Forum Discussion
Help! How can I install Windows 11 using a USB drive without losing data?
Hello, I recently encountered a problem and would like to ask for advice. I have an old laptop and I plan to install Windows 11 with a USB flash drive, but there are still some important files in the hard drive that have not been backed up, and I really don’t want to lose them. Some people say that installing the system will format the hard drive, and some people say that the data can be retained. I am really confused! Has anyone had a similar experience?
By the way, what is the specific operation of installing Windows 11 with a USB flash drive? If the data can be retained, what specific steps should be paid attention to? I beg the big guys to help answer this question, I am really afraid that all the files will be lost due to operational errors. Thank you!
I recently installed Windows 11 on an old laptop using a bootable USB created with UUBYT ISO editor. During setup, I chose the option to "Keep files," which safely retained my data. Just double-check your selections and back up important files as a precaution.
I followed this guide:
https://www.appleinsidez.com/install-windows-11-from-usb
13 Replies
I recently installed Windows 11 on an old laptop using a bootable USB created with UUBYT ISO editor. During setup, I chose the option to "Keep files," which safely retained my data. Just double-check your selections and back up important files as a precaution.
I followed this guide:
https://www.appleinsidez.com/install-windows-11-from-usb
The upgrade installation will retain the original files and applications and will not format the hard disk. In other words, the original files and data should be safe. However, it is best to back up important files in advance, because in case of any accidents, backing up data is the safest way.
How to install Windows 11 using a USB drive without losing data?
When you're creating the USB installation drive, use the Windows Media Creation Tool. Avoid using third-party tools if you can help it; they might mess up the bootable drive. Just follow the prompts, and you’ll have a clean install USB in no time. Choose “Create installation media” and select the right options for your version of Windows.
When you boot from the USB, you'll encounter several installation options. Choose "Upgrade" instead of "Custom" if you want to keep your files and applications intact. If you're not careful here and hit "Custom," you might wipe everything clean, and nobody wants that!
Before you start the installation, unplug any unnecessary external drives (other than your installation USB). Sometimes Windows gets confused about which drive to use, and that can lead to accidental data loss if it picks the wrong one.
Once the installation is done, you'll want to spend some time checking everything. Ensure all your files and settings are still where they’re supposed to be. Sometimes, certain apps might not carry over seamlessly.
After the installation, check for any Windows Updates (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and download the latest drivers, especially for your graphics card and other essential hardware. It’s all about preventing future headaches!
Once the Windows 11 bootable USB is ready, insert it into the computer where you want to install Windows 11. Restart the PC and access the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing a key like F2, F12, or Del during boot). In the BIOS, change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive as the first boot device.
Save the settings and reboot the PC. The computer should boot from the USB drive, and the Windows 11 installation process will begin. Follow the on-screen instructions, such as selecting the language, region, and keyboard layout, before clicking "Install Now."
Finally, choose the partition where you want to install Windows 11 from USB drive without losing data. If needed, you can delete existing partitions to create new ones. After this, the installation will proceed, and your PC will reboot several times. Once complete, you'll be prompted to set up your preferences and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Hello thanks for your reply, however when I am trying to install, part of the installation process is the system restarting automatically. When it does this, my system boots to the USB drive again and restarts the installation process entirely. Am I supposed to change my BIOS boot order after the setup restart takes place?
The answer, it turns out, is yes. remove usb or change boot order after that first reboot.
Follow these steps to install Windows 11 from USB drive:
- Download Windows 11:
Head over to the Microsoft website and download the Windows 11 ISO. If you’re not sure, look for the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image” part. - Use Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool. If you're using Rufus:
Plug in your USB drive.
Open Rufus and select your USB under “Device.”
Under “Boot selection,” click “Select” and find your downloaded ISO.
Make sure the “Partition scheme” is set to GPT if your PC uses UEFI (most newer PCs do). If it’s older, you might need MBR.
Hit “Start” and wait for it to finish. - Get Your PC Ready:
Go to your PC’s BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during boot).
Set the USB as the first boot device. Save and exit. - Start the Installation:
Once you boot from the USB, you’ll see the Windows setup. Select your language and preferences.
