# Create or Re-provision an Installer USB

This guide explains how to use the `tl-usb-prepare` command to create a bootable TechLit OS installer from a standard USB drive. This is useful for creating new installer drives or fixing one that is no longer working correctly.

> [!CAUTION]
> This process will permanently erase all data on the USB drive.

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### 1. Ensure Recovery Image is Present

The installer is created from a `recovery` {{< term "component" >}}. First, ensure you have the latest version on your machine.

```bash
tl-comp-latest recovery
```

If it's not present, [download it from the bastion](../../updating/online) first.

### 2. Identify the USB Drive

Plug the USB drive into your computer and run the following command to identify its device name.

```bash
lsblk
```

Look for a drive that matches the size of your USB. It will likely be named `/dev/sda`, `/dev/sdb`, etc.

### 3. Run the Prepare Command

Execute the `tl-usb-prepare` command, replacing `/dev/sdX` with the device name you found in the previous step.

```bash
# Example for a USB drive at /dev/sdb
tl-usb-prepare /dev/sdb
```

The script will handle all partitioning, formatting, and copying of necessary files.

### 4. Unplug the Drive

Once the script is complete, you can safely unplug the USB drive. It is now ready to be used to [provision other devices](../../device_provision).

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