How to Install an Operating System from a USB Flash Drive

Tens of thousands of online discussions and videos cover how to install an operating system from a USB flash drive. The process generally involves downloading the .iso file, using a tool to create a bootable USB drive, and booting from the USB.

Whether you’re looking to install Windows 10/11 or Ubuntu, creating a live USB drive is a quick and effective method.

Steps for Windows 10/11 Installation

Here are the steps to create and install Windows 10/11 from a USB flash drive:

Clean Installation of Windows 10#44; the process wipes all data on the drive. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Secure 16 GB USB Drive: Purchase a 16 GB USB drive for the installation process.

Download Windows 10 ISO: Proceed to the official Microsoft website to download the Windows 10 ISO file.

Download and Run Rufus: Download the latest version of Rufus and run it on your working machine. This tool will create a bootable USB drive.

Select UEFI option in Rufus to ensure compatibility with modern UEFI systems.

Boot from USB Drive: On the computer you want to install Windows, enter the BIOS settings and set the boot sequence to start with the USB drive. Save and exit BIOS.

Install Windows 10/11: Power down the computer, remove the USB drive from the source machine, and insert it into the target machine. Power up and install Windows 10/11 from the USB drive.

System Partition Management: Once Windows is installed, it's advisable to open Disk Management and ensure the system partition is set to GPT (GUID Partition Table) for better compatibility and future-proofing.

Steps for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Installation

For Ubuntu 20.04 LTS, the process is slightly different but equally straightforward:

USB Drive Selection: Any USB stick should work, but an 8 GB or larger USB may be necessary. I used an 8 GB stick for my installation.

Download and Install Rufus: Download the latest Rufus on your working computer and run it.

Create a Live Ubuntu 20.04 LTS USB stick. Use 16 GB for best performance.

Boot Setup: Remove the USB stick from the source machine, insert it into the target machine, and power up. Enter the BIOS settings and set the boot sequence to start with the USB drive. Save and exit BIOS.

Boot from the USB stick and Install Ubuntu.

Post-Installation Customization: Once installed, remove the USB stick, restart the computer, and remove standard programs like LibreOffice if you don't need them. You can then install the programs you do need.

Additional Considerations

For really old systems, you may need the Plop utility. These systems may require pressing keys like F12 to access the boot menu. Most modern systems can boot from USB, but the exact steps to boot from USB can vary by manufacturer.

By following these steps, you can successfully install an operating system from a USB flash drive, providing you with a flexible and efficient installation method.