Today, I would like to share my personal experience and detailed instructions on how to install Windows 10 on a USB drive. Whether you need a bootable USB for setting up Windows 10 on multiple devices or simply want a portable version of the operating system, this guide will take you through each step. Let’s get started!
Gathering the Necessary Materials
Before we begin, let’s gather all the materials we’ll need:
- A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage capacity
- A computer running Windows
- The Windows 10 ISO file
- A reliable internet connection
Downloading the Windows 10 ISO File
The first step is to download the Windows 10 ISO file. Head over to the official Microsoft website and navigate to the “Download Windows 10” page. Here, you’ll find the option to download the ISO file. Make sure to select the correct version and language that matches your requirements.
Once the download is complete, you’ll have the Windows 10 ISO file saved on your computer.
Preparing the USB Drive
Now that we have the ISO file, it’s time to prepare the USB drive. Insert the USB drive into an available USB port on your computer. Keep in mind that all the existing data on the USB drive will be erased during this process, so make sure to back up any important files.
Next, open the “File Explorer” on your computer and right-click on the USB drive. From the context menu, select the “Format” option. In the format window, choose the “FAT32” file system as it is compatible with both BIOS and UEFI systems.
Click on the “Start” button to initiate the formatting process. This might take a few minutes, so be patient.
Creating the Bootable USB Drive
With the USB drive formatted, we can now proceed to create the bootable USB drive. Open a web browser and search for “Windows 10 media creation tool”. This tool, provided by Microsoft, will help us create the bootable USB drive.
Download and run the media creation tool. Follow the on-screen prompts, and when prompted to choose the installation media, select the “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC” option.
On the next screen, select the appropriate language, edition, and architecture for Windows 10. Make sure to choose the “USB flash drive” option as the destination media.
Click on the “Next” button and select the USB drive that we formatted earlier from the list of available drives. Double-check that you have selected the correct USB drive, as the tool will erase all the data on the selected drive.
Click on the “Next” button again, and the media creation tool will start downloading Windows 10 and creating the bootable USB drive. This process may take some time, depending on your internet connection speed.
Booting from the USB Drive
Once the bootable USB drive is ready, it’s time to boot your computer from it. Insert the USB drive into a USB port on the computer where you want to install Windows 10.
Restart your computer and access the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key during the boot process (usually displayed on the screen). In the settings, navigate to the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section and change the boot priority to prioritize the USB drive.
Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings. Your computer will now restart and boot from the USB drive, initiating the Windows 10 installation process.
Following the Windows 10 Installation Process
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Windows 10 installation. You may need to select your language preferences, enter your product key, and choose the installation type (Custom or Upgrade).
Be sure to read and understand each step before proceeding. Once the installation is complete, your computer will restart, and you’ll be greeted with the Windows 10 setup wizard.
Conclusion
Putting Windows 10 on a USB drive can be a convenient way to install or carry Windows with you wherever you go. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should now have a bootable USB drive with Windows 10 ready to use. Remember to always double-check your actions to ensure you don’t accidentally delete any important data.
Happy installing and enjoy the flexibility and portability that a Windows 10 USB drive provides!