How to Install Windows 10 on a USB Drive: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

To install Windows 10 on a USB drive, you'll need a working computer and a few essential tools. This guide will walk you through the process, from downloading the ISO file to creating a bootable USB drive and finally installing Windows 10.

Necessary Tools and Requirements

The main requirements for creating a bootable Windows 10 USB drive include:

A working computer with a good internet connection A USB drive with at least 8GB of free space An existing Windows OS on another computer (to download the ISO file)

You also need to keep in mind the system requirements for installing Windows 10:

RAM: At least 2GB or more Processor: At least 1GHz Storage: At least 20GB of free space Display: Any monitor with a resolution of at least 800×600

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

The process of creating a bootable USB drive involves the following steps:

Download the Windows 10 ISO File: Visit the Microsoft Official Website and download the Media Creation Tool. Download Rufus and Media Creation Tool: Both of these can be downloaded from their respective official sites. Rufus is a popular tool for creating bootable USB drives. Prepare the USB Drive: Use a blank USB or free up sufficient space on an existing one. Run Rufus: Choose your USB drive, select the ISO file, and change the partition scheme to UEFI. Start the Process: Click on 'Start' to begin creating the bootable USB. Use the USB: Once the process is complete, plug the USB into your target computer and enter the BIOS to select it as the boot device.

Installation Process

After creating the bootable USB, the installation process is as follows:

Insert the USB: Plug the USB into the computer where you want to install Windows. Access BIOS: Go into the BIOS by pressing the appropriate key (usually Esc or F2) during startup. Select USB Boot: Choose the USB as the boot device. Install Windows: Press Enter to boot from the USB and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

The entire installation process typically takes around 10 minutes. During this time, sit back and relax while the system installs Windows 10.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can easily create a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 and install it on your computer. This method is particularly useful for users who want to try out a new version of Windows, upgrade their systems, or set up a new computer. Enjoy your new Windows 10 installation!