How to Fix Windows Media Creation Tool USB Not Showing in BIOS

The Windows Media Creation Tool is widely trusted for creating bootable USB drives to reinstall or upgrade Windows operating systems. However, a common issue that users face is the USB drive not showing up in the BIOS after using the tool. This can be both frustrating and time-consuming, especially when you’re relying on the USB to perform critical installations or troubleshooting. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to resolve this problem.

Understanding the Issue

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why the USB might not appear in BIOS:

• The USB drive was not created correctly
• The BIOS settings are not configured to detect USB devices
• The USB port or drive itself may be faulty
• Secure Boot or Fast Boot options are interfering

By methodically addressing each of these possibilities, you can significantly increase the chances of resolving the issue.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1. Verify the USB Drive is Bootable

The most common cause is that the USB wasn’t made bootable correctly. Here’s what you should do:

• Use the official Windows Media Creation Tool directly from Microsoft’s website.
• Ensure you choose the option “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)”.
• Double-check the creation process is completed without errors.

After this, eject the USB safely and insert it into the system you want to boot from. Reboot and enter BIOS to see if the drive shows up.

[ai-img]windows media creation tool, usb boot, bios settings[/ai-img]

2. Try a Different USB Port or Drive

It might seem basic, but using a different USB port (preferably a USB 2.0 port) can make a difference. Compatibility issues often arise with USB 3.0 ports, particularly on older systems.

• Switch to a different port, avoiding USB hubs or extenders.
• If available, try a different USB drive to rule out hardware faults.

Once reconnected, reboot and press the designated BIOS key (commonly Del, F2, F10, or Esc, depending on your motherboard) to check if it appears.

3. Change BIOS Boot Settings

Sometimes, a simple BIOS tweak can make your USB visible. Enter BIOS and ensure the following:

• USB Boot: Set to Enabled.
• Boot Mode: Switch from UEFI to Legacy, or vice versa, depending on your system configuration.
• Fast Boot: Disable this option as it can skip USB detection.
• Secure Boot: Temporarily disable Secure Boot. This often blocks booting from non-certified removable devices.

Note: Be cautious while modifying BIOS settings. Always record the original settings in case you need to revert the changes.

[ai-img]bios settings, usb not detected, secure boot[/ai-img]

4. Recreate the USB Using DiskPart

If the Media Creation Tool doesn’t work properly, you can manually create a bootable USB using Windows’ built-in DiskPart utility. Here’s how:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type diskpart and press Enter.
3. Type list disk to identify your USB drive.
4. Select your USB drive using select disk X (replace X with your USB’s number).
5. Run the following commands:
   • clean
   • create partition primary
   • format fs=fat32 quick
   • active
   • assign

Once prepared, copy the content of an ISO manually onto the USB and retry booting.

5. Update BIOS Firmware

As a last resort, outdated BIOS firmware can sometimes prevent USB detection. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website, locate the latest BIOS update, and follow their update guide carefully.

Warning: Updating BIOS is risky if not done properly and may render the system unbootable. Proceed with caution.

Conclusion

A missing bootable USB in BIOS is often due to configuration or compatibility issues that can usually be resolved with attention to detail. By following the above steps—from verifying the drive to adjusting BIOS settings—you significantly improve your chances of resolving the issue.

If you’ve exhausted these options and the USB still doesn’t show up, consider trying the USB on another system to determine if the problem is hardware-specific or truly related to BIOS recognition. Consistent troubleshooting and a methodical approach are key to success in such cases.

[ai-img]troubleshooting, windows boot usb, bios menu[/ai-img]