How to Run Windows From a USB Drive?

Looking to run Windows from a USB drive? Whether you're using it for troubleshooting, testing, or as a portable version of your operating system, booting Windows from a USB drive can be extremely useful. With the right tools and setup, you can create a bootable Windows USB drive that lets you carry a portable version of Windows anywhere. In this guide, we’ll show you how to run Windows from a USB, including creating the drive and getting your system to boot from it.

How to Run Windows From a USB Drive?

Users can run their Windows operating system by following the below-mentioned methods -

Method 1: Download the Bootable image

• Go to the official page of Microsoft Windows to download the boot image for Windows 10.
• Using a Computer browser you will not get the download option for boot image so use a Mobile device for downloading.
• Select edition and language and click on Confirm.

Method 2: Configure USB Drive

• Download the latest version of Rufus from the official website which will be used to flash the boot image into a USB drive.

• Insert a USB Drive of minimum 16GB of storage into the computer and run Rufus. Select the iso file for Windows 10 in Boot Selection.

• For Image Option choose Windows To Go.
• Use Partition scheme as GPT.
• Leave other fields as it is and click on Start.
• On the next screen choose the suitable Windows edition and click on OK.

• Now configure the Windows User Experience as per your requirements.
• Once done press OK.

Wait a few minutes for Rufus to flash the boot image, once completed you can close the application.

Method 3: Change Boot Priority

• Restart the computer and open BIOS Settings.
• To know the BIOS key, check the manufacturer's website.
• On the BIOS menu, go to the boot section and select USB device as the highest priority.
• Disable secure boot if you face any issues during startup.

Method 4: Setup Process

As the installation process is already completed while flashing the boot image. We will start the setup process when the computer restarts.

• Choose the region based on your location and click on Yes.

• Choose the correct keyboard layout or add a new keyboard layout and then click on Yes.

• Carefully read the Windows 10 License Agreement and click on Accept.

• Now, Create a User for the PC. Write your username and click on Next.
  
• Enter a strong password that you can remember easily and click on Next.
• Set up security questions and answers on the next screen to reset your suit password in case you forgot.

• On the privacy settings page, choose the options that suit you. Turn off or Turn on the features as per your requirements and click on Accept.
  

Now wait for a few minutes and Windows will complete the rest of the setup for you. During this, the PC can be restarted automatically for several times.

Method 5: Explore Windows

Once the setup is completed you will be taken to the home screen of Windows 10.

• This looks the same as the Windows running on stand-alone PCs.
• To check the folders you can go to File Explorer and check the C drive.

• As you can see this contains the same file structure as any other Windows machine. As the whole OS is running from the USB Drive you will see only a single Drive here with the storage capacity the same as the USB Disk.

Conclusion

Using a bootable Windows USB drive is a great way to have a portable, fully functional Windows environment wherever you go. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily run Windows from a USB drive, making it perfect for testing or emergencies. Whether you're looking to install Windows on an external USB drive or simply need a portable version of your OS, this setup gives you flexibility and convenience.

Also Read

• How to Install Windows 10 From a USB Flash Drive?
• How to Create a Bootable USB Flash drive in Windows/Linux using CMD?