When it comes to installing Windows 10 on a computer, using a flash disk can be a convenient option. Flash disks, also known as USB drives, are smaller and more portable than traditional installation disks, making them an ideal option for on-the-go installations. In this article, we will discuss how to install Windows 10 using a flash disk and also explore tips on reinstalling Windows 10 without losing data.
How to Install Windows 10 with a Flash Disk
To begin the process of installing Windows 10, you will first need to download a copy of the Windows 10 installation ISO file from Microsoft’s website. The ISO file is a disk image file that contains all the necessary files for installing the operating system. Once you have downloaded the file, you will need to create a bootable flash disk.
Step 1: Formatting the Flash Disk
Before you can create a bootable flash disk, you will first need to format the drive. Formatting the flash disk erases all the data on it, so make sure you’ve backed up any important files. The process of formatting the flash disk is pretty simple, and you can do it using the built-in Disk Management tool on Windows.
Plug in your flash disk and open the Disk Management tool by right-clicking on the Windows Start button and selecting Disk Management from the menu. In the Disk Management window, locate your flash disk and right-click on it. From the context menu, select Format. In the Format window, select the file system as NTFS and click on Start. Wait for the formatting process to complete.
Step 2: Creating a Bootable Flash Disk
After formatting the flash disk, the next step is to create a bootable disk. To do so, you will need to use a tool like Rufus. Rufus is a free and open-source tool that makes it easy to create a bootable flash disk.
Download Rufus from the official website and run the executable file. Select your flash disk from the Device drop-down menu, and then select the Windows 10 ISO file that you downloaded earlier by clicking on the Select button. After that, click on Start to begin the process of creating a bootable flash disk. The process may take a few minutes, depending on the speed of your system.
Step 3: Installing Windows 10
Once you have created a bootable flash disk, you can now use it to install Windows 10 on your computer. To do so, insert the flash disk into your computer’s USB port and restart your computer. During startup, you will need to enter the BIOS setup to change the boot order of your computer. Boot from the flash disk instead of from the hard drive. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the installation process.
How to Reinstall Windows 10 without Losing Data
Reinstalling Windows 10 can be a challenging task, especially if you do not want to lose your data. Fortunately, there are ways to reinstall Windows 10 without losing any data. In this section, we will explore two options for reinstalling Windows 10 without losing data.
Option 1: Reset Windows 10
The first option for reinstalling Windows 10 without losing data is to reset the operating system. Resetting Windows 10 reinstalls the operating system, but it keeps your personal files and data intact. However, all your installed programs and applications will be deleted, so you will need to reinstall them after the reset. Here are the steps for resetting Windows 10:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I. You can also open it by clicking on the Start Menu and selecting Settings.
Step 2: Go to Update & Security
In the Settings app, click on Update & Security.
Step 3: Choose Recovery
In the left pane of the Update & Security window, click on Recovery.
Step 4: Click on Get Started
Under the Reset this PC section, click on Get Started.
Step 5: Choose an Option
You will see two options: Keep my files and Remove everything. Select Keep my files if you want to reinstall Windows 10 without losing your personal files.
Step 6: Start the Reset
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process. It may take some time to complete the reset, depending on the speed of your computer.
Option 2: Repair Install Windows 10
The second option for reinstalling Windows 10 without losing data is to perform a repair install. A repair install reinstalls the operating system while keeping your personal files and programs intact. Here are the steps for performing a repair install:
Step 1: Create a Windows 10 Installation Media
Create a Windows 10 installation media by following the steps outlined in the previous section.
Step 2: Boot from the Installation Media
Insert the installation media into your computer and restart your computer. During startup, enter the BIOS setup to change the boot order of your computer. Boot from the installation media instead of from the hard drive.
Step 3: Choose Language and Time
Select your language, time, and keyboard settings. Click on Next.
Step 4: Click on Install Now
Click on Install Now to start the installation process.
Step 5: Accept the License Terms
Accept the license terms and click on Next.
Step 6: Choose the Upgrade Option
On the next screen, choose the Upgrade option. This will perform a repair install and keep your personal files and programs intact.
Step 7: Wait for the Installation to Complete
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. It may take some time to complete the installation, depending on the speed of your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use a flash disk to install Windows 10 on multiple computers?
A: Yes, you can use a flash disk to install Windows 10 on multiple computers. However, you will need to create a bootable flash disk for each computer.
Q2: Do I need to activate Windows 10 after installing it with a flash disk?
A: Yes, you will need to activate Windows 10 after installing it with a flash disk. You can activate Windows 10 by entering a valid product key or by purchasing a license from Microsoft.
Conclusion
Installing Windows 10 with a flash disk can be a convenient option, especially if you need to install the operating system on multiple computers. Creating a bootable flash disk is a straightforward process, and there are many tools available to help you. Similarly, reinstalling Windows 10 without losing any data is possible, and there are two options available: resetting Windows 10 or performing a repair install. Both options keep your personal files and programs intact, so you don’t have to worry about losing any data during the reinstallation process.
