FAQ
TL;DR: To fix ASUS K50IJ USB‑boot issues for a clean Windows 10 install, use an 8 GB USB and "Use the media creation tool" to build the installer. [Create Windows 10 installation media]
Why it matters: For ASUS K50IJ owners whose USB won’t boot, this FAQ shows reliable creation and boot steps to start Setup.
Quick Facts
- ASUS K50IJ boot menu key: press ESC during startup to select your USB device. [Elektroda, rydzykowo, post #17258580]
- Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool needs a blank USB with at least 8 GB capacity. [Create Windows 10 installation media]
- Typical Rufus fix suggested: set Partition scheme to "GPT for UEFI" and rebuild. [Elektroda, Martinek91, post #17253555]
- Some K50IJ BIOS screens show no Secure Boot or UEFI toggle; rely on Boot Menu instead. [Elektroda, rydzykowo, post #17255616]
- Real‑world result in this thread: 1 of 2 tools worked; MCT USB booted, Rufus build didn’t. [Elektroda, rydzykowo, post #17258580]
Why won’t my ASUS K50IJ boot from a Windows 10 USB?
Common causes are the wrong partition scheme, boot order, or incompatible USB build. Use the Boot Menu (ESC) to pick the stick explicitly. In this case, a Media Creation Tool USB booted, while a Rufus build did not. Recreate the USB with the Microsoft tool and retry from the Boot Menu. [Elektroda, rydzykowo, post #17258580]
What’s the easiest way to create a USB installer that K50IJ actually boots?
Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool on an 8 GB USB. The official guidance says, "Use the media creation tool." Run it, choose Create installation media, and target your USB. It produces a bootable installer that works across typical firmware setups. [Create Windows 10 installation media]
Which Rufus settings should I try if Media Creation Tool still fails?
Start with Rufus set to Partition scheme: "GPT for UEFI" and File system: FAT32. As advised, "partitioning scheme: GPT for UEFI." If it still won’t boot, test an MBR for BIOS/UEFI‑CSM build. Always select the USB via the Boot Menu at startup. [Elektroda, Martinek91, post #17253555]
How do I open the ASUS K50IJ boot menu?
Power off, insert the USB, then power on and press ESC repeatedly. The ASUS boot selector appears. Choose your USB drive to start Windows Setup. This worked once the USB was created correctly. [Elektroda, rydzykowo, post #17258580]
My BIOS has no UEFI/Legacy toggle—what should I do?
Some K50IJ BIOS lack a UEFI/Legacy switch. As one helper noted, "your BIOS does not have the option to disable UEFI mode." Build a UEFI‑capable USB and launch it from the Boot Menu. Use the tool or settings that actually boot on your unit. [Elektroda, Martinek91, post #17255838]
Do I need to change Secure Boot on K50IJ?
In the thread’s BIOS screenshots, there was no Secure Boot Control entry. Nothing needed disabling for USB boot there. Focus on compatible USB media and launching it via the Boot Menu instead. [Elektroda, rydzykowo, post #17255616]
Why does it skip USB and boot Windows immediately?
Boot Priority may favor the internal drive, or the USB build is incompatible. Move the hard disk lower in the boot order, or choose the USB from the Boot Menu. Manual selection often bypasses priority issues. [Elektroda, Martinek91, post #17253555]
What BIOS version did the thread’s K50IJ run, and does that affect options?
That unit reported AMIBIOS Version 218 and EC BIOS 2020180001. BIOS menus vary between builds, so expect differences. Check your Boot and Security pages for relevant options and the boot‑menu hint on the splash screen. [Elektroda, rydzykowo, post #17252581]
Rufus USB won’t boot but Media Creation Tool USB does—why?
Each tool lays out partitions and boot files differently, and older firmware can be picky. Here, 1 of 2 tools worked: the MCT stick booted, while Rufus didn’t. Use the method that boots on your device, then proceed with Setup. [Elektroda, rydzykowo, post #17258580]
How do I boot the Windows 10 USB via the Boot Menu?
- Insert the prepared USB and power off the laptop.
- Power on and tap ESC repeatedly to open the Boot Menu.
- Select the USB drive and press Enter to launch Windows Setup. [Elektroda, rydzykowo, post #17258580]
Can I still install from DVD if my optical drive is flaky?
Windows 10 supports installation from DVD or USB. If the DVD drive fails, create a bootable USB with Microsoft’s tool. You need a blank 8 GB stick to build the media and start Setup. [Create Windows 10 installation media]
Will Windows 10 reactivate after a clean install on the same laptop?
Yes. Windows 10 uses a digital license tied to your hardware, so it reactivates automatically when online. Skip the key during setup and let activation complete after sign‑in. [Activation in Windows 10]
