Difference between revisions of "Install Windows from a USB Flash Drive"
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If you're trying to install Windows on a laptop that doesn't have a DVD drive, or you want a portable installation tool that you can use on a lot of computers, creating a bootable USB Windows installation drive may be the answer you're looking for. All modern versions of Windows can be easily installed from a USB drive, as long as you have a valid Windows product key. You'll need a USB flash drive that has at least 4 GB of storage. For Windows 7 and Vista, you'll need an installation disc or an ISO image file of the installation disc as well. | If you're trying to install Windows on a laptop that doesn't have a DVD drive, or you want a portable installation tool that you can use on a lot of computers, creating a bootable USB Windows installation drive may be the answer you're looking for. All modern versions of Windows can be easily installed from a USB drive, as long as you have a valid Windows product key. You'll need a USB flash drive that has at least 4 GB of storage. For Windows 7 and Vista, you'll need an installation disc or an ISO image file of the installation disc as well. | ||
| − | [[Category:Vista Instructions]] | + | [[Category: Vista Instructions]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Windows 10=== | ===Windows 10=== | ||
| − | #Ensure that your flash drive is empty and has at least 4 GB of space. Any files on your flash drive will be deleted when the Windows installation files are added. Your USB drive will need to have at least 4 GB of storage in order to create the installer.<ref>http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/media-creation-tool-install</ref> | + | #Ensure that your flash drive is empty and has at least 4 GB of space. Any files on your flash drive will be deleted when the Windows installation files are added. Your USB drive will need to have at least 4 GB of storage in order to create the installer.<ref name="rf17135">http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/media-creation-tool-install</ref> |
#Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. This utility allows you to turn your flash drive into a Windows 10 installation drive. You don't need to be using Windows 10 to use this tool. You can download this tool for free from Microsoft at {{samp|microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10}}. | #Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. This utility allows you to turn your flash drive into a Windows 10 installation drive. You don't need to be using Windows 10 to use this tool. You can download this tool for free from Microsoft at {{samp|microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10}}. | ||
| − | #*Nearly all newer computers are 64-bit, but you can check to determine what version of Windows you are currently running in your System Properties window. [[Check | + | #*Nearly all newer computers are 64-bit, but you can check to determine what version of Windows you are currently running in your System Properties window. [[Check if Windows Is 32 Bits or 64 Bits|Click here]] for more details. |
#*You'll need to have administrator access to use this tool. | #*You'll need to have administrator access to use this tool. | ||
#Run the media creation tool and select "Create installation media for another PC". You'll be asked to select what version of Windows 10 you want to download. If you are upgrading from a Home or Starter version of Windows 7 or 8, select "Windows 10 Home". If you are upgrading from a Professional or Ultimate version of Windows 7 or 8, select "Windows 10 Pro". If you aren't upgrading from Windows 7 or 8, select whichever version of Windows you purchased a product key for. | #Run the media creation tool and select "Create installation media for another PC". You'll be asked to select what version of Windows 10 you want to download. If you are upgrading from a Home or Starter version of Windows 7 or 8, select "Windows 10 Home". If you are upgrading from a Professional or Ultimate version of Windows 7 or 8, select "Windows 10 Pro". If you aren't upgrading from Windows 7 or 8, select whichever version of Windows you purchased a product key for. | ||
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#Boot your computer from the USB drive. The process for this varies a lot depending on the computer that you are using. Traditionally, you would open the BIOS menu and change the order of drives in the BOOT menu. Newer computers use UEFI instead of BIOS, which needs to be accessed in a special way if you're using Windows 8. | #Boot your computer from the USB drive. The process for this varies a lot depending on the computer that you are using. Traditionally, you would open the BIOS menu and change the order of drives in the BOOT menu. Newer computers use UEFI instead of BIOS, which needs to be accessed in a special way if you're using Windows 8. | ||
#*Reboot your computer and look for the BIOS or BOOT menu key when the manufacturer logo appears. Press this key to open the menu and change your boot order. The setup key is typically {{keypress|F2}}, {{keypress|F10}}, {{keypress|F11}}, or {{keypress|Del}}. Make sure that the USB drive is listed as the primary boot device. | #*Reboot your computer and look for the BIOS or BOOT menu key when the manufacturer logo appears. Press this key to open the menu and change your boot order. The setup key is typically {{keypress|F2}}, {{keypress|F10}}, {{keypress|F11}}, or {{keypress|Del}}. Make sure that the USB drive is listed as the primary boot device. | ||
