Install Windows on External Hard Drive: Step-by-Step Tutorial

What a bootable USB Windows tool can do for you?

Many Windows users would like to create a bootable USB. Well, what a bootable USB can do for you? Here we list some advantages of bootable USB drive, with a bootable USB stick, you can do the following things:

1. Install or upgrade Windows;

2. Test out the desktop experience without touching your PC configuration;

3. Boot into Windows on a borrowed machine or from an internet cafe;

4. Use tools installed by default on the USB stick to repair or fix a broken configuration.

Thus, it is necessary to create a bootable USB drive in a certain way. Here is the question, how to create a bootable USB drive? Is there any bootable USB maker?

Using AOMEI Partition Assistant to install Windows on external hard drive

AOMEI Partition Assistant is well known in the world of computer control. It can easily burn Windows 11 ISO to USB and work with all versions of Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, and 7. Just make sure you have a USB drive with more than 13GB of space and back up your important files ahead of time. After that, follow the steps to learn how to make a Windows 11 ISO working USB.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

Step 1. Connect the USB to the computer. Wait for it to be detected. If it failed, you can read the solutions for reference.

Step 2. Launch the software. Click “All tools” > “Windows To Go Creator” in turn.

Step 3. Click “Create Windows To Go for personal computer” > "Next”. You can click the second option “Create Windows To Go for Mac computer” if you are a Mac user.

Step 4. Hit “Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO”. The Windows 11 ISO file will be detected automatically. If not, please select the folder icon to manually click the target file with pressing “Next”.

Note:

 If you need to create Windows To GO with the current system, please move on to the Tip part.

Step 5. Select the USB drive as the target and click “Proceed”.

Step 6. There will be a notification that all data on the USB will be erased. Select “Yes” and unplug the US. Try to boot it on another computer.

▌Tips: Create Windows To Go with the current system

The feature of “Create Windows To Go for with current system” broads the channel to users whose devices cannot meet the Windows 11 upgrading system requirements. It makes it possible for them to experience the new operating OS even on an unqualified computer.

In addition, with this function, they can have a try with Windows 11 on the USB instead of doing a fresh installation on their devices. If they don’t like it, users can still keep using the original system.

Step 1 and Step 2 are the same as the above method. Open the software > “All tools” > “Windows To Go Creator” > “Create Windows To Go for personal computer” > “Next”.

Step 3. Click the "Create Windows To Go with current system” option. You can see the current OS details. Then hit “Next”.

Step 4. Follow the instructions in the Advanced interface. Press the "Proceed” button to continue.

When all the processes are finished, please plug the USB into the target computer to install Windows 11.

How to boot from the bootable Windows 11 USB

Step 1. Insert the Windows 11 To Go USB drive into your computer. Boot the device and hit a specific key to enter BIOS to change the boot order.

Note:

 The pressing key to enter BIOS/UEFI differs from computer brands. Please search for relevant information on the brands' official websites. 

Step 2. Choose USB Device and press the "Enter” key to boot from the Windows 11 bootable USB.

Summary

With the release of Windows 11, many users are eager to experience its new features, such as the redesigned Start menu, enhanced multitasking, and updated interface. However, upgrading to Windows 11 often requires meeting stricter hardware requirements, which can be challenging for older devices. For those who want to try Windows 11 without permanently installing it, creating a bootable USB drive is a practical solution. Tools like the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool and AOMEI Partition Assistant make this process straightforward, allowing users to test or install Windows 11 easily and efficiently.

FAQs

1. Why should I create a Windows 11 bootable USB drive? Creating a bootable USB drive allows you to install Windows 11 on multiple devices, test the OS without permanent installation, and repair or reinstall Windows if needed.

2. What tools can I use to create a Windows 11 bootable USB drive? You can use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool available from Microsoft's website or AOMEI Partition Assistant, which offers additional features and flexibility.

3. How do I create a Windows 11 bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool? Download and run the Media Creation Tool, accept the license terms, choose the language and edition, select "USB flash drive," and follow the prompts to complete the process.

4. What if my USB drive is not detected during the creation process? If the USB drive is not detected, try formatting it first, ensuring it's properly connected, or using a different USB port or drive.

5. How can I boot my computer from a Windows 11 bootable USB drive? Insert the bootable USB drive, restart your computer, enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the specific key during startup, change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive, and save the changes.