Download the Windows 11 installation media

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 92 views

Introduction

Are you facing issues booting into Windows and Ubuntu 21 on your system? Have you encountered a situation where your Windows installation is not recognizing the bootable USB drive, or you're unable to access the boot menu? Don't worry; we've got you covered. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of rebuilding the boot for Windows 11 from a bootable USB drive.

Understanding the Issue

Before we dive into the solution, let's understand the problem. You have Linux installed on an M.2 drive and Windows installed on a Hard Disk Drive (HDD). During the Windows installation process, you forgot to disconnect the M.2 drive, which resulted in the Windows installer creating boot-related files on the M.2 drive. This has caused issues with booting into Windows and Ubuntu 21.

Preparation

To rebuild the boot for Windows 11 from a bootable USB drive, you'll need the following:

A bootable USB drive with Windows 11 installation media
A computer with a working USB port
A Windows 11 installation media (ISO file or a physical DVD/CD)
A computer with a working internet connection (optional)

Step 1: Create a Bootable USB Drive

To create a bootable USB drive, follow these steps:

Download the Windows 11 installation media: Go to the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 11 installation media (ISO file) or create a physical DVD/CD.
Create a bootable USB drive: Use a tool like Rufus (for Windows) or Etcher (for Windows, macOS, or Linux) to create a bootable USB drive from the Windows 11 installation media.
Verify the bootable USB drive: Insert the USB drive into a working computer and boot from it. If the USB drive is bootable, you should see the Windows 11 installation menu.

Step 2: Boot from the Bootable USB Drive

To boot from the bootable USB drive, follow these steps:

Insert the bootable USB drive: Insert the USB drive into the computer that's experiencing boot issues.
Enter the BIOS settings: Restart the computer and enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del).
Set the USB drive as the first boot device: In the BIOS settings, set the USB drive as the first boot device.
Save and exit the BIOS settings: Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.

Step 3: Rebuild the Boot

To rebuild the boot, follow these steps:

Boot from the bootable USB drive: The computer should now boot from the USB drive.
Select the language and other preferences: Follow the on-screen instructions to select the language and other preferences.
Click on "Repair": Click on the "Repair" option to access the Windows 11 recovery environment.
Select the operating system: Select the operating system you want to repair (in this case, Windows 11).
Click on "Next": Click on "Next" to continue.
Select the repair option: Select the repair option that best suits your needs (e.g., "Troubleshoot" or "Advanced options").
Click on "Next": Click on "Next" to continue.
Select the boot device: Select the boot device you want to use (in this case, the M.2 drive with Linux).
Click on "Next": Click on "Next" to continue.
Rebuild the boot: The Windows 11 recovery environment will now rebuild the boot for Windows 11.

Step 4: Verify the Boot

To verify the boot, follow these steps:

Restart the computer: Restart the computer to ensure the changes take effect.
Verify the boot menu: Verify that the boot menu is working correctly and that you can boot into Windows 11.
Verify the boot device: Verify that the boot device is set correctly (in this case, the M.2 drive with Linux).

Conclusion

Rebuilding the boot for Windows 11 from a bootable USB drive can be a complex process, but with the right steps and tools, you can resolve the issue. Remember to create a bootable USB drive, boot from it, and rebuild the boot using the Windows 11 recovery environment. If you're still experiencing issues, consider seeking professional help or contacting Microsoft support.

Additional Tips and Resources

Use a reliable bootable USB drive creator: Use a reliable tool like Rufus or Etcher to create a bootable USB drive.
Verify the bootable USB drive: Verify that the bootable USB drive is working correctly before attempting to rebuild the boot.
Use the Windows 11 recovery environment: Use the Windows 11 recovery environment to rebuild the boot and resolve issues.
Seek professional help: If you're still experiencing issues, consider seeking professional help or contacting Microsoft support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my computer not booting into Windows 11? A: There could be several reasons why your computer is not booting into Windows 11, including a corrupted boot sector, a faulty boot device, or a misconfigured BIOS settings.
Q: How do I create a bootable USB drive? A: You can create a bootable USB drive using a tool like Rufus or Etcher.
Q: How do I rebuild the boot for Windows 11? A: You can rebuild the boot for Windows 11 using the Windows 11 recovery environment.

