Bootable USB w/ MCT: BIOS list it on boot priority but wont boot by it


  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 10 Home Single Language
       #1

    Bootable USB w/ MCT: BIOS list it on boot priority but wont boot by it


    I installed a new WD Green SSD on my Acer Aspire A515-51G-C1CW to make a new installation of Windows 10 Home Single Language.

    I downloaded Windows Media Creation Tool, selected "Create installation media for another PC", the Windows settings, and then I selected "USB Flash Drive". It recognized my 128GB Kingston and started the whole process. When it finished, I restarted the PC.

    In the BIOS menu, I began by checking if the USB was listed on Boot Priority and it was (the boot mode is UEFI, btw). So I enabled the "Boot Menu" and restarted it again. When I tried the Boot Menu, the USB wasn't listed, just the default "Windows Boot". So I went to the BIOS again, went to Boot Priority and moved the USB to the top. I restarted it again and went to the Boot Menu, but once again the USB wasn't listed... after a few restarts, the PC is still booting the old Windows and won't let me force to boot by the USB.

    I decided to reformat the USB and try MCT again (cause I thought this would be the easiest and trustworthiest way of doing it, I really didn't want to resort to third-party tools), when I found out that FAT32 is limited to 32gb (which clearly should be expected) and since I have a 128gb USB, MCT creates a partition inside of it. Can this make it any harder for the USB to be promptly detected ad bootable? Is there any workaround? Since my boot mode is UEFI, could I proceed in any other easier way? Absolutely any tips are welcome!

    Thank you all for any help or for cheering lol. Peace!
    Last edited by mateusdso; 4 Weeks Ago at 21:31. Reason: Fix of misspellings
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 14,022
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #2

    Might need to turn off Secure Boot in the BIOS. Also be aware most older BIOSes supported USB 2 but had to have the OS loading drivers for USB 3 so be sure the Thumb drive is in a USB 2 port "just in case".
    USB 2 has black centers in the port and plug
    USB 3 has blue centers in the port and plug
    Newer ones may be combo with black centers.

    The MCT formats the Thumb drives as FAT32, shouldn't change that. And they should be 8GB, 16GB or 32GB. Windows can't format more than 32GB as FAT32, it's a more-than-20-year-old programming issue.
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  3. Posts : 2
    Windows 10 Home Single Language
    Thread Starter
       #3

    I'm not sure about about the BIOS, but I bought it around 2019, and the Acer model seems to be released around 2017. But I'll disable the secure boot, and when I finish it all I turn it back on.

    I had NO IDEA about this USB 3 thing!! I really think you saved me, I'm going to try this right now. I don't even like to think how many circles l'd run around before finding any info about that. I was making sure to use the USB 3 thinking that it would help.proceeding smoothly lol.

    - - - Updated - - -

    ok it didn't work but I'm guessing is because despite using a USB 2 port, my flash drive still ks USB 3... So I'm going after a USB 2 flash drive
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  4. Posts : 666
    WIN 10 19045.4291
       #4

    You will not find a USB 2 Flash drive!
    After you created the MCT you should unplug the old disk (data cable is enough) to make sure that you get a new EFI-Partition.
    When you see "Windows Boot" it results from the "old" Bootmanager.
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  5. Posts : 14,022
    Win10 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home, Win7, Linux Mint
       #5

    Pentagon said:
    You will not find a USB 2 Flash drive!
    Guess I was hornswoggled over the years since Windows 98SE [Second Edition] buying all those I have with the black center in the plug until I did get a couple with the blue center in the plug. Probably the same with the USB cables I have?
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  6. Posts : 6,345
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP - Lubuntu
       #6

    I would like to see the structure of your USB drive.
    Boot from current windows
    Open a CMD window as administrator and type:

    diskpart
    list disk
    exit

    Take a snapshot and paste it here.

    On BIOS disable fast boot and secure boot (you can turn it on after installation)

    Windows can be installed in two ways: Legacy-MBR or UEFI-GPT
    To install as Legacy-MBR you must boot the installation drive as Legacy
    To install as UEFI-GPT you must boot the installation drive as UEFI.

    As you have a UEFI BIOS, you should install as UEFI-GPT
    Detach any other drives (SATA or Power cable) from the MB.

    During POST, press F12(?) to launch the boot menu. You will see two options for the USB drive. USB UEFI (Name) and USB (Name). Select USB UEFI (Name) to install as UEFI-GPT.
    Go to install and delete ALL partitions on the main drive till you have one and only one unallocated space and then proceed.
    If you don't want to use MS account, don't enable updates or connect to the internet during installation.
      My Computers


 

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