Are you planning to install Windows 10 but don’t have a CD drive? No worries. You can still install it using a flash drive. In this article, we will guide you through the easy steps of installing Windows 10 using a flash drive.
Step 1: Download Windows 10 ISO
Before you start creating the bootable USB, make sure that you have a stable internet connection and enough space on your computer or laptop. You will need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official website.
- Go to the official Microsoft website and click on the “Download tool now” button located in the “Create Windows 10 installation media” section.
- Once downloaded, click on the “Launch” button, and it will open the Windows 10 installer.
- Next, accept the terms and conditions and select the “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC” option.
- Choose your preferred language, edition, and architecture.
- Select “USB flash drive” when asked “What do you want to do?” and click on “Next”.
- Select your USB drive and click on the “Next” button to start the creation of a bootable USB drive.
- Wait for the process to finish, it may take a few minutes, depending on your computer or laptop’s speed. Once the process is finished, you can use the USB drive for your Windows 10 installation.
Step 2: Boot from the Flash Drive
After you have created the bootable USB drive, you can start the installation process. However, before installing, make sure to set your computer or laptop to boot from the USB drive.
- Insert the USB drive into your computer or laptop.
- Restart your computer or laptop.
- During startup, press the key that opens the BIOS menu. This key differs depending on your computer or laptop’s manufacturer. It is often F2, F10, or Delete.
- In the BIOS menu, locate the Boot section.
- Select the USB drive as the first boot device, and press Enter to save the changes.
- The computer or laptop will reboot, and Windows 10 installation screen will appear.
Step 3: Install Windows 10
Now that your computer or laptop is set to boot from the USB drive, you can proceed with the installation process. Follow the steps below:
- Select the language and other preferences, and click on the “Install now” button.
- Enter the product key if prompted or select “I don’t have a product key” if you don’t have one. Then, click on “Next”.
- Select the edition of Windows 10 that you want to install and click on “Next”.
- Read and accept the terms and conditions, then click on “Next”.
- Choose the type of installation you want to perform. If you want to keep your personal files, settings, and apps, select “Upgrade”. If you want to do a clean install, select “Custom”.
- Choose the drive where you want to install Windows 10 and click on “Next”.
- Wait for the installation process to finish. This may take a while depending on your computer or laptop’s speed.
- Once the installation is finished, you can log in to your computer or laptop with your Microsoft account or create a new one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a product key to install Windows 10?
You will need a product key to activate Windows 10. However, you can skip the product key entry during installation, and Windows 10 will still work. You can activate Windows 10 later when you have a product key.
2. Can I use the same bootable USB drive to install Windows 10 on multiple computers or laptops?
Yes, you can use the same bootable USB drive to install Windows 10 on multiple computers or laptops as long as you have a valid product key for each device.
Video Tutorial: How to Install Windows 10 using a Flash Drive
For a more visual guide on how to install Windows 10 using a flash drive, you can check out this video tutorial:
About the Author
This article was written by a professional content writer with a passion for technology. They have extensive experience in creating informative and engaging content for various industries, including IT, healthcare, and finance.
