How to Install Windows 10 from USB: Full Guide

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Windows 10 is an extension of Windows 8.1. It was developed in 2015 and was available for purchase on 29 July of the same year. This operating system is regularly updated without additional costs for users. Installing Windows 10 from USB flash drives is a common way, especially for users who want to switch from an older version of Windows. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step steps on how to install windows 10 from usb.

Preparation for Windows 10 Installation Using USB

You must prepare lists and tools before installing:

  • Make sure your USB flash drive has at least 8GB of storage. Installing Windows 10 takes a lot of space, thus tiny drives won’t work.
  • Downloading Windows 10 apps requires a licence. Purchase or utilise an existing licence using your digital ID.  Windows USB settings mean creating a bootable USB drive with Windows 10, which allows you to activate the application.
  • Installing ISO files: In addition to the license, you need to install the ISO file. The ISO file contains the file system and other data for the optical disc. These files end in “.iso”.
  • Rufus’s Third-Person Tools: Use a third-party tool. Rufus is an open-source programme that creates bootable USB drives and applications. It supports 39 different languages and works under the GNU GPL 3+ license.

How to Create Windows 10 installation Media?

We’re now working on Windows 10 installation media using the media generator:

  • Step 1. Visit the Windows 10 download site.
  • Step 2.  “Create Windows 10 Installation Media,” click “Download Tool Now.”
  • Step 3. Save the file to your computer and double-click “MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe” to launch the application in the third step.
  • Step 4. Click “Accept” to accept the Microsoft Terms.
  • Step 5. Select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC” and click “Next.”
  • Step 6. Choose the Windows 10 language, version, and OS, then click Next 
  • Step 7. Check your USB flash drive’s connection, then choose “USB Flash Drive” from the list. Then choose “Next.”
  • Step 8. Click Next after selecting the deleted drive.
  • Step 9. Click “Finished” to finish. USB hard drives can now launch Windows 10.

How to Create a Windows 10 UEFI Boot Media using Rufus?

Another way to create Windows 10 UEFI Boot Media is to use Rufus by following the steps below:

  • Step 1: Go to the official Rufus page.
  • Step 2: Download the latest version of Rufus by clicking “Rufus-x.x.exe”
  • Step 3: Open Rufus. Select your USB flash drive under Device Options and click the selection button to navigate to your Windows 10 ISO file.
  • Step 4: Set the selected options as shown in the picture for standard Windows, GPT and UEFI installations. (non-CSM).
  • Step 5: Leave the default setting in the “Show Advanced Drive Properties” section.
  • Step 6: Check the “Format Quick” and “Create extended label and icon files” options under Advanced Format Display.
  • Step 7: Click Start to start the process. Make sure your flash drive is cleaned by clicking OK when notified.

If you’re not sure about installing Windows 10 from a USB flash drive, then these clear step-by-step instructions should make the process easier for you. The download link for Windows 10 can be found on the Microsoft homepage, and you can download Rufus from the developer’s download page.

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How to Install Windows 10 from USB: FAQ

Q: What are the advantages of installing Windows 10 from a USB drive?

A: Installing Windows 10 from a USB drive provides faster installation than optical media such as DVDs. USB drives are also portable and convenient for installing the Windows 10 on multiple devices. It also ensures you have the most up-to-date version of Windows 10.

Q: Will installing Windows 10 from a USB drive delete existing data?

A: Yes. When you install Windows 10 from a USB drive, all files on your computer’s hard disk will be deleted. It is important to back up important files before proceeding with installation.

Q: Can any USB drive be used to create bootable installation media for Windows 10?

A: Not all USB drives. Ideal for creating bootable installation media for Windows 10. Microsoft recommends using USB drive with at least 8GB of storage space and fast transfer rate for best performance.

Q: Can I install Windows 10 from a USB drive using a Mac computer?

A: Yes, you can use your Mac to create a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 installation. For more information, please refer to the manual on how to build a bootable USB drive in Windows 10 on Mac.