Introduction
Installing Windows from a USB drive has become a popular method among tech enthusiasts and people who frequently install or re-install operating systems. This method offers several advantages, including faster installation speed and the ability to carry your Windows installation media with you wherever you go.
Step 1: Prepare the USB Drive
The first step is to prepare the USB drive for the Windows installation. Make sure your USB drive has at least 8GB of storage capacity. Format the drive using the FAT32 file system. You can easily do this by right-clicking on the USB drive in File Explorer and selecting the ‘Format’ option. Make sure to select FAT32 as the file system type.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Next, you need to create a bootable USB drive by copying the Windows installation files to it. To do this, you will need a copy of the Windows ISO file. If you don’t have one, you can download it from the official Microsoft website.
To create a bootable USB drive, you can use a tool like Rufus, which is a free and open-source utility. Simply launch Rufus, select your USB drive, choose the Windows ISO file, and click the ‘Start’ button to begin the process. This will create a bootable USB drive with the Windows installation files.
Step 3: Configure BIOS Settings
Before you can install Windows from the USB drive, you need to configure your computer’s BIOS settings to prioritize booting from USB. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, or Del) during startup.
Once you are in the BIOS settings, navigate to the ‘Boot’ tab and change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
Step 4: Install Windows
Now that you have prepared the USB drive and configured the BIOS settings, you are ready to install Windows. Insert the USB drive into your computer and restart it. The Windows installation process should start automatically.
Follow the on-screen instructions to select the language, edition, and partition to install Windows. Make sure to choose the correct partition and format it if necessary.
Conclusion
Installing Windows from a USB drive is a convenient and efficient method that allows you to easily install or re-install the operating system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully install Windows from a USB drive and enjoy the benefits of a fast and portable installation process.