Burn Bootable ISO to CD with Rufus

When it comes to installing Windows, one of the most common methods is to use a bootable ISO file. However, not everyone knows that you can burn this ISO file to a CD using Rufus, a popular utility for creating bootable USB drives. In this article, we'll explore how to do just that.

Rufus's Hidden Cheat Mode

Before we dive into the process of burning an ISO file to a CD, it's worth noting that Rufus has a hidden cheat mode that can be accessed by pressing Ctrl-Alt-F during the boot process. This cheat mode allows you to use external non-USB drives as if they were USB drives, which can be useful in certain situations.

Why Burn an ISO File to a CD?

One of the main reasons people burn an ISO file to a CD is to avoid the slow performance that often comes with installing Windows from a USB flash drive. This is because USB flash drives are typically slower than other types of storage devices, which can lead to a longer installation time.

A Nice Solution: Installing Windows on Partition 2

Instead of installing Windows directly onto the main disk, you can install it onto an additional partition (Partition 2) and then boot from that partition. This allows you to delete the no-longer needed partition once the installation is complete, which can help keep your disk organized.

Installing a Bootable ISO File on Partition 2

If you want to install the Windows 10 installer ISO into a bootable partition (Partition 2) of an external disk, Rufus doesn't offer this option out-of-the-box. However, there are other methods you can use to achieve this goal.

One method is to create a new partition on your external disk using a tool like Disk Management or Disk Utility, and then copy the ISO file onto that partition. You can then set the BIOS to boot from that partition instead of the default USB drive.

In conclusion, burning a bootable ISO file to a CD with Rufus is possible, even if it's not immediately obvious how to do so. By using the hidden cheat mode and installing Windows on Partition 2, you can avoid the slow performance associated with USB flash drives and keep your disk organized. Whether you're looking for a faster installation process or just want more flexibility in how you install Windows, burning an ISO file to a CD is definitely worth considering.

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