Install Windows 10 from USB: A Simple Guide

A USB drive allows easy Windows 10 installation. Our step-by-step guide makes installing Windows 10 easy and fast. This reliable and convenient Windows installation method is ideal for new setups or refreshes.

By Irene / Published on December 17, 2024

By Irene / Updated on April 25, 2024

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Can You Create a Windows 10 Install USB?

Your home PC may be running Windows7, but you're using Windows 10 on your work computer. If you're having trouble concentrating on Windows 10 in your home environment, you may be wondering if Windows 10 can be installed on a USB drive. We definitely call it Windows to Go USB so you can take it home and run Windows 10 while you're at it.

Are you interested in learning how to make a Windows 10 install USB but are unsure of what to do? End your search there. This tutorial will walk you through the process step by step. With our simple steps, you can say farewell to difficult procedures and hello to easy operation.

Step-by-step Guidance on Create Windows Bootable USB with AOMEI Partition Assistant

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a renowned disk partition management software that can be compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7. In addition to Windows 11, it can also create a bootable USB for other Windows OS, and the operation methods are the same. More importantly, it also supports to resize the size of your partition, Wipe hard drive, etc. If you want to know more practical functions, you can directly go to this part.

Please note: Windows 11 only supports UEFI boot mode. If you want to install Windows 11 directly on your computer, please make sure your system disk is GPT disk, otherwise please convert MBR to GPT without data loss.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a Windows 10 install USB :

Requirements:

  • A USB flash drive: At least 13GB in size, and 16GB or larger is recommended to ensure enough space for future updates.
  • Windows OS ISO file: This is a disk image file that contains the entire contents of the Windows 10 installation media. You can download the Windows 10 ISO file directly from Microsoft's website.
  • A software tool to create the bootable drive: Microsoft's Media Creation Tool is the most straightforward option for downloading the ISO and creating a bootable USB on Windows systems. For users on other operating systems or preferring an alternative, AOMEI Partition Assistant is a popular choice.
  • Download the Media Creation Tool From the Official Microsoft Website.
  • Follow the instructions to burn the installation media into the USB.

Steps to Download Windows 10 ISO

It's easy for users to get the latest version of Microsoft's popular operating system by downloading the Windows 10 ISO file. If you do these simple things, you'll be able to get a free copy of Windows 10 ISO and make sure that all of your devices have the latest and safest version. Before you start downloading Windows 10 ISO files, please check the Microsoft website to make sure it is a safe source.

After that, pick the version and language of Windows 10 that works best for you. Along with that, you can pick a 32-bit or 64-bit architecture based on how fast your computer is. You can start downloading after making all of these choices. This will let you make the ISO file that your USB or DVD needs to start up. 

Now that you have Windows 10, you still need to do the following to make sure everything goes well: Before you download, please make sure that your device meets the requirements that Microsoft has set for Windows 10. Also, please only get Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft's official website to make sure everything works right. If you use any other source, your files could be stolen or hacked.

Steps to Create a Bootable USB

  1. Open AOMEI Partition Assistant: Start the program on your computer.
  2. Insert Your USB Drive: Make sure it’s empty or backed up, as it will be formatted.
  3. Launch 'Windows To Go Creator': Find this option in the main interface and click it.
  4. Select 'Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO': Click “Next.”
  5. Choose Your ISO File: Click “Browse” to locate and select your Windows 10 ISO file and choose the right drive from the list.
  6. Start the Process and Wait the Completion: Click “Proceed” and confirm that you understand all data on the USB will be erased. Then wait patiently.

Using the Bootable USB

  • Insert the USB into the PC where you want to install Windows.
  • Restart the PC and enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc at startup).
  • Set the USB as the primary boot device, save the settings, and exit.
  • Follow on-screen instructions to install Windows 10.

Apart from creating a Windows 10 install USB, AOMEI Partition Assistant also has these benefits for you to better management. It offers easy disk management tools for separating, merging, formatting, splitting, extending, and merging partitions

Conclusion

Creating a Windows 10 install USB is a straightforward process that can be achieved by following the step-by-step guide provided. By using the AOMEI Partition Assistant or Microsoft's Media Creation Tool, you can easily create a bootable USB to install Windows 10 on any compatible PC. 

FAQs

  1. Can I use any USB drive to create a Windows 10 install USB?  Yes. However, it is recommended to use a USB drive with a capacity of at least 13GB, and 16GB or larger is ideal to ensure sufficient space for future updates and files.

  2. Where can I download the Windows 10 ISO file?  You can download the official Windows 10 ISO file directly from the Microsoft website. Ensure that you select the correct version, language, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) for your specific needs.

  3. Are there any risks involved in creating a bootable USB?  Always download the ISO file from the official Microsoft website to ensure the safety and integrity of your files. Using unreliable sources may expose your device and personal information to security risks, including malware and hacking attempts.

  4. What is "Windows To Go," and how is it different from a regular Windows installation?  Windows To Go is a feature introduced by Microsoft that allows you to create a portable Windows environment on a USB drive. This means you can carry your personal Windows setup, including your settings, applications, and files, and use it on different computers without leaving any data on the host computer.

  5. Can I create a Windows 10 install USB on a Mac or Linux system?  While the process outlined in this guide is specific to Windows systems, there are alternative methods for creating a Windows 10 install USB on a Mac or Linux system. You may need to use third-party software or follow platform-specific instructions to achieve this.

Irene · Staff Editor
Irene is an Editor of AOMEI Technology. She devotes herself in giving insightful thoughts on common computer problems with simple and clear guidance. Irene loves to help people solve problems and explore more solutions on relevant issues. She loves reading, singing and travelling.