How to Install Windows 10 from a USB Drive

Last Updated: Feb 9, 2024 by

If you’re looking to install Windows 10 on your computer, you may be wondering how to do it without a CD or DVD drive. Luckily, with the help of a USB drive, you can easily install Windows 10 on your computer. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of creating a Windows 10 installation USB drive and using it to install the operating system on your computer.

Creating a Windows 10 Installation USB Drive

Before you can install Windows 10 from a USB drive, you will need to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 installation media. To do this, you will need a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage space and a computer with internet access.

  1. First, download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
  2. Insert your USB drive into your computer and run the Media Creation Tool.
  3. Follow the prompts to select your language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) of Windows 10.
  4. When prompted, select “USB flash drive” as the media to use.
  5. The Media Creation Tool will then download the necessary files and create a bootable USB drive for you.

Using the USB Drive to Install Windows 10

Once you have created your Windows 10 installation USB drive, you can use it to install the operating system on your computer. Here’s how:

  1. Insert the USB drive into your computer and restart it.
  2. As your computer is starting up, press the key to access the boot menu (usually F12 or Esc).
  3. Select the USB drive from the boot menu to boot from it.
  4. The Windows 10 installation process will begin. Follow the prompts to select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method.
  5. When prompted, select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” as the installation type.
  6. Select the hard drive or partition where you want to install Windows 10.
  7. Follow the remaining prompts to complete the installation process.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the installation process, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

  • If your computer does not recognize the USB drive as a bootable device, you may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings. Consult your computer’s manual for instructions on how to do this.
  • If you receive an error message stating that your computer does not meet the minimum requirements for Windows 10, make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements.
  • If you are installing Windows 10 on a Mac using Boot Camp, you may need to install the necessary drivers after the installation is complete.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 10 from a USB drive is a simple and convenient way to get the latest operating system on your computer. By following these steps, you can easily create a bootable USB drive and use it to install Windows 10. If you encounter any issues, be sure to consult the troubleshooting tips provided. Happy installing!

Gulrukh Ch

About the Author: Gulrukh Ch

Gulrukh Chaudhary, an accomplished digital marketer and technology writer with a passion for exploring the frontiers of innovation. Armed with a Master's degree in Information Technology, Gulrukh seamlessly blends her technical prowess with her creative flair, resulting in captivating insights into the world of emerging technologies. Discover more about her on her LinkedIn profile.