How to Create a Windows Bootable USB on Linux

If you’re running Linux and need to create a bootable USB to install Windows, you might think it’s a headache. Spoiler: it’s not. You don’t need a Windows machine or complicated tools—just your Linux system, a USB drive, and a little command-line mojo (or a GUI if that’s your thing). Here’s how to get it done.

What You’ll Need

• A USB drive (at least 8GB)
• A Windows ISO file (from Microsoft’s website)
• A Linux machine
• Either a terminal or a simple graphical tool like WoeUSB

Option 1: Using WoeUSB (Graphical & CLI Options)

Step 1: Install WoeUSB

For Ubuntu/Debian-based distros:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install woeusb woeusb-frontend-wxgtk

For Arch-based distros:

yay -S woeusb

Step 2: Plug in Your USB and Identify It

Run:

lsblk

Look for something like /dev/sdb—make sure it’s your USB (not your main drive).

Step 3: Use the WoeUSB GUI (Optional)

Launch WoeUSB from your applications menu.

• Select the Windows ISO.
• Choose your USB device.
• Hit “Install.”

Done.

Or Use the Command Line:

sudo woeusb --device /path/to/windows.iso /dev/sdX

Replace /path/to/windows.iso with your actual ISO file and /dev/sdX with your USB device (not a partition like /dev/sdX1).

Option 2: Using dd (Advanced, Riskier)

This method is brute force. It works, but Windows installers may not boot properly due to missing EFI structure or boot sector issues.

sudo dd if=/path/to/windows.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress oflag=sync

Warning: dd will wipe the target USB. Double-check the device path. You’ve been warned.

Final Step: Boot from the USB

After creating the bootable USB:

1. Reboot your computer.
2. Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by hitting F2, F10, or DEL on boot).
3. Set the USB as the primary boot device.
4. Save and exit. Windows setup should launch.

Troubleshooting

• UEFI vs Legacy Boot: Make sure your system matches the mode used by the USB.
• “Missing driver” errors during install: Sometimes WoeUSB creates problems on newer ISOs. Try another ISO version or recreate the USB with a different tool.
• USB not booting? Reformat it (fat32 or ntfs) and try again.

Conclusion

Creating a Windows bootable USB on Linux isn’t hard—just different. WoeUSB is your friend. Use dd only if you know what you’re doing. Once you’ve got your USB, you’re ready to bring Windows back into the picture.

Got stuck or have a different method that works better? Drop it in the comments below.