When it comes to installing Windows 7, there are multiple ways to do it. While installing it through a CD/DVD drive is quite common, there is another way to do it – through a flash drive.
Why install Windows 7 through a flash drive?
There are several reasons why installing Windows 7 through a flash drive is a better option than using a CD/DVD drive:
- A flash drive is faster than a CD/DVD drive, which means that installation time is reduced significantly.
- A flash drive is more durable than a CD/DVD, which means that it is less likely to become corrupted during the installation process.
- A flash drive is more convenient than a CD/DVD drive, as it is easier to carry around and can be used on any computer that supports booting from a USB drive.
How to install Windows 7 through a flash drive
There are several methods to install Windows 7 through a flash drive. One common method is to use the Command Prompt, while another method involves using third-party software.
Method 1: Using the Command Prompt
Follow these steps to install Windows 7 through a flash drive using the Command Prompt:
- Insert your USB flash drive into your computer.
- Format your USB flash drive to FAT32 format.
- Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
- Type in “diskpart” and press Enter.
- Type in “list disk” and press Enter.
- Identify your USB flash drive by its size, which should be displayed next to it.
- Type in “select disk x” (where x is the number that corresponds to your USB flash drive) and press Enter.
- Type in “clean” and press Enter.
- Type in “create partition primary” and press Enter.
- Type in “select partition 1” and press Enter.
- Type in “active” and press Enter.
- Type in “format fs=FAT32 quick” and press Enter.
- Type in “assign” and press Enter.
- Type in “exit” and press Enter to exit the Command Prompt.
- Next, insert your Windows 7 installation DVD into your CD/DVD drive, and copy all the files from the DVD to the USB flash drive.
- You should now be able to boot from your USB flash drive and begin the Windows 7 installation process.
Method 2: Using third-party software
If you are not comfortable using the Command Prompt, you can use third-party software to install Windows 7 through a flash drive. One such software is the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool, which can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center.
The steps to install Windows 7 through a flash drive using the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool are:
- Download and install the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool from the Microsoft Download Center.
- Insert your USB flash drive into your computer.
- Open the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool.
- Click on “Browse” and select the ISO file of your Windows 7 installation DVD.
- Click on “Next”.
- Select “USB device” as your media type.
- Select your USB flash drive from the drop-down menu.
- Click on “Begin copying”.
- Wait for the copying process to finish.
- You should now be able to boot from your USB flash drive and begin the Windows 7 installation process.
FAQ
1. Can I install Windows 7 through a flash drive even if my computer does not support booting from a USB drive?
No, if your computer does not support booting from a USB drive, you will not be able to install Windows 7 through a flash drive.
2. What is the minimum size of the USB flash drive required to install Windows 7?
The minimum size of the USB flash drive required to install Windows 7 is 4 GB.
Video Tutorial
Conclusion
Installing Windows 7 through a flash drive is a convenient and efficient way to install the operating system. Whether you choose to use the Command Prompt or third-party software, the process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to install Windows 7 through a flash drive with ease.
