How to Install Windows 10 from a USB Drive with UEFI Support

Installing Windows 10 from a USB drive with UEFI support can be a bit intricate, but this comprehensive guide will walk you through all necessary steps. Whether you're upgrading from an older version of Windows or installing it for the first time, following these detailed instructions will guide you through the process.

Requirements

To successfully install Windows 10 from a USB drive, you'll need the following:

Windows 10 ISO: Download the official Windows 10 ISO from the Microsoft website.

USB Drive: A USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage.

Rufus or similar tool: A tool to create a bootable USB drive.

Steps to Create a Bootable USB Drive

Here are detailed steps to ensure your USB drive is set up for booting UEFI:

Step 1: Download Rufus

Visit the Rufus website to download the latest version of Rufus.

Step 2: Format the USB Drive

Insert your USB drive into your computer. Open Rufus. In Rufus, select your USB drive under Device. Click on the GUID Partition Table (GPT) and select MBR if you have an older BIOS. Click START to format the USB drive.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Select the Windows 10 ISO file on your computer in Rufus. Choose DD (Disk Dump) as the way to write the ISO to the USB drive and click START. This will create a bootable USB drive formatted as FAT32.

Booting from the USB Drive

To boot from the USB drive, follow these steps:

Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup

During startup, you may need to press a key like F2, F12, DEL, or ESC to enter the BIOS/UEFI setup screen.

Step 2: Enable UEFI Mode and Set Boot Sequence

In the BIOS/UEFI menu, look for UEFI under Boot. Ensure that UEFI is enabled. Set your USB drive as the first boot device in the Boot Order. Save changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.

Your computer should now boot from the USB drive.

Begin Windows Installation

You will see the Windows Setup screen. Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click Next. If you are upgrading from a previous version of Windows, click Upgrade. If you want to perform a clean installation, click Custom. Follow the prompts to complete the installation. Your computer may restart several times during this process. After installation, configure your settings including account setup and privacy options.

Post-Installation

Once Windows 10 is installed, make sure to:

Check for updates through Windows Update. Install any necessary drivers.

Troubleshooting

If your USB drive does not appear in the boot menu, ensure that it is properly formatted and created as a bootable UEFI USB. Double-check your BIOS/UEFI settings to ensure secure boot is configured correctly.

This comprehensive guide should help you successfully install Windows 10 from a USB drive with UEFI support! If you have any specific issues during the process, feel free to ask for assistance.