When you get to the installation type, choose “Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files”. This is key! It keeps your current files and apps intact. - Follow the Prompts:
Just follow the on-screen instructions. Windows will take a while to install, but it usually keeps your personal files safe. - Post-Installation:
Once the installation is done, log in to your Windows 11 setup. Check your files to ensure everything’s still there. It might take a little time for everything to settle in, like updating drivers or reconfiguring settings.
- Download Windows 11:
Before attempting to install Windows 11, it's important to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements. Here are the key requirements for installing Windows 11:
- Processor (CPU): Intel 8th-generation or newer, AMD Ryzen 2000-series or newer, and other compatible processors.
- RAM: 8 GB or more.
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
You can check whether your system meets these requirements by using the PC Health Check tool provided by Microsoft or manually verifying each component. If the system meets these requirements, you can start to install Windows 11 from USB without any issue.
Hopefully you will find that your computer IS available to upgrade to Windows 11. However, you might also consider that the Microsoft program that determines if your computer can upgrade to 11 might not be that accurate???? They really want you to buy a new computer. This is what I found with my two-year-old Dell Latitude 7480 on Windows 10 Pro. I was advised that my i7-7600U processor was not on the Windows 10 LTSB 1607 Supported Intel Processors list when I ran Windows 'Please upgrade me to Windows 11 program that determines that your computer is or is not available for upgrade'. I decided to check it out myself to see why a 2-year-old Dell Computer couldn't be upgraded to Windows 11. I went to the Windows 10 LTSB 1607 site and looked for my i7-7600u processor AND FOUND IT IN THE APPROVED LISTING.
Again, Microsoft would like you to buy a new Windows 11 computer - but remember - you're a 'Tackie' and we always get in to the details and small print to find out when we are being screwed..... Please check before you go to spend a lot of money on a new computer. It might just be Microsoft using you again.
Hope this helps some of you.
Before attempting to install Windows 11, it's important to verify that your computer meets the minimum system requirements. Here are the key requirements for installing Windows 11:
- Processor (CPU): Intel 8th-generation or newer, AMD Ryzen 2000-series or newer, and other compatible processors.
- RAM: 8 GB or more.
- Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
- System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0
You can check whether your system meets these requirements by using the PC Health Check tool provided by Microsoft or manually verifying each component. If the system meets these requirements, you can start to install Windows 11 from USB without any issue.
The requirements you mentioned, such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, are actually supported by many older computers, but Microsoft still strictly limits them to CPUs after the 8th generation. Don't you find it strange? Some processors older than i7 7500U can sometimes be successfully installed. Isn't this funny?
The fact that your computer supports TPM 2.0 means that it is actually possible to install Windows 11. How about trying to modify the ISO file or use a tool like Rufus to bypass the system requirements? Many people have used this method, and I heard that it works well.
First, prepare for a Windows 11 bootable USB for installation. A Windows 11 bootable USB is a USB flash drive that contains a copy of the Windows 11 operating system, which can be used to install or repair Windows 11 on a PC. The drive is formatted in such a way that the PC can boot directly from it, bypassing the system's internal storage, and initiate the installation or troubleshooting process.
To create a Windows 11 bootable USB, you typically need:
- A USB flash drive (at least 8GB in size).
- The official Windows 11 installation files (which can be downloaded from Microsoft).
- A tool like the Windows Media Creation Tool or Rufus to create the bootable USB.
Once created, you can install Windows 11 from USB drive by changing the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings of the PC, selecting the USB as the primary boot device.
Thanks for your detailed answer! This is indeed the standard process for installing Windows 11 from USB flash, which is quite useful. I have heard of using Rufus to create a bootable disk before, but Windows Media Creation Tool seems to be easier. Which tool do you recommend? Have you had any special experience?
I also want to ask, have you ever encountered a situation where you can't find the USB drive in the BIOS setup? Do you need to make sure that the USB drive is formatted with the correct file system?
Don’t forget to back up your data before you start installing Windows 11 using a USB drive. Seriously, even if you’re doing an upgrade, things can sometimes go sideways, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Use Microsoft OneDrive or an external hard drive to store your important files, photos, and documents. Just in case anything goes wrong, you’ll have peace of mind.
Next up, make sure your USB drive is properly set up. You’ll want to use the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website to create the bootable USB. If you don’t use this tool and just drag and drop the installation files, it might not work properly. Follow the instructions step-by-step to ensure it’s configured correctly.
