Safety and privacy

  • Download only from rufus.ie or the project's GitHub releases page.
  • Rufus overwrites the selected drive completely — confirm the device letter before you start.
Bundled software
None.
Privacy
Rufus checks for its own updates if you allow it. No account required.

Known risks

  • Selecting the wrong drive destroys its contents with no undo.
  • The Windows 11 requirement-bypass options produce installations Microsoft does not officially support.

What's new

  • 4.x series

    Recent releases have tracked Windows 11 setup changes, added ARM64 builds, and improved ISO handling. Current release notes are published on rufus.ie.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Fast and reliable USB writing
  • No installation required
  • Handles both UEFI and legacy boot
  • Can fetch official Windows ISOs

Cons

  • Windows only
  • Destructive if you pick the wrong drive
  • Advanced options can confuse first-time users
  • Bypass options create unsupported Windows installs

Verdict

Rufus is the standard tool for making bootable USB drives on Windows. Double-check the target device, and it will not let you down.

Frequently asked questions

Does Rufus work on macOS?

No. On a Mac, use a cross-platform imaging tool or the built-in command-line utilities instead.

Can Rufus install Windows 11 on unsupported hardware?

It can create media that skips certain setup checks. The resulting installation is not officially supported by Microsoft and may not receive updates reliably.