How to Install Windows 10 From USB GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Software & Apps > Windows
How to Install Windows 10 From USB
Put Windows 10 on a USB drive for easy installation
By Jon Martindale Jon Martindale Writer Jon Martindale has been a feature tech writer for more than 10 years. He's written for publications such as Digital Trends, KitGuru, and ITProPortal. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on November 12, 2021 Reviewed by Lisa Mildon Reviewed by Lisa Mildon Southern New Hampshire University Lisa Mildon is a Lifewire writer and an IT professional with 30 years of experience. Her writing has appeared in Geekisphere and other publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Windows The Ultimate Laptop Buying Guide What to Know
Go to the Windows 10 download site > Download tool now > insert the USB drive > run the .exe file > allow administrative approval > Accept. Select Create installation media...for another PC > Next > Next > USB flash drive > Next > select the USB drive > Next > select Finish. Plug the USB drive into your PC, and boot from it to begin the installation. This guide will teach you how to install Windows 10 using a USB drive. You'll need a USB drive (at least 8GB in size) to hold all the installation media. How to Put Windows 10 on USB
The first step to installing Windows 10 from a USB drive is to create the Windows 10 install USB drive. You need a USB drive of at least 8GB in size. Here's how to do it. Before performing any Windows installation or reinstall, if you have any data on the drive you're installing that you want to keep, you should back it up to an external drive or cloud storage service. Open your browser of choice and go to Microsoft's Windows 10 download site. Under the heading Create Windows 10 installation media, select Download tool now. While the tool is downloading, plug in your USB drive and ensure that it has enough space for the installer (8GB). It's best to delete everything on it or reformat the drive. Run the MediaCreationTool20H2.exe. Allow administrative approval when asked. Read the Microsoft license terms and if you agree, select Accept. There will be a short wait while the tool is Getting things ready, but when it's finished, select the toggle next to Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD or ISO file) for another PC. Then select Next. Have a look over the language, edition, and architecture options. Typically you can leave the Use the recommended options for this PC checked, but uncheck it if you want to customize the installation. Then select Next. Select USB flash drive, then select Next. Select the USB drive you want to use for the Windows installer, then select Next. Wait for Windows 10 to download and install to the USB drive. Depending on your internet connection and the USB drive's speed, this could take from a few minutes up to an hour; when it's done, select Finish. How to Install Windows 10 From USB
Now that your USB drive is ready to let you install Windows 10 from USB, the process for actually installing Windows 10 is relatively straightforward. Double-check that any critical data you have saved on the drive you want to install Windows on is backed up and safe. If you're sure, make sure the USB drive is plugged into the PC and either restart or turn the system on. Then follow our guide on how to boot from a USB drive. Once you see the Windows installer appear, follow our guide on how to install Windows 10. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Install Windows 8/8.1 From USB [Full Walkthrough] How to Install Windows 8 or 8.1 From USB How to Install Windows 10 on a New Hard Drive How to Clean Install Windows 8 or 8.1 [Walkthrough] How to Burn an ISO File to a USB Drive How to Downgrade from Windows 11 How to Install Windows 7 From USB (Flash Drive, Ext HD) How to Install Mac OS on PC How to Install Windows 11 How to Boot From a USB Device How to Revive Windows 10 With a Recovery USB How to use a System Repair Disc to Format the C Drive How to Clean Install Windows 8 Pro Upgrade How to Access Advanced Startup Options in Windows 11/10/8 How to Install Windows on Steam Deck MemTest86 v10 Free Memory Testing Tool Review Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies