How to Install Windows 10 on USB drive?

When you're setting up Windows 10 on a USB drive, there are definitely a few mistakes you’ll want to dodge to make the process smooth and hassle-free. Trust me, I’ve been there, and these little oversights can turn into big headaches!

First off, formatting the USB drive correctly is super important. You want to use NTFS for drives over 4GB, especially since Windows 10 ISO files can be pretty hefty. I once tried using FAT32 and ended up hitting that annoying 4GB file size limit. So, make sure you format your USB drive to NTFS before you start the installation process.

Next up, not properly downloading the Windows 10 ISO is a classic rookie mistake. Always grab the ISO directly from Microsoft’s official site to make sure you're getting a legit copy. I’ve had my share of corrupted files from sketchy downloads, which led to all sorts of errors during installation. 

Also, don’t forget to check your BIOS settings. You need to enable USB booting. I learned this the hard way when my computer just wouldn’t recognize the USB drive. So, dive into those BIOS settings and make sure USB is set as the first boot option.

Backup your data on the USB drive! If there are any important files on it, back them up elsewhere because the installation process will wipe it clean. 

Finally, be patient during the installation process. It can take a bit of time, and getting impatient can lead to mistakes, like stopping the process midway or disconnecting the drive.

By avoiding these common pitfalls and sticking to official tools like Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, you'll set yourself up for success when installing Windows 10 on a USB drive. Good luck, and happy installing!