Are you looking to install Windows 8 or Windows 7 but don’t have a CD/DVD drive? Or maybe you just prefer to use a flash drive for installation? Well, you’re in luck because installing from a flash drive is not only easy, but it’s also faster than using a traditional CD/DVD drive. Here’s everything you need to know about installing Windows using a flash drive.
Installing Windows 8 Via Flashdrive
The first step in installing Windows 8 via flash drive is to create a bootable USB drive. To do this, you will need a USB drive with at least 4GB of space and a copy of the Windows 8 ISO file. Here are the steps:
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
- Download and install the Microsoft’s Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool from the official Microsoft website.
- Open the tool and select the ISO file you downloaded.
- Select USB device as your media type and choose the USB drive you inserted in step 1.
- Click on ‘Begin copying’.
Your USB drive is now bootable and you can use it to install Windows 8 on any PC that supports booting from a USB drive. Here are the steps to follow:
- Insert the bootable USB drive into the PC you want to install Windows 8 on.
- Power on the PC and press the appropriate key to enter the boot menu. This could be F2, F10, F12 or another key depending on your PC’s manufacturer, so refer to your PC’s manual for the correct key.
- Use the arrow keys to select the USB drive from the list of available boot options.
- Press enter to boot from the USB drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 8.
Installing Windows 7 Via Flashdrive
Installing Windows 7 via flash drive is slightly different from installing Windows 8, but it’s still fairly easy. Here are the steps:
- Insert the USB drive into your computer.
- Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool from the Microsoft website.
- Open the tool and select the Windows 7 ISO file you downloaded.
- Choose ‘USB device’ as your media type and select the USB drive you inserted in step 1.
- Click on ‘Begin copying’.
Your USB drive is now bootable and you can use it to install Windows 7 on any PC that supports booting from a USB drive. Here’s how:
- Insert the bootable USB drive into the PC you want to install Windows 7 on.
- Restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the boot menu. This could be F2, F10, F12 or another key depending on your PC’s manufacturer, so refer to your PC’s manual for the correct key.
- Select the USB drive from the list of boot options.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 7.
FAQs
1. Can I install Windows on any PC using a bootable USB drive?
Yes, you can install Windows on any PC that supports booting from a USB drive. However, you will need to make sure that your USB drive is bootable and contains the correct version of Windows that is compatible with the PC you’re installing it on. It’s also worth noting that some older PCs may not support booting from USB drives at all.
2. How can I tell if my PC supports booting from a USB drive?
You can usually find out whether your PC supports booting from USB in the BIOS settings. To access the BIOS, restart your computer and press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS setup. This could be F2, F10, F12 or another key depending on your PC’s manufacturer, so refer to your PC’s manual for the correct key. Once in the BIOS, look for the boot options and see if USB is listed as a bootable device.
Video Tutorial: Installing Windows from a USB Drive
Closing Thoughts
Installing Windows from a USB drive is a great option for those who don’t have a CD/DVD drive or prefer to use a flash drive. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, it’s a straightforward process that can save you time and hassle.
