This guide will teach you how to install Windows 10 using a USB drive. You’ll need a USB drive (at least 8GB in size) to hold all the installation media.

What to Know

  • Go to the Windows 10 download site > Download tool now > insert the USB drive > run the .exe file > allow administrative approval > Accept.
  • Select Create installation media…for another PC > Next > Next > USB flash drive > Next > select the USB drive > Next > select Finish.
  • Plug the USB drive into your PC, and boot from it to begin the installation.

How to Put Windows 10 on USB

The first step to installing Windows 10 from a USB drive is to create the Windows 10 install USB drive.

You need a USB drive of at least 8GB in size. Here’s how to do it.

  • Open your browser of choice and go to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download site.
  • Under the heading Create Windows 10 installation media, select Download tool now.
  • While the tool is downloading, plug in your USB drive and ensure that it has enough space for the installer (8GB). It’s best to delete everything on it or reformat the drive.
  • Run the MediaCreationTool20H2.exe. Allow administrative approval when asked.
  • Read the Microsoft license terms and if you agree, select Accept.
  • There will be a short wait while the tool is Getting things ready, but when it’s finished, select the toggle next to Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD or ISO file) for another PC. Then select Next.
  • Have a look over the language, edition, and architecture options. Typically you can leave the Use the recommended options for this PC checked, but uncheck it if you want to customize the installation. Then select Next.
  • Select USB flash drive, then select Next.
  • Select the USB drive you want to use for the Windows installer, then select Next.

Wait for Windows 10 to download and install to the USB drive. Depending on your internet connection and the USB drive’s speed, this could take from a few minutes up to an hour; when it’s done, select Finish.

Before performing any Windows installation or reinstall, if you have any data on the drive you’re installing that you want to keep, you should back it up to an external drive or cloud storage service.

Open your browser of choice and go to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download site.

Under the heading Create Windows 10 installation media, select Download tool now.

While the tool is downloading, plug in your USB drive and ensure that it has enough space for the installer (8GB). It’s best to delete everything on it or reformat the drive.

Run the MediaCreationTool20H2.exe. Allow administrative approval when asked.

Read the Microsoft license terms and if you agree, select Accept.

There will be a short wait while the tool is Getting things ready, but when it’s finished, select the toggle next to Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD or ISO file) for another PC. Then select Next.

Have a look over the language, edition, and architecture options. Typically you can leave the Use the recommended options for this PC checked, but uncheck it if you want to customize the installation. Then select Next.

Select USB flash drive, then select Next.

Select the USB drive you want to use for the Windows installer, then select Next.

How to Install Windows 10 From USB

Now that your USB drive is ready to let you install Windows 10 from USB, the process for actually installing Windows 10 is relatively straightforward.

Double-check that any critical data you have saved on the drive you want to install Windows on is backed up and safe. If you’re sure, make sure the USB drive is plugged into the PC and either restart or turn the system on. Then follow our guide on how to boot from a USB drive.

Once you see the Windows installer appear, follow our guide on how to install Windows 10.

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