How To Install Windows 10 From USB (2022)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of installing Windows 10 from a USB drive. This method is useful for upgrading your operating system or performing a clean installation. Ensure you have a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage to get started.

Step 1: Prepare the USB Installer

1. Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

   • Visit the official Microsoft website to download the Media Creation Tool.

2. Create Bootable USB Drive

   • Insert the blank USB drive into your computer.
   • Run the Media Creation Tool.
   • Select "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC".
   • Choose the language, edition, and architecture of Windows 10.
   • Select "USB flash drive" as the media to use.
   • Follow the prompts to complete the process. This will format your USB drive and install the necessary Windows files.

Step 2: Start the Installation via USB

1. Access Boot Menu

   • Restart your PC and enter the boot menu. This usually involves pressing a key like F2, F12, ESC, or DEL immediately after powering on (check your PC’s manual for specifics).

2. Select USB Drive

   • In the boot menu, choose your USB drive as the boot device.

3. Begin Windows Setup

   • After selecting the USB drive, the Windows installer will load.
   • Choose your language and preferences, then click "Next".
   • Click on "Install now".

4. Product Key Entry

   • Enter your Windows 10 product key if prompted. If you don’t have one, you can skip this step.

5. Choose Installation Type

   • Select either "Upgrade" (to keep files and apps) or "Custom" (for a fresh installation). For a clean install, choose "Custom".

6. Partition Selection

   • If choosing a custom install, select the partition where you want to install Windows. You may need to delete existing partitions if you're doing a clean install (be cautious as this will erase data).

7. Complete the Installation

   • Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the installation. Your PC will restart several times during this process.

Conclusion

You have successfully installed Windows 10 from a USB drive. Make sure to remove the USB drive during the first boot after installation. Once Windows is up and running, you can personalize your settings and install necessary drivers. Feel free to explore additional tutorials on optimizing your Windows experience or transferring files to your new installation.