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JacksonRobertson's avatar
JacksonRobertson
Iron Contributor
Jan 13, 2025

How to Install Windows 10 on USB drive?

Hi, I’ve previously created bootable USB drives using the Windows Media Creation Tool, but these primarily serve as installation media rather than allowing me to run Windows 10 directly from the USB...
Sofiamilll's avatar
Sofiamilll
Iron Contributor
Jan 13, 2025

When installing Windows 10 on a USB drive, it's crucial to use a high-quality, high-speed USB 3.0 or higher drive with ample storage—preferably 128GB or more. Faster USB drives ensure smoother performance and quicker boot times, which are essential for a usable operating system experience. Additionally, ensure that the target computer supports booting from USB and that the BIOS or UEFI settings are correctly configured to prioritize USB booting.

Selecting the right tools is another important factor for installing Windows 10 to USB. While Windows To Go was an official feature for creating portable Windows environments, it has been deprecated in recent Windows versions. Instead, third-party software can help create a portable Windows installation. It's also essential to verify that your Windows license permits running the OS from a USB drive, as some licenses have restrictions on portability and usage.

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