Install Windows from a USB Flash Drive

Here’s how to create a bootable Windows installation USB drive starting with a Windows .iso file or a Windows Setup DVD.

If you’re looking for an easy way to create a bootable USB Windows installation drive, use the media creation tool.

What you need

• Windows 10 install .iso or DVD
• USB flash drive with at least 5GB free space. This drive will be formatted, so make sure it doesn’t have any important files on it.
• Technician PC — Windows PC that you’ll use to format the USB flash drive
• Destination PC — A PC that you’ll install Windows on

Step 1 — Format the drive and set the primary partition as active

Connect the USB flash drive to your technician PC.

Open Disk Management: Right-click on Start and choose Disk Management.

Format the partition: Right-click the USB drive partition and choose Format. Select the FAT32 file system to be able to boot either BIOS-based or UEFI-based PCs.

Set the partition as active: Right-click the USB drive partition and click Mark Partition as Active.

If Mark Partition as Active isn’t available, you can instead use diskpart to select the partition and mark it active.

Step 2 — Copy Windows Setup to the USB flash drive

Use File Explorer to copy and paste the entire contents of the Windows product DVD or ISO to the USB flash drive.

Optional: add an unattend file to automate the installation process. For more information, see Automate Windows Setup.

Step 3 — Install Windows to the new PC

Connect the USB flash drive to a new PC.

Turn on the PC and press the key that opens the boot-device selection menu for the computer, such as the Esc/F10/F12 keys. Select the option that boots the PC from the USB flash drive.

Windows Setup starts. Follow the instructions to install Windows.

Remove the USB flash drive.

If your Windows image is larger than 4GB

Windows USB install drives are formatted as FAT32, which has a 4GB filesize limit. If your image is larger than the filesize limit:

Copy everything except the Windows image file (sources\install.wim) to the USB drive (either drag and drop, or use this command, where D: is the mounted ISO and E: is the USB flash drive.)

Split the Windows image file into smaller files, and put the smaller files onto the USB drive:

Использование образов ISO Using ISOs

Если устройство трудно использовать из-за проблемы или если вы хотите выйти из канала Dev или прекратить получать сборки предварительного просмотра, может потребоваться использовать ISO для чистой установки или обновления на месте. If your device is hard to use because of an issue, or if you want to switch out of the Dev Channel or stop receiving preview builds, you might need to use an ISO for a clean installation or in-place upgrade. IsOs доступны как для предварительной сборки предварительного просмотра Windows 10, так и для Windows. ISOs are available for both Windows 10 Insider Preview Builds and for Windows.

Обновление на месте с помощью ISO предварительного просмотра Windows In-place upgrade with a Windows Insider Preview ISO

Скачайте выбранный ISO со страницы ISO для Windows Insider, сэкономив его в расположении на устройстве или создав загружаемый USB. Download your chosen ISO from the Windows Insider ISO page by saving it to a location on your device or creating a bootable USB.

Откройте проводник и перейдите в расположение, где сохранен ISO-файл. Open File Explorer and go to where you saved the ISO. Выберите ISO-файл для открытия, что позволит Windows подключить образ, чтобы вы могли получить к нему доступ. Select the ISO file to open it, which lets Windows mount the image so you can access it.

Выберите файл setup.exe для запуска процесса установки. Select the setup.exe file to launch the install process.

Во время настройки выберите параметры Keep Windows, личные файлы и приложения. During setup, select the Keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps option.

После завершения установки перейдите в программу обновления параметров & **** > **** > Windows Insider Program, чтобы убедиться, что параметры windows Insider верны. Once it’s finished installing, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program to make sure your Windows Insider settings are correct.

Чистая установка с ИСО предварительного просмотра Windows Clean installation with a Windows Insider Preview ISO

Создайте резервные копии всех своих файлов и приложений. Back up all your files and applications. Чистая установка с использованием образа ISO программы предварительной оценки Windows приведет к очистке всех ваших файлов, параметров и приложений. A clean install with a Windows Insider ISO will erase all of your files, settings, and applications.

Скачайте выбранный ISO со страницы ISO для Windows Insider, сэкономив его в расположении на устройстве или создав загружаемый USB. Download your chosen ISO from the Windows Insider ISO page by saving it to a location on your device or creating a bootable USB.

Откройте проводник и перейдите в расположение, где сохранен ISO-файл. Open File Explorer and go to where you saved the ISO. Выберите ISO-файл для открытия, что позволит Windows подключить образ, чтобы вы могли получить к нему доступ. Select the ISO file to open it, which lets Windows mount the image so you can access it.

Выберите файл setup.exe для запуска процесса установки. Select the setup.exe file to launch the install process.

Во время установки нажмите параметр Изменить выбранные для сохранения компоненты и выберите Ничего на следующем экране, чтобы выполнить чистую установку. During setup, select the Change what to keep option, and then choose Nothing on the next screen to complete a clean intall.

После завершения установки перейдите в программу обновления параметров & **** > **** > Windows Insider Program, чтобы убедиться, что параметры windows Insider верны. Once it’s finished installing, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program to make sure your Windows Insider settings are correct.

Создание загружаемого USB-интерфейса для ICO windows Insider Creating a bootable USB for Windows Insider ISOs

Если у вас возникли определенные проблемы, препятствующие скачив isO на вашем устройстве, или вам необходимо быстро настроить новое устройство в программе инсайдерской Windows, может помочь загружаемый USB, сделанный из файла ISO Windows Insider. If you’re having certain issues that prevent you from downloading an ISO to your device, or you need to quickly set up a new device in the Windows Insider Program, a bootable USB made from a Windows Insider ISO file can help.

