The Simplest Way to Create a Bootable Windows Server 2012 or Windows 8 USB Key

After I passed my VCP510-DV last week, I wanted to rebuild my Home Lab using Windows Server 2012 for the Storage part, instead of FreeNas.

Part of the rebuild, I needed to install Windows Server 2012 on top of the old FreeNas box. Hard task since I don’t have a DVD player in the case… :-/

Hence, USB Boot it is…

I wassurpriseto see how easy it is to create a Bootable Windows Server 2012 (R1 or R2)/Windows 8/8.1 USB Key.

What do you need:

• Windows 7 USB/Download Tool(2MB)

• ISO of Windows Server 2012 or Windows 8 (Mine is from TechNet)

Once Installed, Launch Windows 7 USB/Download Tool</td></tr></tbody></table> The first step is to select your ISO</td></tr></tbody></table> Here, In my case I select USB Device.</td></tr></tbody></table> Select the USB Device where the BootMedia will be created, and select BEGIN COPYING when you are ready. THIS WILL FORMAT YOUR USB DEVICE</td></tr></tbody></table> In my case this step last 5 minutes.</td></tr></tbody></table> And Voila! You now have a nice USB Bootable Key :-) with Windows Server 2012 loaded on it!! If you wanna create another USB Bootable Key, just hit Start Over</td></tr></tbody></table>