How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for Windows 11
How to Rebuild the Boot for Windows 10
How to Troubleshoot Boot Issues in Windows 11

Conclusion

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed how to rebuild the boot for Windows 11 from a bootable USB drive. However, we understand that some of you may still have questions about the process. In this article, we'll address some of the most frequently asked questions about rebuilding the boot for Windows 11 from a bootable USB drive.

Q: Why is my computer not booting into Windows 11?

A: There could be several reasons why your computer is not booting into Windows 11, including a corrupted boot sector, a faulty boot device, or a misconfigured BIOS settings. To troubleshoot the issue, you can try booting from a bootable USB drive and using the Windows 11 recovery environment to repair the boot.

Q: How do I create a bootable USB drive?

A: You can create a bootable USB drive using a tool like Rufus or Etcher. These tools will help you create a bootable USB drive from a Windows 11 installation media.

Q: How do I rebuild the boot for Windows 11?

A: You can rebuild the boot for Windows 11 using the Windows 11 recovery environment. To do this, you'll need to boot from a bootable USB drive and select the "Repair" option. From there, you can select the operating system you want to repair (in this case, Windows 11) and follow the on-screen instructions to rebuild the boot.

Q: What if I'm still experiencing issues after rebuilding the boot?

A: If you're still experiencing issues after rebuilding the boot, it's possible that there's a more complex issue at play. In this case, you may want to consider seeking professional help or contacting Microsoft support for further assistance.

Q: Can I use a different operating system to rebuild the boot?

A: Yes, you can use a different operating system to rebuild the boot. However, you'll need to ensure that the operating system you're using is compatible with the Windows 11 installation media and that you have the necessary tools and software to perform the rebuild.

Q: How long does the rebuild process take?

A: The rebuild process can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the issue and the speed of your computer.

Q: Is it safe to rebuild the boot?

A: Rebuilding the boot can be a safe process if you follow the instructions carefully and use the correct tools and software. However, it's always a good idea to back up your data before attempting to rebuild the boot.

Q: Can I use a third-party tool to rebuild the boot?

A: Yes, there are several third-party tools available that can help you rebuild the boot. However, be sure to research the tool thoroughly and read reviews from other users before using it.

Q: What if I'm not comfortable rebuilding the boot myself?

A: If you're not comfortable rebuilding the boot yourself, it's always a good idea to seek professional help or contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

Conclusion

Rebuilding the boot for Windows 11 from a bootable USB drive can be a complex process, but with the right tools and software, you can resolve the issue. Remember to create a bootable USB drive, boot from it, and rebuild the boot using the Windows 11 recovery environment. If you're still experiencing issues, consider seeking professional help or contacting Microsoft support.

Additional Resources

Microsoft Support: For further assistance with rebuilding the boot, you can contact Microsoft support directly.
Windows 11 Recovery Environment: The Windows 11 recovery environment is a built-in tool that can help you repair and rebuild the boot.
Rufus: Rufus is a free tool that can help you create a bootable USB drive from a Windows 11 installation media.
Etcher: Etcher is a free tool that can help you create a bootable USB drive from a Windows 11 installation media.

How to Create a Bootable USB Drive for Windows 11
How to Rebuild the Boot for Windows 10
How to Troubleshoot Boot Issues in Windows 11

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Windows 11 recovery environment? A: The Windows 11 recovery environment is a built-in tool that can help you repair and rebuild the boot.
Q: How do I access the Windows 11 recovery environment? A: You can access the Windows 11 recovery environment by booting from a bootable USB drive and selecting the "Repair" option.
Q: What is Rufus? A: Rufus is a free tool that can help you create a bootable USB drive from a Windows 11 installation media.
Q: What is Etcher? A: Etcher is a free tool that can help you create a bootable USB drive from a Windows 11 installation media.