| − | #*If your computer boots directly into Windows 8 without showing the manufacturer logo, open the Charms bar ({{keypress|Win|C}}) and select "Settings". Click the "Change PC settings" option and then select "Update and recovery". Select the "Recovery" option and click "Restart now" under "Advanced Startup". In the boot menu, select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options". Click the "UEFI Firmware Settings" to open your UEFI menu. You can then open the BOOT menu and change the order so that the USB drive is the primary drive.<ref>http://acer--uk.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/27102/~/accessing-the-uefi-(bios)-setup-on-a-windows-8-system</ref> | + | #*If your computer boots directly into Windows 8 without showing the manufacturer logo, open the Charms bar ({{keypress|Win|C}}) and select "Settings". Click the "Change PC settings" option and then select "Update and recovery". Select the "Recovery" option and click "Restart now" under "Advanced Startup". In the boot menu, select "Troubleshoot" and then "Advanced options". Click the "UEFI Firmware Settings" to open your UEFI menu. You can then open the BOOT menu and change the order so that the USB drive is the primary drive.<ref name="rf17136">http://acer--uk.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/27102/~/accessing-the-uefi-(bios)-setup-on-a-windows-8-system</ref> |
#Press a key to start the installation. You'll see a message on your screen prompting you to press a key to boot from "CD or DVD". This is correct, and will display if you've selected your USB drive as the primary boot device. | #Press a key to start the installation. You'll see a message on your screen prompting you to press a key to boot from "CD or DVD". This is correct, and will display if you've selected your USB drive as the primary boot device. | ||
#Select your language and input settings. Before Windows 10 installs, you'll be prompted to select your language and keyboard settings. The language that you install will be your default base language. | #Select your language and input settings. Before Windows 10 installs, you'll be prompted to select your language and keyboard settings. The language that you install will be your default base language. | ||
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#*If your screen is stretched or doesn't fit your monitor, you'll need to install drivers from your graphics card manufacturer. The three main manufacturers are Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. Refer to your computer's documentation to determine which company made your graphics card. Windows Update may be able to install these drivers for you, but it has the hardest time with graphics drivers. | #*If your screen is stretched or doesn't fit your monitor, you'll need to install drivers from your graphics card manufacturer. The three main manufacturers are Nvidia, AMD, and Intel. Refer to your computer's documentation to determine which company made your graphics card. Windows Update may be able to install these drivers for you, but it has the hardest time with graphics drivers. | ||
===Windows 8.1=== | ===Windows 8.1=== | ||
| − | #Download the Media Creation Tool. Microsoft provides a free utility that will automatically download the Windows 8.1 installation files and create the USB drive for you. You can download the utility for free [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media here].<ref | + | #Download the Media Creation Tool. Microsoft provides a free utility that will automatically download the Windows 8.1 installation files and create the USB drive for you. You can download the utility for free [http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media here].<ref name="rf17135" /> |
#*If you already have a Windows 8.1 ISO file, follow the method in the next section. | #*If you already have a Windows 8.1 ISO file, follow the method in the next section. | ||
#Insert a USB drive with at least 4 GB of storage. Make sure that you've saved any important files elsewhere, as the process will erase all of the data on the USB drive. | #Insert a USB drive with at least 4 GB of storage. Make sure that you've saved any important files elsewhere, as the process will erase all of the data on the USB drive. | ||
#Run the Media Creation Tool and select the version you want. Make sure this version matches your Windows 8.1 product key, as you'll need the product key to install Windows. You cannot use a previous version's product key to install Windows 8.1. | #Run the Media Creation Tool and select the version you want. Make sure this version matches your Windows 8.1 product key, as you'll need the product key to install Windows. You cannot use a previous version's product key to install Windows 8.1. | ||
| − | #*Most users with newer computers can select the 64-bit version, but you can double-check in your System Properties window. [[Check | + | #*Most users with newer computers can select the 64-bit version, but you can double-check in your System Properties window. [[Check if Windows Is 32 Bits or 64 Bits|Click here]] for more details. |
#Select "USB flash drive". You will be prompted to choose which flash drive you want to use if you have multiple drives connected. | #Select "USB flash drive". You will be prompted to choose which flash drive you want to use if you have multiple drives connected. | ||
