Install Windows 10 from USB: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you have created a boot USB for Windows 10, you can use a portable Windows device on different computers, even a newly purchased computer can enjoy a comfortable operating system environment in case the operating systems are not installed. With Windows 10 you can enjoy many new features if you want to create a USB drive that can boot Windows 10. Please follow these simple steps. Our manual makes the whole process easy and doesn't require too much technical knowledge.

How to Install Windows 10 from USB

To install Windows 10 from USB, you will need some items first. Make sure there is at least 8GB of space on your USB flash since this space will be removed and used to store Windows 10 installation files, then go to the official Microsoft website to download the latest ISO files for Windows 10. In this process, you should not select a third-party website to avoid virus or malware attacks after receiving your ISO file.

You will need to use a USB generator such as AOMEI Partition Assistant or Windows Media Creation Tool. To get the USB drive started, these tools will format the drive and copy the required installation files from ISO. When you're ready, insert the USB to your computer and run it. Select the ISO files and drivers thereafter. The next thing to do is to follow the instructions to create a usable USB driver. Your handy gadget will be ready to go after that, and it's compatible with any Windows 10 PC.

1. Formatting the USB Drive

To ensure compatibility and proper functioning, it's essential to format the USB drive correctly. Follow these steps to format the USB drive:

1. Insert the USB to your computer and check if it is being connected well.
2. Open Disk Management.
3. Find your USB drive in the list of available drives, right-click on it, and select "Format."
4. Choose the file system as "FAT32" and leave the allocation unit size as "Default."  If you are using NTFS, you can also convert NTFS to FAT32 without formatting on the USB stick.
5. Click "OK" to start the formatting process.

Once the formatting is complete, you're ready to proceed to the next step.

2. Creating the Bootable USB Drive

Now that we've formatted the USB drive let's create the bootable USB drive using the Windows Media Creation Tool:

1. Download and install the Windows Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
2. Launch the Windows Media Creation Tool and accept the terms and conditions. Then select "Create installation media for another PC" and click "Next."
3. Choose the language, edition, and architecture for Windows 10 and click "Next."
4. Select "USB flash drive" as the media type and insert your formatted USB drive.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to create the bootable USB drive.

Once the process is complete, you'll have a bootable USB drive ready for Windows 10 installation.

3. Installing Windows 10 from USB

With the bootable USB drive prepared, it's time to install Windows 10:

1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 10.
2. Restart the computer and access the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the designated key (usually F2 or Del) during startup.
3. In the BIOS or UEFI settings, set the USB drive as the primary boot device.
4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings to restart the computer.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Windows 10 installation process.

Congratulations! You've successfully created a bootable USB drive for installing Windows 10.

Use AOMEI Partition Assistant to Create Windows 10 Bootable USB

If you want to install Windows 10 from USB,  you need to use a reliable tool to do that. AOMEI Partition Assistant is a free partition manager that taps into the disk potential and manages partitions efficiently for many years. It can work with all Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7. AOMEI allows you to use ISO files to create Windows OS bootable USB drives, as complete instructions for use:

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

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Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

1. Download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant for free, then launch the software.
2. Navigate to the "Tools" section and choose "Windows To Go Creator" from the menu.

1. In the "Windows To Go Creator," opt for "Create Windows To Go for personal computer" and proceed with "Next."
2. Select "Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO" and select the ISO file previously prepared. Click "Next" to proceed.
3. From the available USB drives, select one and proceed with "Proceed." Once complete, insert the bootable USB into the target computer, adjust BIOS settings for USB boot, and power on for the OS to boot from the USB.

For more advanced and hany funtions, it is worth upgrading to the AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional version, which offers more leading benefits for managing Windows 10 systems beyond creating bootable USB drives. Some of these key advantages include:

1. Partition Management: AOMEI Partition Assistant enables you to resize, move, merge, and delete partitions with ease. You can also convert partition types, align partitions like 4K Alignment for SSD to enhance system performance, and create new partitions without losing data.

1. Disk Partitioning: The software allows you to create, delete, and format partitions, as well as convert between MBR and GPT partition styles, which is particularly useful for newer UEFI-based systems.

2. Disk Cloning: If you are planning to upgrade to a better disk, you can also use it to clone your entire disk or a designated partition. With it, you can quickly transfer the data to the new disk without reinstalling Windows or applications.

3. Disk Cleanup and Drive Space Expansion: The software can even help you clean up accumulated and hidden junk files, including temporary files, cache, and system restoration points, freeing up storage space on your computer.

4. Data Recovery: It also has powerfuldata recovery feature. You can recover lost or deleted files and partitions from many complex scenarios.

5. File System Conversion: The software supports converting file systems between NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and Linux formats, making it easier to manage and share data across different devices and operating systems.

In summary, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers a comprehensive set of tools for managing and optimizing your Windows 10 system, making it an essential utility for both home and professional users.

Conclusion

How to install Windows 10 from USB? With our clear guide, creating a start-up Windows 10 USB drive is very flexible. Whether you need to fix your computer problem or install Windows on a new computer or just need a portable operating system that can be used at all times, you can control your Windows experience. Following the above steps, you could easily create your own boot USB drive to unlock the potential of portable computing.

FAQS

1. Can I use any USB drive to create a bootable Windows 10 drive?

While any USB drive can technically be used, it's recommended to use a drive with at least 8GB of storage space. This ensures sufficient space for the Windows 10 installation files. Additionally, using a USB 3.0 drive will result in faster installation times compared to older USB 2.0 drives.

2. Is it safe to download the Windows 10 ISO file from third-party websites?

It's highly recommended to download the Windows 10 ISO file only from the official Microsoft website. Downloading from third-party sources can expose your computer to malware or viruses disguised as legitimate files.

3. Do I need to format the USB drive before creating the bootable drive?

Yes, formatting the USB drive is essential. This ensures the drive is properly prepared to store the Windows 10 installation files and function as a bootable device. The formatting process also erases any existing data on the drive, so ensure you back up any important files before proceeding.

4. Can I use the bootable USB drive to install Windows 10 on multiple computers?

Absolutely! That's the beauty of a bootable USB drive. You can use it to install Windows 10 on any compatible computer, making it a versatile tool for system administrators, technicians, or anyone who needs to install Windows on multiple machines.

5. What should I do if my computer doesn't boot from the USB drive?

If your computer doesn't boot from the USB drive, you may need to adjust the boot order in your BIOS or UEFI settings. Access these settings during startup (usually by pressing F2, Del, or another designated key), and ensure the USB drive is set as the primary boot device.