How to Install Windows 10 from a USB Drive

Preparing Your Installation Media

Before you can install Windows 10 from a USB drive, you’ll need to create a bootable USB drive containing the Windows 10 installation files. This process involves downloading the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft and using it to prepare your USB flash drive.

Downloading the Media Creation Tool

1. Navigate to the official Microsoft Windows 10 download page. A quick search for “Download Windows 10” will lead you to the correct Microsoft website.
2. Locate the “Download tool now” button. This button will initiate the download of the Media Creation Tool.
3. Run the downloaded Media Creation Tool. Once the download is complete, double-click the executable file to launch the tool. You may be prompted by User Account Control; click “Yes” to proceed.
4. Accept the license terms. Review the Microsoft license terms and click “Accept” to continue.

Creating the Bootable USB Drive

1. Select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.” This option allows you to create a new set of installation media, which is what we need for a USB drive. Click “Next.”
2. Choose your language, architecture, and edition. By default, the tool will select options recommended for your current PC. To install Windows 10 on a different PC or with specific configurations, uncheck “Use the recommended options for this PC” and make your selections.
   • Language: Choose the desired language for your Windows 10 installation.
   • Edition: Typically, this will be “Windows 10.” If you have specific licensing needs, you might see other options.
   • Architecture: Select either “32-bit (x86),” “64-bit (x64),” or “Both.” For most modern computers, “64-bit (x64)” is the standard choice. If you’re unsure, check the system information of the target PC.
3. Select “USB flash drive.” This is the crucial step for creating a bootable USB. Ensure your USB drive is connected to the computer. Click “Next.”
4. Choose your USB flash drive. The Media Creation Tool will list all connected USB drives. Select the correct one. Important: All data on the selected USB drive will be erased. Make sure to back up any important files beforehand. Click “Next.”
5. Wait for the process to complete. The Media Creation Tool will now download the Windows 10 installation files and copy them to your USB drive, making it bootable. This process can take a significant amount of time, depending on your internet connection speed and the USB drive’s performance.
6. Finalize the process. Once the tool indicates that the USB flash drive is ready, click “Finish.”

Configuring Your PC to Boot from USB

After creating the bootable USB drive, you need to instruct your computer to boot from it rather than its internal hard drive. This is done by accessing the BIOS or UEFI settings of your motherboard.

Accessing BIOS/UEFI Settings

The method for accessing BIOS/UEFI varies slightly between motherboard manufacturers. Generally, you need to press a specific key immediately after powering on your computer, before the operating system begins to load.

• Common Keys: The most common keys are Delete (Del), F2, F10, F12, or Escape (Esc).
• Timing: You usually have only a few seconds to press the key. Watch the screen for prompts like “Press [Key] to enter Setup,” “Press [Key] for BIOS,” or “Press [Key] for Boot Menu.”
• Boot Menu: Some computers provide a direct “Boot Menu” option (often F12), which allows you to select the boot device for the current startup without permanently changing the boot order. This is often the easiest method if available.

Adjusting the Boot Order (BIOS/UEFI)

Once you are inside the BIOS/UEFI settings:

1. Locate the “Boot” or “Boot Order” section. This section is where you manage which devices your computer attempts to boot from and in what sequence.
2. Identify your USB drive. Your USB drive may be listed by its brand name (e.g., SanDisk, Kingston) or as a generic “USB HDD” or “Removable Device.”
3. Move the USB drive to the top of the boot order. Use the arrow keys and the indicated keys (often +/- or F5/F6) to change the order. The goal is to have the USB drive as the first boot device.
4. Save and Exit. Navigate to the “Save & Exit” or “Exit” section of the BIOS/UEFI. Select the option to “Save Changes and Exit” or “Exit Saving Changes.” The computer will then restart.

Installing Windows 10

With your PC configured to boot from the USB drive, you can now proceed with the Windows 10 installation.

Starting the Installation Process

1. Insert the bootable USB drive. Ensure it’s plugged into a USB port on your computer.
2. Restart or power on your computer. If your computer is already on, restart it. If it’s off, turn it on.
3. Watch for the boot prompt. If you’ve correctly configured the boot order, your computer will attempt to boot from the USB drive. You should see a message like “Press any key to boot from USB…” If you see this, press any key on your keyboard.
4. Windows Setup screen. You will then be presented with the initial Windows Setup screen, featuring language, time, and keyboard input preferences. Select your desired options and click “Next.”
5. Click “Install now.” This button will initiate the main installation process.

Product Key and Installation Type

1. Enter your product key. If you have a Windows 10 product key, enter it now. If you don’t have one immediately available or are reinstalling Windows on a machine that has already been activated, you can click “I don’t have a product key” and activate Windows later.
2. Select the operating system version. If your USB media contains multiple editions of Windows 10 (e.g., Home, Pro), choose the version that corresponds to your license.
3. Accept the license terms. Read and accept the Microsoft license terms. Click “Next.”
4. Choose the installation type. You will be presented with two options:
   • Upgrade: This option attempts to install Windows 10 while keeping your files, settings, and applications. This is only available if you are booting from within an existing Windows installation.
   • Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). This is the option you’ll need for a clean installation. It allows you to choose where to install Windows and format partitions. Select this option.

Disk Partitioning and Installation Location

1. Select where you want to install Windows. You will see a list of drives and partitions on your computer.
   • For a clean install on a new drive or to erase everything: Select the drive (or partition) where you want to install Windows, and click “Delete” to remove it. You can then select the “Unallocated Space” and click “New” to create a new partition, or simply select the unallocated space and click “Next.” Windows will automatically create the necessary partitions.
   • For a clean install on an existing drive (erasing current OS): Select the partition where Windows is currently installed. Click “Format” to erase its contents. Then, select the now-formatted partition and click “Next.”
   • Caution: Be extremely careful when deleting or formatting partitions. Ensure you have selected the correct drive and that you have backed up any data you wish to keep.
2. Begin the installation. Once you have selected or created the desired partition, click “Next.” Windows will begin copying files and installing. Your computer will restart several times during this process. Important: Do not remove the USB drive until prompted or after the first restart where Windows begins its initial setup. You may need to adjust your boot order again if the computer attempts to boot from USB after the first restart.

Initial Setup and Configuration

After the main installation files are copied and the system restarts, you will go through the out-of-box experience (OOBE) to set up your Windows 10 environment.

1. Region and keyboard layout. Select your region and confirm your keyboard layout.
2. Network connection. Connect to a Wi-Fi network or plug in an Ethernet cable. This is important for downloading updates and setting up your Microsoft account.
3. Sign in with your Microsoft account. You can sign in with an existing Microsoft account or create a new one. This links your Windows license, settings, and OneDrive. Alternatively, you can choose “Offline account” or “Domain join instead” (for corporate environments) for a local account, though this has limitations.
4. Create a PIN. For faster logins, you’ll be prompted to create a PIN.
5. Privacy settings. Review and adjust your privacy settings for location, diagnostic data, tailored experiences, and more.
6. Cortana setup. You may be offered to set up Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant.
7. Finalizing setup. Windows will apply your settings and prepare the desktop. This can take a few minutes.

Once you reach the Windows 10 desktop, your installation is complete. You can now begin installing drivers, applications, and updating Windows to the latest version.