#Wait for the download to complete. The Windows 8.1 installation files will be downloaded and copied onto the flash drive. This process will likely take a while if you have a slow internet connection. You can monitor the progress in the main window. | #Wait for the download to complete. The Windows 8.1 installation files will be downloaded and copied onto the flash drive. This process will likely take a while if you have a slow internet connection. You can monitor the progress in the main window. | ||
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#Set your privacy settings. Windows 8.1 will offer an express or custom option for your privacy settings. Review the first screen to see if there's anything you want to change. If there isn't, click "Use express settings". If you do want to change something, click "Customize" and follow the prompts. | #Set your privacy settings. Windows 8.1 will offer an express or custom option for your privacy settings. Review the first screen to see if there's anything you want to change. If there isn't, click "Use express settings". If you do want to change something, click "Customize" and follow the prompts. | ||
#Sign in with your Microsoft Account. Your Microsoft Account allows you to sync your files and settings with your other Windows devices. You'll need it to access your account's OneDrive storage. If you don't have an account, you can create one from here. | #Sign in with your Microsoft Account. Your Microsoft Account allows you to sync your files and settings with your other Windows devices. You'll need it to access your account's OneDrive storage. If you don't have an account, you can create one from here. | ||
| − | #Start using Windows '''8.1.''' You'll be taken to your new desktop once you're finished configuring your settings. You can now start using Windows 8.1. [[Use-Windows-8|Click here]] for tips on getting the most out of Windows 8.1.<ref>http://www.groovypost.com/howto/install-windows-81-easy-way/</ref> | + | #Start using Windows '''8.1.''' You'll be taken to your new desktop once you're finished configuring your settings. You can now start using Windows 8.1. [[Use-Windows-8|Click here]] for tips on getting the most out of Windows 8.1.<ref name="rf17137">http://www.groovypost.com/howto/install-windows-81-easy-way/</ref> |
===Windows 8, 7, and Vista=== | ===Windows 8, 7, and Vista=== | ||
| − | #Obtain an ISO file of a Windows installation disc. If you have a Windows installation DVD, you can create the ISO file yourself. If you don't have the disc but have your product key, you can download the ISO directly from Microsoft [http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery] here. To create an ISO from your own DVD:<ref>http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/11003/how-to-create-a-windows-iso-from-a-disc-using-imgburn/</ref> | + | #Obtain an ISO file of a Windows installation disc. If you have a Windows installation DVD, you can create the ISO file yourself. If you don't have the disc but have your product key, you can download the ISO directly from Microsoft [http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-recovery] here. To create an ISO from your own DVD:<ref name="rf17138">http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/11003/how-to-create-a-windows-iso-from-a-disc-using-imgburn/</ref> |
#*Download and install ImgBurn ({{samp|imgburn.com}}). This is a free program that will allow you to create ISO files, but make sure to decline any offers while installing it. | #*Download and install ImgBurn ({{samp|imgburn.com}}). This is a free program that will allow you to create ISO files, but make sure to decline any offers while installing it. | ||
#*After installing ImgBurn, insert your Windows DVD into your computer and start the program. | #*After installing ImgBurn, insert your Windows DVD into your computer and start the program. | ||
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#*If you're upgrading from an older version of Windows to one of the versions in this method, you'll need a new product key. For example, if you are installing Windows 7 on a computer that used to have XP, you cannot use the XP key to activate Windows 7. You'll need to purchase a Windows 7 key from Microsoft or another retailer in order to install Windows 7. | #*If you're upgrading from an older version of Windows to one of the versions in this method, you'll need a new product key. For example, if you are installing Windows 7 on a computer that used to have XP, you cannot use the XP key to activate Windows 7. You'll need to purchase a Windows 7 key from Microsoft or another retailer in order to install Windows 7. | ||
#Set your update preferences. It's recommended that you turn automatic updates on by selecting "Use recommended settings". This will ensure that your computer always has the latest security updates. | #Set your update preferences. It's recommended that you turn automatic updates on by selecting "Use recommended settings". This will ensure that your computer always has the latest security updates. | ||
| − | #Start using Windows. After a few more screens, depending on the version of Windows you are installing, you'll be taken to your new desktop. You can start using Windows now, and it's recommended that you [[Find | + | #Start using Windows. After a few more screens, depending on the version of Windows you are installing, you'll be taken to your new desktop. You can start using Windows now, and it's recommended that you [[Find and Update Drivers|find and install the latest drivers]] for your hardware. |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
