We’ve detailed a method around this, but it’s complicated and involves command line work. You can use Portable VirtualBox, but that requires installing VM software and an OS to run from. If you want an alternative with less overhead, Rufus and WinToUSB are free for most cases and easy to use with one catch.

With WinToUSB you’ll need to pay if you want to install Windows 10 1809-that’s the October 2018 Update. Rufus doesn’t offer the option to install 1809 at all. Alternatively, you can download Windows 1803 using the Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool.

Just download and run the program, pick Windows 10 and then choose the appropriate Windoption. Of the two, Rufus edges out as the better option since you don’t have to pay for compatibility with both modern UEFI and legacy computers. What You’ll Need to Get Startedįor this process to work, you’re going to need a few items: You’ll want this to work with both and WinToUSB charges for that feature. A USB 3.0 Flash Drive with at least 32 GB of storage-bigger is better! You could use a 2.0 USB drive, but it will be extremely slow.A valid license for your portable copy of Windows.Option 1: Install Windows on a USB Drive with Rufus To start, you’ll need to download Rufus and launch it. Rufus is a portable app, so it doesn’t require installation.

In Rufus, select the USB device you want to install Windows on in the “Device” box. Click “Select” and point Rufus at the Windows ISO you’ll be installing it from.Īfter you’ve chosen your ISO, click on the “Image option” box and select “Windows To Go.”Ĭlick “Partition Scheme” and select “MBR.” Finally, click “Target System” and select ‘BIOS or UEFI.”Ĭlick the “Start” button when you’re done. Rufus will format your drive and install Windows. Wait for the process to complete, safely remove the USB drive from your PC, and you can now boot it on any PC you like.

RELATED: How to Boot Your Computer From a Disc or USB Drive Option 2: Create a Windows Drive with WinToUSB Once you’re at a computer you want to launch your copy of Windows from, you’ll need to reboot, get to the BIOS and choose the option to boot off USB devices. The first step is to download and install WinToUSB. It has a free version, and if you’re installing Windows 10 version 1803 (the April 2018 Update), that’s all you need.

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