But you’re here to learn how to put Windows on a USB drive, so here are the basic steps
How do I put Windows on a USB drive?
First, make sure you have your Windows product key. Here are some tips on finding your Windows key. You’ll need to know which version of Windows you have a product key for, such as Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit. This may be printed on the sticker, but if not, you can go to the Control Panel, then System and Security, and System. Along with other information about your PC or laptop, this will tell you precisely the version of Windows. Windows keys usually work with both 32- or 64-bit versions, but you can’t download a Professional version if your key is for a Home version. All computers these days are 64-bit.
Windows 10
If you need to install Windows 10, you can download the Microsoft Media Creation tool. This will walk you through the whole process of downloading the right version, and then burning it to a DVD or creating a bootable USB flash drive.
Windows 8
Windows 8 is more complicated, because you can’t download a Windows 8 ISO, only Windows 8.1. The confusing part is that a Windows 8 key won’t work with a Windows 8.1 ISO, so if you have only a WIndows 8 key you will need to use the Windows and Office ISO downloader tool below to get Windows 8. You can then upgrade it to Windows 8.1. If you do have a Windows 8.1 key, then you can download Windows 8.1 from Microsoft. Like Windows 10, it’s done through the Media Creation Tool which gives you a choice of creating a USB or DVD, or even converting the downloaded files to a single ISO file for safekeeping.
Windows 7
You can still download Windows 7 ISO files from Microsoft’s website. But you will need your product key in order to do so. And as we’ve said above, it can’t be an OEM key from your Dell or Sony laptop. If you have only an OEM key, use the Windows and Office ISO downloader tool below
As with other versions of Windows, the download will be done via the Media Creation Tool and this is the easiest and most convenient way for most people.
Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool
You can download the free Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Toolto legally obtain the ISO files for different versions of Windows. Once installed, run it and untick the ‘Expert View’ box. Now choose between Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10 (and even 10 Insider Preview) you might have to wait a short while while the tool builds a list of the many different versions available. It will show a Select edition drop-down menu as in the image below. After that, choose your language and 32- or 64-bit (likely to be the latter) and then click the Download button.
How do I install Windows from a USB drive?
At this point, and especially if you’re planning to do a fresh install and format the hard drive as part of the process, make sure you’ve backed up all your documents, music, photos, videos and other files you don’t want to lose. Then shut down your computer and insert your USB flash drive (or DVD). Now power on the PC and it should boot from the disc or drive. If not, you’ll need to enter the BIOS and change the boot order to prioritise the DVD drive or USB drive. When you get your computer to boot from the disc or USB drive, it should first present an option to choose the language and maybe also the exact version to install. Just make sure you pick the right settings. Keep following the on-screen prompts to install Windows. If you’re asked if you want to upgrade or do a fresh (clean) installation, choose the latter if possible. This will wipe your hard drive and is the best choice for most people as it doesn’t carry across all the detritus (and potentially viruses and malware) from your old Windows installation. This improves performance and uses less disk space. NOTE: If your hard disk is split up into several partitions you will need to choose the one on which Windows was installed previously. Be careful not to install it on a separate partition which contains any backups or personal files. You can often figure out which is the right one by looking at the Total Size column and also the type, since Windows has to be on a Primary partition in order to be bootable. And if you know you don’t want to keep anything from your hard drive, it’s safe to select each partition and delete it to completely start afresh.
For more, see How to format a hard drive The rest of the installation process should be self-explanatory, but you’ll find more details in our How to install Windows 10 and How to reinstall Windows guides. Jim has been testing and reviewing products for over 20 years. His main beats include VPN services and antivirus. He also covers smart home tech, mesh Wi-Fi and electric bikes.
