Windows 11 24H2 Installer Crashing with a Ventoy USB? [Solved]

If you’ve encountered issues with the Windows 11 24H2 installer crashing while using a Ventoy USB drive, you’re not alone. Many users have reported facing unexpected crashes or errors when trying to install Windows 11 from a USB flash drive powered by Ventoy, especially after the release of the 24H2 update. The good news is that these issues can usually be resolved with a few simple steps.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes of the crash and provide solutions that can help you fix the issue and successfully install Windows 11 24H2 using your Ventoy USB drive.

What is Ventoy and Why Use It?

Ventoy is an open-source tool that simplifies the process of creating a bootable USB drive. Instead of formatting your USB every time you need to install a new operating system, Ventoy allows you to copy multiple ISO files to the drive and boot directly from them. This tool supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Linux distributions, and others, making it a versatile choice for users who frequently work with different OS installations.

Symptoms of the Issue

When attempting to install Windows 11 24H2 from a Ventoy USB drive, the installer may suddenly crash, freeze, or display an error message. Some users report seeing a “Blue Screen of Death” (BSOD), while others experience the installer freezing during the initial stages of the installation. These issues can occur due to several reasons, including:

• Incompatibility between Ventoy and Windows 11 24H2.
• Corrupted or incomplete Windows 11 ISO.
• Issues with the USB drive or its partitioning.
• Ventoy version incompatibilities.

Possible Causes for the Crash

1. Ventoy Compatibility with Windows 11 24H2: While Ventoy generally supports newer Windows versions, the specific release of Windows 11 24H2 may have introduced changes that cause conflicts or incompatibility with the way Ventoy handles booting and installation.
2. Corrupted or Incomplete Windows 11 ISO: A corrupted ISO file can result in installation failures, crashes, or errors during the process. If the Windows 11 24H2 ISO is incomplete or incorrectly downloaded, the installer may not be able to extract or run necessary files.
3. Incorrect USB Drive Partitioning: If the USB drive is not properly formatted or partitioned, Windows may have trouble reading the bootable files or initiating the installation process. This can result in a crash or a failure to boot.
4. Outdated Ventoy Version: Ventoy is regularly updated to support new OS releases and improve compatibility. Using an outdated version of Ventoy might lead to issues when trying to boot or install Windows 11 24H2.

Solutions to Fix the Crashing Issue

If you’re experiencing crashes during the installation of Windows 11 24H2 from a Ventoy USB drive, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue:

1. Update Ventoy to the Latest Version

The first step is to ensure you’re using the latest version of Ventoy. Since Ventoy is actively updated, using an outdated version can lead to compatibility issues with newer operating systems like Windows 11 24H2. To update Ventoy:

• Go to the official Ventoy GitHub page and download the latest release.
• Follow the instructions in the documentation to update your Ventoy USB drive.
• Recreate the bootable USB with the updated version.

2. Verify the Windows 11 24H2 ISO

A corrupted or incomplete ISO can cause the Windows 11 installer to crash. To ensure the integrity of the ISO:

• Download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO directly from the Microsoft website or through Windows Update Assistant.
• Check the hash (SHA256) of the ISO file to verify that it matches the expected value from the official Microsoft release.
• If necessary, re-download the ISO from a trusted source.

3. Reformat the USB Drive

Sometimes, the issue can be related to the USB drive’s partitioning or formatting. To resolve this:

• Backup any important files on your USB drive.
• Use Rufus or Ventoy itself to properly format the USB drive with FAT32 or exFAT (depending on your system’s requirements).
• After formatting, recreate the bootable USB with the correct Windows 11 24H2 ISO.

4. Use a Different USB Drive

If your USB drive is malfunctioning or has compatibility issues, try using a different USB stick. Opt for a high-quality, preferably USB 3.0 or 3.1 drive to ensure faster read and write speeds, which can improve booting and installation performance.

5. Disable Secure Boot in BIOS

Windows 11 requires Secure Boot to be enabled for certain installations. However, some users have reported that disabling Secure Boot can resolve compatibility issues with Ventoy during installation. To disable Secure Boot:

• Reboot your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
• Look for the Secure Boot option (usually under Boot or Security settings).
• Disable Secure Boot and save changes.
• Try booting from the Ventoy USB again.

6. Try Legacy Boot Mode

Some systems may not fully support booting in UEFI mode with Ventoy and Windows 11, especially if the BIOS settings are not correctly configured. Switching to Legacy Boot Mode may resolve the issue:

• Access your BIOS settings and change the boot mode from UEFI to Legacy or CSM (Compatibility Support Module).
• Save the changes and reboot your system.
• Try installing Windows 11 again from the Ventoy USB.

7. Test with Another Tool

If none of the above solutions work, you might want to consider using a different tool for creating the bootable USB. Tools like Rufus or Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool can be used to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 11 installation, bypassing Ventoy altogether.

Conclusion

Encountering a crash or error when trying to install Windows 11 24H2 from a Ventoy USB drive can be frustrating, but by following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you should be able to resolve the issue and successfully complete the installation.

Start by updating Ventoy and verifying the integrity of the Windows 11 ISO. Then, ensure the USB drive is properly formatted and partitioned, and consider tweaking BIOS settings such as Secure Boot or Legacy Boot Mode if necessary. With these steps, you’ll be on your way to a smooth Windows 11 24H2 installation experience.