How to Install Windows 10 from USB

Edited 5 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

Windows 10InstallationUSBSetupBootSystemSoftwareHardwareConfigurationInstallation Media

Installing Windows 10 from a USB drive is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail and proper preparation. This process is especially useful if your computer doesn't have a DVD drive, or if you prefer using a USB drive because it has a faster installation time. In this guide, we will explore each detailed step required to create a bootable USB drive and install Windows 10 using it. This guide is for beginners, so every part of the terminology will be simplified and explained.

Step 1: Preparing the USB drive

The first step to installing Windows 10 from a USB drive is to prepare the USB drive itself. You'll need a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of capacity. Larger capacity drives can also be used. The entire contents of the USB drive will be erased during the process, so be sure to back up any important data before you begin.

Formatting a USB drive

Before you create a bootable USB drive, you need to format it. You can do it like this:

1. Insert the USB drive into your computer.
2. Open File Explorer (you can do this by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard).
3. Find the USB drive and right-click on it. Select Format from the context menu.
4. In the Format window, select FAT32 as the file system. Make sure the Quick Format option is checked, then click Start.
5. When the formatting process is complete, click OK to close the window.

Step 2: Downloading the Windows 10 ISO file

You need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website. An ISO file is a single file that contains all the data present in the optical disc. In this case, it contains the Windows 10 installation files.

1. Visit the official Microsoft Windows 10 download page.
2. Click on the Download tool button now to get the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
3. Once the Media Creation Tool is downloaded, run it.
4. Select the Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option and click Next.
5. Select the language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) for Windows 10. If you are unsure about these settings, you can check them on the PC where you plan to install Windows 10. Generally, 64-bit is normal, but it depends on your system specs.
6. When asked which media to use, choose the ISO file option and click Next.
7. Choose a location to save the ISO file and click Save.

Step 3: Creating a bootable USB drive

After downloading the ISO file, the next step is to create a bootable USB drive using the ISO file. This will allow the computer to load the Windows 10 installation files from the USB drive. You can use a tool like Rufus to perform this task:

1. Download and open Rufus (a free tool) from its official website.
2. Insert your USB drive and Rufus will recognize it automatically.
3. Under Devices, make sure your USB drive is selected.
4. Next to Boot Selection, click Select and find the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
5. Leave other options as default, such as the partition scheme (MBR for BIOS/UEFI or GPT for UEFI only, depending on your system).
6. Click Start to begin creating your bootable USB drive. This process may take a few minutes.
7. When done, click Close.

Step 4: Configure your PC to boot from USB

Before you install Windows 10, you need to configure your PC's BIOS settings to boot from a USB drive:

1. Insert the USB drive into your PC.
2. Restart your computer. As it boots, you'll see a prompt to access the BIOS (usually the Del, F2, F10, or Esc keys are used).
3. Once you're in the BIOS settings, find the boot order menu. The menu may vary depending on the manufacturer, but it's usually found under Boot, Advanced, or similar sections.
4. Set the USB drive as the first boot device by moving it to the top of the list using the arrow keys.
5. Save the changes and exit the BIOS. This can usually be achieved by pressing the key specified on the screen, such as F10, and selecting Save Changes.

Step 5: Installing Windows 10

With your USB drive ready and the PC configured to boot from it, it's time to install Windows 10.

1. After restarting, your PC should boot from USB. If prompted to press a key to boot from USB, press it quickly.
2. You will see the Windows logo and there will be some loading. On the first screen you will be asked to input the language, time and keyboard settings. Set them as you like and click Next.
3. Click Install Now.
4. Enter your Windows 10 product key if you have one, or select I don't have a product key if you want to enter it later. Click Next.
5. Accept the license terms by checking the box and click Next.
6. Select the type of installation. If your system has an existing OS and you want to keep your files, choose Upgrade. For a clean installation, choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).
7. Select the partition where you want to install Windows 10 and click Next. If you are unsure, choose the partition labeled as the primary partition. Note: This step may vary depending on the configuration of partitions on your drive.
8. Windows 10 will begin installing. Your PC will restart several times during this process. After booting for the first time, follow the on-screen instructions to set up Windows.

Step 6: Completing the Windows 10 setup

After installation, you will need to go through some initial setup steps:

1. Select your region and language when prompted and click Next.
2. Sign in to the Wi-Fi network if prompted.
3. Sign in with a Microsoft account or create a new account, or choose to create a local user account if you prefer.
4. Set your privacy settings according to your preferences.
5. Windows may offer the option to back up your files to OneDrive. Select Next to use OneDrive or choose Only save files to this PC if you don't want to use it.
6. Windows may ask you to use more features like Cortana or provide more details for personalization. Choose based on your preferences.

Step 7: Install drivers and updates

Once Windows 10 is set up and the desktop appears, it's time to check for driver installation and Windows updates:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click Check for Updates.
2. Allow Windows to download and install all available updates.
3. Depending on your hardware, you may need to visit the manufacturer's website to download and install additional drivers for your system components.
4. After installing, it's a good idea to restart your PC, even if Windows doesn't prompt you to do so.

By carefully following the steps above, you have successfully installed Windows 10 on your PC using a USB drive. This method provides a faster and more flexible alternative to DVD installation and is very effective for modern systems.

  Share This Article

If you find anything wrong with the article content, you can request an update