Installing an operating system can be a daunting task, especially for those who are not tech-savvy. However, with the advancement of technology, it has become easier to install an operating system like Windows. One of the easiest ways to install Windows on a computer is by using a flash drive. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of how to install Windows 7/8 using a flash drive.
Step 1: Downloading Windows ISO file
The first step in installing Windows from a flash drive is to download the Windows ISO file from Microsoft’s website. The ISO file contains all the necessary files and software needed to install Windows on a computer. Make sure to download the correct version of the ISO file, depending on the edition, architecture (32-bit or 64-bit), and language. Once you have downloaded the ISO file, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Creating a bootable USB flash drive
The next step is to create a bootable USB flash drive. To do this, you will need a USB flash drive with a minimum of 8GB capacity. Insert the USB flash drive into your computer and open the command prompt by typing “cmd” in the search bar and selecting “Run as administrator”. In the command prompt, type “diskpart” and press enter. Then type “list disk” to display all the available disks on your system. Identify your flash drive by its size and note its disk number. After that, type “select disk [disk number]” and press enter. Replace [disk number] with the number of your flash drive. Then type “clean” and press enter to wipe all data from the flash drive. Next, type “create partition primary” and press enter. Then type “format fs=ntfs quick” and press enter to format the flash drive. Finally, type “active” and press enter to activate the partition.
Once the USB flash drive is formatted and ready, type “exit” and press enter to close the command prompt. Then mount the ISO file by double-clicking on it and copy all the files and folders to the USB flash drive. This will make the USB flash drive a bootable device that can install Windows on any computer.
Step 3: Installing Windows from the USB flash drive
The final step is to insert the USB flash drive into the computer where you want to install Windows. Power on the computer and enter the BIOS menu by pressing the F2 or Del key (depending on your computer’s manufacturer) during startup. In the BIOS menu, set the USB flash drive as the primary boot device and save the changes. Then restart the computer, and it will automatically boot from the USB flash drive and start the Windows installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process, and Windows will be installed on your computer.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a flash drive to install any edition of Windows?
A: Yes, you can use a flash drive to install any edition of Windows. The process is the same, regardless of the edition, architecture or language.
Q: Do I need to activate Windows after installing it from a flash drive?
A: Yes, you need to activate Windows after installing it from a flash drive. Windows will run in a trial mode until you activate it with a valid product key.
Conclusion
Installing Windows from a flash drive is a simple and easy process. With the right tools and instructions, anyone can do it, regardless of their technical skills. This method is also faster and more convenient than installing Windows from a DVD or CD. We hope this article has helped you understand how to install Windows 7/8 using a flash drive.
