This is not an issue for USB disks as these can support multiple partitions. Otherwise the space beyond 32GB will be unusable. If you need a uEFI booting memory stick, due to the FAT filesystem requirement and its 32 GB limitation, we suggest you use a 32 GB flash memory stick or smaller (or use one that is pre-formatted FAT). However, unless the uEFI multiboot option is checked, if a suitable NTFS partition is found, the boot files will be placed then resulting in a MBR only booting device. When creating new partitions, the Macrium rescue wizard will always format it FAT32 to maximise compatibility. However, some tablets and computers with secure boot enabled may only be capable of uEFI booting. Most modern computers can boot either method.

This will boot from a FAT partition only. This will boot from either the primary FAT or NTFS partition that has been set active Boot MechanismsĬomputers boot can boot using one or both of the following mechanisms. However, exFAT is not suitable for booting. Less commonly, USB devices are formatted exFAT. Most USB external harddisks are formatted NTFS. This is the native filesystem for Windows XP and later. However, Windows systems will only format FAT systems to a maximum of 32GB and files are limited to 4GB. USB sticks are commonly pre-formatted FAT. The FAT filesystem is older and compatible with non-Windows operating systems.

There are two common filesystems supported by Windows systems They can be partitioned with the same flexibility as an internal hard disk enabling multiple filesystems to co-exist on the same device. This is the Windows name for a USB attached hard disk or SSD. They can only contain one partition this is a Windows limitation. This is the type Windows assigns to USB flash sticks and similar. However, there are a few technical details that can make creating USB boot media more complex than CD media.ĭevice typesUSB media exist in two types.

Image files can be stored on the rescue media.

Devices such as tables and some laptops don't include a CD drive, so USB booting is the only option.

IntroductionUSB based rescue media offer some advantages over CD/DVD based media: Note: this article is only relevant to releases newer than v. In this article we will explain how it is possible to simply create a USB flash drive to boot Windows PE.

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