How Can I Install Windows 11 on External Hard Drive or SSD?

Windows To Go is the official tool for installing Windows 11 on external hard drive, SSD or USB. It is a feature introduced by Microsoft with Windows 8 Enterprise edition, designed to allow users to create a portable version of the Windows operating system on a USB-connected external drive.

This enables users to boot their personalized Windows environment from any compatible PC without affecting the device's internal storage or settings. It was particularly useful for organizations needing secure, portable work environments for their employees.

How to install Windows 11 on external hard drive

Step 1: Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter to open the Control Panel.

Step 2: In the Control Panel, set the View by option to Large icons or Small icons. Click on Windows To Go.

Step 3: In the Windows To Go Wizard, click Browse and navigate to the location of your Windows 10 ISO file.

Step 4: If prompted, choose the specific Windows 10 edition you want to install (e.g., Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise) and click Next.

Step 5: The wizard will display a list of available USB drives. Select the target USB drive you intend to use for Windows To Go.

Step 6: You can choose to enable BitLocker encryption for added security. This step is optional but recommended if you plan to use the USB drive on multiple or public computers. Follow the prompts to set up BitLocker if you choose to enable it. Click Next to Proceed.

Step 7: The creation process will format the USB drive, copy Windows files, and configure the boot environment. This may take 20-40 minutes depending on your system and USB drive speed.

Step 8: Plug the Windows To Go USB drive into the computer you wish to boot from. Navigate to the Boot section and set the USB drive as the primary boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. The computer should now boot from the Windows To Go USB drive.

Step 9: Upon first boot, you may need to go through the initial Windows setup process, including setting up user accounts and configuring settings.

If you encounter any issues or have further questions, feel free to reach out to me or other community members for more detailed guidance.