Windows 11 is one of the best feature-packed operating systems in the world. If you want to try it out, you must download and install it on your device.

But what if you don’t have a Windows PC to make your dreams come true? In this case, you can create Windows 11 bootable USB with your Mac device, but the process may be complicated. That’s why we have prepared a detailed guide for you on creating this USB.

In this article
    1. Solution 1: Use Built-In Software: Boot Camp Assistant
    2. Solution 2: Using Terminal Commands
    3. Solution 3: Use the Third-Party App: UUByte ISO Editor

Preparations for Creating a Windows 11 Bootable USB on Mac

Before you jump into the creation process, you will need a couple of additional tools to reach your goal. Here’s a list of everything you need:

  • 💡A USB with more than 8 GB of memory that you can format.
  • 💻A Mac device (make sure it is plugged in so you don’t lose power mid-process).
  • 🌐A stable, strong internet connection.

How To Make a Windows 11 Bootable USB on a Mac?

You can create a Windows 11 bootable USB on a Mac in several ways. We have prepared the 3 most reliable options, and you can choose the one that best fits your preferences and needs.

If you… You can choose…
😊 seek the easiest way Solution 1: Boot Camp Assistant
💪 are an advanced terminal user Solution 2: Terminal Commands
💯prefer feature-packed utility Solution 3: UUByte ISO Editor

Solution 1: Use Built-In Software: Boot Camp Assistant

If your Windows ISO file is less than 4.5 GB, Boot Camp Assistant is your ideal choice for making a bootable USB. It is a default tool to help you reach your goal within minutes. However, this feature is only available for Intel Macs with Catalina or older versions.

If you have such a device, here’s how to make a bootable USB on Mac:

  1. Open Boot Camp Assistant.
  2. Select Create a Windows 11 or Later Install Disk to initiate the process.
    creating a disk
  3. Import the Windows 11 ISO into the app and choose a USB where you want to store the operating system.
  4. Click Continue to finish the process.
    finishing the process

This solution may be the easiest one, but it has its pros and cons, as you will see below.

Pros
  • Easy to use.
  • Time-efficient.
  • Free.
Cons
  • Only compatible with specific devices.

Solution 2: Using Terminal Commands

Terminal is also a built-in tool where you can input commands and tell your device what to do. However, this is the most complex option for creating a bootable USB. You may want to opt for another solution if you have no experience with commands or the Terminal feature.

If, on the other hand, you want to enjoy a fully customizable experience, here’s what you should do:

  1. Open the Terminal app and input the diskutil list external command.
    diskutil list
  2. Detect your USB and remember the name.
  3. The next step is to format the USB using the following command: diskutil eraseDisk MS-DOS WIN11 disk3. Make sure to change the disk name to fit your USB.
    erasing the drive
  4. Now, you need to mount the operating system on a Mac to copy files. Input this command hdiutil mount ~/Desktop/Windows_11_DEV_EN.iso and change the path and name accordingly.
  5. Find the volume of your USB and Windows by inputting the Is/Volumes/ command.
    finding the volume
  6. In this case, WIN 11 is the name of the USB, and CCCOMA_X64FRE_EN-US_DV9 is the mounted Windows 11 ISO.
  7. The last step is to copy the files and transfer them to your USB. You can do it by inputting the following command: rsync -avh — progress /Volumes/CCCOMA_X64FRE_EN-US_DV9/* /Volumes/WIN11/.
copying the content

Although Terminal is one of the most efficient tools, it’s not really user-friendly. Let’s check out some of the pros and cons.

Pros
  • Highly efficient.
  • No file damage.
Cons
  • Not beginner-friendly.

Solution 3: Use the Third-Party App: UUByte ISO Editor

If you don’t want to use integrated applications and solutions and want to rely on feature-packed third-party solutions, you can use UUByte ISO Editor. It’s one of the most reliable and easy solutions on the market, perfect for anyone without experience in the field.

It’s compatible with all Mac devices and operating systems. Here’s how to use UUByte ISO Editor:

  1. Download UUByte ISO Editor and run the program.
  2. Select the Burn option.
    opening iso editor
  3. In the next window, add your Windows 11 ISO and choose your USB from the drop-down menu.
    inputting windows
  4. Click the Burn button.

In just a few minutes, you will have your bootable USB. However, some cons may be deal-breakers, as you will see below.

Pros
  • Incredibly easy to use.
  • Fast and reliable.
  • Beginner-friendly.
Cons
  • Not free.

Video Tutorial on How to Download and Install Windows 11

Bonus: How To Save Your Crashed Data When Your Windows 11 Fails To Reboot?

Sometimes, things may not turn out the way you want. You may have done everything perfectly, and your Windows 11 still failed to boot. In this case, losing your data may be devastating and stressful, but you shouldn’t worry because there is a solution to this problem.

You will need a third-party software solution, such as Recoverit, to get your data back unharmed. It’s crucial to act fast and download Recoverit as soon as possible for the best experience.

Free Download
Free Download

Once you download the program, follow the guide below to recover your data:

  1. Open the program and choose System Crashed Computer from the available options.
    system crashed computer
  2. Select a mode for your bootable drive (either USB or CD/DVD) and click the Create button to start.
  3. You need to format your device, so click the Format button to complete this process.
    formatting the disk
  4. The program will start creating a bootable drive, so keep it plugged in.
    creating a drive
  5. Follow the onscreen guide to recover data.
    recovering data

After creating a bootable drive, you should restart your computer and enter BIOS by clicking the F12 key. Launch Recoverit with WindowsPE and start copying your data.

Conclusion

Creating a bootable Windows 11 USB via a Mac device may seem challenging. However, with the help of our guide, you can reach your goal quickly. We have presented the best ways to create a bootable USB. Don’t forget to have a backup plan if you lose your data or your Windows fails to reboot.

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Free Download
Selena Lee
Selena Lee Apr 29, 24
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