Windows is one of the most popular operating systems used globally. The latest version of Windows is Windows 10. To install Windows, Windows installation disks are traditionally used. But with the advent of USB flash drives, installing Windows using a flash drive has become much more comfortable and efficient. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to install Windows 10 using a flash drive.
Step 1: Download Windows 10
To install Windows 10 using a flash drive, you’ll first need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s official website. The ISO file is an image of the Windows 10 installation disk, and you’ll need to ensure that you download the correct version corresponding to the type of Windows license you own.
Once you’ve downloaded the ISO file, you’ll need to create a bootable USB flash drive.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Flash Drive
The next step is to create a bootable USB flash drive, and this is where you’ll use a third-party tool like Rufus. Rufus is a free and open-source tool that you can use to create a bootable USB flash drive. Here are the steps to follow:
- Insert the USB flash drive into your computer. The USB flash drive should have a minimum capacity of 8GB.
- Download Rufus from their official website and install it on your computer.
- Launch Rufus and select your USB flash drive from the Device dropdown menu.
- Select the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded in Step 1 using the Select button next to the “Boot selection” dropdown menu.
- Leave all other settings at their default values and click on Start.
- Wait for Rufus to finish creating the bootable USB flash drive.
Step 3: Prepare Your Computer for Installation
Now that you have created a bootable USB flash drive, the next step is to prepare your computer for the installation process. Here are the steps to follow:
- Insert the bootable USB flash drive into the computer on which you want to install Windows 10.
- Restart your computer.
- Press the appropriate key to enter the BIOS settings. The appropriate key varies from computer to computer, but it is usually one of the function keys or the Delete key. Consult your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
- In the BIOS settings, change the boot order to prioritize the USB flash drive over the hard drive.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.
Step 4: Install Windows 10
With the bootable USB flash drive created and your computer prepared for installation, you can now proceed with the Windows 10 installation process. Here are the steps to follow:
- Boot up your computer. Windows 10 will start loading files from the USB flash drive.
- Select your language preferences and click on Next.
- Click on Install now.
- Enter your Windows product key when prompted. This is the key that came with your Windows license.
- Accept the license terms and click on Next.
- Select the Custom installation option.
- Select the drive on which you want to install Windows 10 and click on Next. If you’re installing Windows 10 on a new computer with only one hard drive, there will only be one option to select.
- Wait for Windows 10 to install. The installation process may take some time.
- Once Windows 10 is installed, you’ll need to set up your user account and configure your computer settings.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a Mac to create a bootable USB flash drive for Windows 10?
A: Yes, you can. You can use a tool like Boot Camp Assistant to create a Windows 10 bootable USB flash drive on a Mac. Boot Camp Assistant is a built-in app in macOS that allows you to install Windows on a Mac.
Q: Why is it necessary to change the boot order in the BIOS settings?
A: Changing the boot order in the BIOS settings is necessary to ensure that your computer boots from the USB flash drive instead of the hard drive. If the boot order is not changed, the computer will continue to boot from the hard drive and not load the Windows 10 installation files from the USB flash drive.
Conclusion
Installing Windows 10 using a flash drive is an efficient and straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a bootable USB flash drive and install Windows 10 on your computer with ease. If you encounter any issues during the installation process, consult your computer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
Video Tutorial
Watch this video tutorial for a visual guide on how to install Windows 10 using a flash drive:
