As a technical enthusiast, I have always enjoyed exploring new operating systems and experimenting with different installation methods. One popular and convenient way to install Windows 10 is through a USB flash drive. In this article, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of installing Windows 10 from a USB, sharing my personal insights and tips along the way.
Why Install Windows 10 from USB?
Before we dive into the installation process, let’s discuss why installing Windows 10 from a USB can be beneficial. First and foremost, it allows for a faster installation compared to traditional methods like using a DVD. USB flash drives have faster read and write speeds, resulting in a quicker installation process. Additionally, using a USB allows you to carry your Windows 10 installation media with you, making it convenient for on-the-go installations or when upgrading multiple computers.
What You’ll Need
Before we begin, let’s gather the necessary tools:
- A USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB (preferably a USB 3.0 for faster transfer speeds)
- A Windows 10 ISO file (can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website)
- A computer with a working USB port
Creating a Bootable Windows 10 USB Drive
Once you have the required tools, follow these steps to create a bootable Windows 10 USB drive:
- Insert the USB flash drive into your computer’s USB port.
- Open a web browser and navigate to the Microsoft website to download the Windows 10 ISO file. Make sure to select the appropriate edition and language.
- Once the ISO file is downloaded, right-click on it and select “Mount” to create a virtual CD/DVD drive.
- Open File Explorer and locate the mounted ISO file. Note down the drive letter assigned to it.
- Next, open the Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- In the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
diskpart
and press Enter. This will open the DiskPart utility. - Type
list disk
and press Enter to see a list of available disks on your computer. Identify the number corresponding to your USB flash drive. - Type
select disk X
(replace X with the number of your USB flash drive) and press Enter. - Next, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:
clean
create partition primary
select partition 1
active
format fs=ntfs quick
assign
- After formatting the USB drive, type
exit
to exit the DiskPart utility. - Now, go back to the mounted ISO drive in File Explorer, select all files and folders, and copy them to the USB drive you just formatted.
- Once the files are copied, safely eject the USB drive from your computer.
Installing Windows 10 from USB
Now that you have a bootable Windows 10 USB drive, it’s time to install the operating system. Follow these steps:
- Insert the Windows 10 USB drive into the computer you want to install Windows 10 on.
- Power on the computer and access the BIOS menu. This menu can usually be accessed by pressing a specific key during the startup process (e.g., F2 or Del). Consult your computer’s manual for the exact key.
- In the BIOS menu, navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section and set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS. The computer will restart.
- Once the computer restarts, it will boot from the USB drive and initiate the Windows 10 installation process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your language preferences, enter your product key (if prompted), and choose the installation type (e.g., custom or upgrade).
- Select the drive where you want to install Windows 10 and proceed with the installation.
- Wait for the installation process to complete. The computer will restart several times during this process.
- Once the installation is finished, you’ll be prompted to set up your user account and complete the initial Windows 10 setup.
Conclusion
Installing Windows 10 from a USB drive is a convenient and efficient method that offers faster installation speeds and portability. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this article, you can easily create a bootable Windows 10 USB drive and install the operating system with ease. Enjoy exploring the new features and functionalities that Windows 10 has to offer!