How to Install Windows 10 from usb

Windows 10 is a major release of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system. It was officially unveiled in September 2014 following a brief demo at Build 2014. The operating system was released to manufacturing on July 15, 2015, and later to retail on July 29, 2015. Windows 10 was made available for download via MSDN and Technet, and as a free upgrade for retail copies of Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 users via the Windows Store. Windows 10 introduces a range of new features, user interface changes, and improvements over previous versions of Windows. Notably, it marks a significant shift in Microsoft's operating system strategy, emphasizing free upgrades, continuous updates, and integration across devices.

Installing Windows 10 from USB

Installing Windows 10 from a USB drive is a convenient option for computers that do not have an optical drive or when you don't have a Windows 10 installation disc. To do this, you'll need a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage and a Windows 10 ISO file. Here's a detailed guide on how to create a bootable USB drive and install Windows 10:

Step 1: Download Windows 10 ISO

1. Go to Microsoft's Download Windows 10 page: Microsoft provides a tool to download Windows 10 and create your installation media called the Media Creation Tool. Visit the official Microsoft website to download it.
2. Create Windows 10 installation media: Run the Media Creation Tool and follow the instructions. You'll need to select "Create installation media for another PC." Choose the appropriate language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10.
3. Choose "ISO file": When prompted, choose to create an ISO file, which you can then use to create a bootable USB drive.

Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive

1. Download Rufus or any other USB bootable creation tool: Rufus is a free, open-source software that allows you to create a bootable USB drive. Download and run Rufus from its official website.
2. Insert your USB drive: Make sure it's at least 8GB and note that all data on the USB drive will be erased.
3. Open Rufus and configure it:
   • In Rufus, select your USB drive from the Device drop-down.
   • Click on the "Select" button to browse and select your downloaded ISO file.
   • Leave the partition scheme as it is. It usually detects the correct setting based on your system, but it's generally recommended to use GPT for UEFI firmware.
   • Make sure the File System is set to NTFS.
   • Leave the default Cluster size, and enter a name for your drive in the "Volume label" box.
   • Ensure that "Create a bootable disk using" is checked and ISO Image is selected. Rufus should automatically select this based on the ISO you chose.
   • Click "Start" to begin the process. This will erase any existing data on your USB and create a bootable Windows 10 installation drive.

Step 3: Install Windows 10 Using USB

1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 10.
2. Reboot or turn on your computer. You'll need to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings to change the boot order. This process varies by computer manufacturer; you usually need to press a key like F2, F12, Delete, or Esc immediately after you turn on your computer. Look for a message during the boot process that tells you which key to press for Setup or Boot Menu.
3. Change the boot order: Find the boot order settings in the BIOS/UEFI. Set your computer to boot from the USB drive first. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI.
4. Follow the Windows 10 installation process: After your computer boots from the USB drive, you'll see the Windows 10 installation screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. This will include accepting the license terms, choosing the installation type (Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) is typically selected for clean installations), selecting the disk where Windows 10 will be installed, and waiting for the installation to complete.
5. Remove the USB drive: After the installation is complete and you've gone through the initial setup process (like setting up a user account and connecting to Wi-Fi), remember to remove the USB drive. This prevents the computer from booting from the USB again.

Step 4: Finalize Your Installation

1. Check for updates: Once Windows 10 is installed, it's a good idea to run Windows Update to download and install any available updates. This ensures your system is up to date.
2. Install drivers: Windows 10 does a good job of automatically finding and installing drivers for your computer’s components and peripherals. However, you may need to manually install some drivers, which are typically available from the manufacturer's website.
3. Install your applications: With your system updated and drivers installed, you can now install your necessary applications and transfer your files back onto your computer, if you performed a clean install.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows 10 from a USB drive. Enjoy the new operating system and explore its features.