If you’re looking for an easy and efficient way to install Windows 10 on your computer, using a flash drive could be the way to go. Not only is it faster than using a DVD, but it’s also more convenient because modern computers no longer come equipped with DVD drives. In this article, we’ll show you step-by-step how to install Windows 10 with a flash drive.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Install Windows 10 with a Flash Drive
What You’ll Need:
- A computer with internet access to download the Windows 10 ISO file
- A USB flash drive with a capacity of at least 8 GB
- A valid Windows 10 license key
Step 1: Download and Install Windows USB/DVD Download Tool
Before you can start creating a bootable USB drive, you’ll need to download and install Windows USB/DVD Download Tool from Microsoft’s website.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the Microsoft website and click on the “Download now” button.
- Once the download is complete, run the installation file and follow the prompts to install the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool on your computer.
Once the installation is complete, you’re ready to create your bootable USB drive.
Step 2: Download the Windows 10 ISO File
Next, you’ll need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the Microsoft website. This will be the file that you’ll copy to your USB flash drive.
Here’s how to download the ISO file:
- Go to the Microsoft website and click on the “Download tool now” button.
- Once the download is complete, run the installation file and follow the prompts to install the Media Creation Tool on your computer.
- Launch the Media Creation Tool and select “Create installation media for another PC”, then click on “Next”.
- Select your language, edition, and architecture, then click on “Next”.
- Select “ISO file” and click on “Next”.
- Choose a location to save the ISO file on your computer, then click on “Save”.
Once the ISO file has finished downloading, you can move on to the next step.
Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Now that you have the Windows 10 ISO file and the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool installed on your computer, you can use them to create a bootable USB drive.
Here’s how to do it:
- Insert your USB flash drive into your computer.
- Launch Windows USB/DVD Download Tool and click on the “Browse” button to select the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
- Select “USB device” as the media type, then click on “Next”.
- Select the USB flash drive you want to use as the destination disk, then click on “Begin copying”.
- Wait for the process to complete. This could take up to 20 minutes depending on the speed of your computer and USB drive.
Once the process is complete, you’ll have a bootable USB flash drive with the Windows 10 installation files ready to go.
Step 4: Install Windows 10 from the USB Drive
With your bootable USB drive ready, you can now install Windows 10 on your computer. Here’s how:
- Insert the bootable USB drive into the computer you want to install Windows 10 on.
- Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. This will vary depending on your computer and BIOS settings, but you can typically access the boot menu by pressing a key such as F12 or Delete during the boot process. Consult your computer’s documentation if you’re unsure.
- Select “Install now” and follow the prompts to enter your license key and select your installation options.
- When you get to the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen, select the drive you want to install Windows on, then click on “Next”.
- Follow the remaining prompts to complete the installation of Windows 10.
Congratulations! You’ve just successfully installed Windows 10 on your computer using a flash drive.
FAQs
Q: Why is it better to install Windows 10 with a flash drive instead of a DVD?
A: There are several reasons why using a flash drive is faster and more convenient than using a DVD. Firstly, modern laptops and computers no longer come equipped with DVD drives, meaning you’d have to purchase an external DVD drive to install Windows. Secondly, flash drives are generally faster than DVDs, meaning the installation process will be much quicker. Lastly, flash drives can be reused over and over again, making them a more sustainable option in the long run.
Q: Do I need a license key to install Windows 10?
A: Yes, you’ll need a valid Windows 10 license key to install the operating system on your computer. You can purchase a license key directly from Microsoft or from a licensed retailer.
Video Tutorial: How to Install Windows 10 with a Flash Drive
If you prefer to learn by watching, here’s a helpful video tutorial that will guide you through the process of installing Windows 10 with a flash drive:
