I have a quick question about installing Windows 11 on my new SSD. My USB drive is formatted to FAT32 and has a capacity of 15GB. I read online that the minimum size is 8GB and it's recommended to have between 16-18GB. So, will this 15GB USB be enough for reinstalling Windows 11 Pro? Also, since I already have Windows 11 Pro, are there any potential issues I should be aware of? Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
Yes, 15GB is enough for the installation. The Windows installer ISO usually ranges from 8 to 10GB. You can get the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft's site. While the installation assistant can create a bootable USB directly, I recommend downloading the ISO and using Rufus to make the USB drive. Rufus tends to run the installation more smoothly and can bypass some hardware checks. Just remember that all existing data on the USB will be erased, and it will be formatted to NTFS, which allows for larger file sizes compared to FAT32. Just be cautious, as FAT32 has broader compatibility with different operating systems.
Just a heads up, NTFS can reduce the lifespan of USB sticks due to journaling. I suggest using exFAT for regular use.
Just an FYI, some people go for 8TB flash drives for installations nowadays, but it’s definitely not necessary! Your 15GB will work just fine.
If you already have Windows 11 Pro, you can directly install it from the USB drive onto your new SSD, then format your old drive afterwards to clean things up.
Thanks for the tips!