I recently switched to Linux, but I need to create mods for Skyrim which require Windows tools. So, I'm planning to switch back to Windows 10. I have two 2TB external hard drives and I've already reformatted one of them to FAT32 on my wife's Windows 10 PC. However, when I try to use the Microsoft tool to create bootable media, it doesn't detect the drive even though it shows up in the file manager. I also tried Rufus, but it didn't recognize the drive either, even though it claimed success earlier today. My Linux PC isn't picking it up in the boot menu either. I'm going to try the other hard drive, but I'm not feeling hopeful. Is there any way to create a bootable Windows 10 USB without spending money?
3 Answers
Just a heads up, when people mention "bootable media," it's typically referring to USB sticks (or CDs/DVDs) rather than external hard drives. But if it's a USB device, it should work just fine. I successfully installed Linux that way, so it seems like it should be possible to revert back as well.
Have you tried using Balena Etcher? It's a straightforward tool that can create bootable USB drives. Might be worth a shot!
Is that a software or something else?
Congrats on figuring it out! Marking your PC as BIOS based in Rufus sounds like the key. If I were you, I’d keep this thread up and label it as "Solved" so others can benefit from your experience.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll do that.
I thought so too! It was working when I installed Linux, just trying to fix my mistake.