How to Download and Install Windows 10 on USB: A Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Windows 10 on a USB flash drive can be a fast, easy, and reliable way to set up a new installation or a portable working environment. In this guide, we will walk through two popular methods: using Ventoy and Rufus.

The Ventoy Method

Advantages of Ventoy

No need to create a bootable USB for each ISO file individually Supports multiple operating systems on a single USB Can be used to install various OS like Linux, Windows, and more

The Ventoy method is especially useful if you need to install multiple operating systems or if your task could be a one-time job where you don't want to deal with repetitive steps.

Steps to Use Ventoy

Install Ventoy on the USB drive: Download and install the Ventoy software from its official website. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable Ventoy on your USB drive. Copy the Windows 10 ISO file: Download the Windows 10 ISO file from the Microsoft website. You can do this on another computer if needed. Once you have the ISO file, copy it to the Ventoy-enabled USB drive. Connect the USB to your device: Connect the USB drive to the computer where you want to install Windows 10. Select the OS: During the startup process, choose the USB drive as the boot device. Once booted, select Windows 10 and begin the installation process. Finish the installation: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

The Rufus Method

For a more hands-on and detailed process, Rufus is another excellent tool for creating a Windows 10 bootable USB drive. This method is ideal if you prefer a step-by-step process.

Requirements

To use Rufus, ensure you have:

A Windows 10 computer or any Windows OS-based PC (minimum 1GB of RAM) A USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space Access to the internet for downloading the Windows 10 installation file and Rufus

Steps to Create a Windows 10 Bootable USB Using Rufus

Download Rufus: Download Rufus from its official website and install it on your computer. Select the USB drive: Insert a blank USB drive into your computer. Run Rufus and select the USB drive from the left-hand options. Select the Windows 10 ISO file: On the right-hand side, click on the 'ISO image' tab and select the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded from the Microsoft website. Choose the partition scheme: Go to the 'Partition scheme' tab and ensure that 'GPT partition scheme (for UEFI-based systems)' is selected if your computer is UEFI. Start the process: Click on the 'Start' button in Rufus to create the bootable USB drive. Wait for completion: Once the process is complete, safely eject and unplug the USB drive.

Installing Windows 10 from a Bootable USB

Insert the USB drive: Plug the USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 10. Access BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing a specific key (e.g., F2, Del, or Esc) during the startup process. Configure boot device: In the BIOS/UEFI settings, change the boot device priority to boot from the USB drive. Start Windows Installation: Restart your computer. It should boot from the USB and present the Windows 10 installation wizard. Follow the installation steps: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. This process can take about 10 minutes to an hour depending on your system specifications.

Windows 10 System Requirements

Before proceeding, ensure your system meets the following minimum requirements:

RAM: At least 2GB (recommended 4GB or more) Processor: 1GHz or faster Storage: At least 20GB of available space Display: 80600 resolution or above

Conclusion

Installing Windows 10 from a USB is a straightforward and efficient way to set up a new environment or perform a clean installation. Whether you opt for Ventoy or Rufus, the process is relatively easy once you have the right tools and and Rufus both offer user-friendly interfaces and are highly effective in ensuring a smooth installation process. Happy installing!