Существует множество сторонних программных приложений, способных преобразовать USB-накопитель в загружаемый формат. There are many third-party software applications that are capable of converting a USB drive into a bootable format. В этом примере мы используем Rufus, так как он бесплатный и легкий на системных ресурсах. We’re using Rufus in this example since it’s free and lightweight on system resources. Вы можете использовать любое программное обеспечение, которое может форматировать USB в загружаемый формат и преобразовать ISO в декомпилируемые файлы установки. You can use any software that can format the USB into a bootable format and convert the ISO into the decompiled installation files.

Скачайте выбранный ISO со страницы ISO для Windows Insider, сэкономив его в расположении на устройстве, которое можно легко запомнить. Download your chosen ISO from the Windows Insider ISO page by saving it to a location on your device you can easily remember.

Подключите USB-накопитель, который имеет не менее 8 ГБ. Connect a USB drive that’s at least 8GB. Сбереите все данные на диске, который необходимо сохранить, так как все данные на нем будут стираться. Back up any data on the drive you want to save, because any data on it will erased.

Запуск Rufus или предпочтительного программного обеспечения. Launch Rufus or your preferred software.

Настройка параметров меню Rufus: Configure the Rufus menu options:

Если у вас есть несколько дисков, подключенных через USB (внешний жесткий диск, большой палец и т.д.), убедитесь, что вы выберите правильное устройство из отсев. If you have multiple drives connected via USB (external hard drive, thumb drive, etc.), make sure you select the right device from the dropdown.

Схема раздела и тип целевой системы должны быть установлены в схеме раздела MBR для BIOS или UEFI. Partition scheme and target system type should be set to MBR partition scheme for BIOS or UEFI.

Файловая система должна быть настроена на NTFS. File system should be set to NTFS. Если по каким-либо причинам это не работает на устройстве, его можно повторно создать с помощью FAT32. If for some reason this doesn’t work on your device, you can re-create it using FAT32.

Размер кластера может оставаться на 4096 bytes (По умолчанию) Cluster size can stay on 4096 bytes (Default)

Для метки New Volumeвведите имя по вашему выбору. For New volume label, enter a name of your choosing.

В формате Параметры, 1 Пропуск должен быть выбран из первого отсев. Under Format Options, 1 Pass should be selected from the first dropdown. Выберите почтовые ящики рядом с форматом Quick, Создайтезагружаемый диск с помощью и создайте расширенные файлы меток и значков. Select the checkboxes beside Quick format, Create a bootable disk using, and Create extended label and icon files. Кроме того, создайте загружаемый диск с помощью, выберите isO Image из выпадаемой папки, а затем выберите значок диска рядом с отсевом и перейдите к скачаемом файлу ISO. Beside Create a bootable disk using, choose ISO Image from the dropdown, then select the disk icon next to the dropdown and navigate to the ISO file you downloaded.

Выберите Начните, и Rufus будет формат вашего USB и decompile ISO. Select Start, and Rufus will format your USB and decompile the ISO.

После того, как она будет завершена, вы все готово. Once it’s finished, you’re all set. Теперь вы можете использовать его на устройстве. Now you can use it on a device.

Если вы используете этот диск для обновления устройства, на нем уже есть Windows, подключите его к устройству, откройте Проводник файлов, найдите диск и запустите setup.exe, чтобы начать работу. If you use this drive to upgrade a device that already has Windows on it, connect it to the device, open File Explorer, locate the drive, and launch setup.exe to get started.

Если этот диск используется для чистой установки Windows, подключите его к устройству и перезагружайте. If you use this drive to do a clean Windows install, connect it to the device and reboot. Возможно, вам также потребуется настроить параметры BIOS или UEFI, чтобы разрешить загрузку с USB-накопителя. You may also need to adjust your BIOS or UEFI settings to allow it to boot from a USB-based drive.

Чистая установка с isO Windows 10 Clean installation with a Windows 10 ISO

Создайте резервные копии всех своих файлов и приложений. Back up all your files and applications. Чистая установка с использованием образа ISO Windows 10 приведет к очистке всех ваших файлов, параметров и приложений. A clean install with a Windows 10 ISO will erase all of your files, settings, and applications.

Скачайте последнюю isO Windows 10, сэкономив ее в расположении на компьютере или создав загружаемый USB. Download the latest Windows 10 ISO by saving it to a location on your PC or creating a bootable USB.

Откройте проводник и перейдите в расположение, где сохранен ISO-файл. Open File Explorer and go to where you saved the ISO. Выберите ISO-файл для открытия, что позволит Windows подключить образ, чтобы вы могли получить к нему доступ. Select the ISO file to open it, which lets Windows mount the image so you can access it.

Выберите файл setup.exe для запуска процесса установки. Select the setup.exe file to launch the install process.

Во время установки нажмите параметр Изменить выбранные для сохранения компоненты и выберите Ничего на следующем экране, чтобы выполнить чистую установку. During setup, select the Change what to keep option, and then choose Nothing on the next screen to complete a clean intall.

How to install Windows 10 from DVD, USB, or ISO file

Windows 10 is used on more than 1 billion computers and devices, and many users want to install it on their own. One way is to use a USB memory stick with the Windows 10 setup, a DVD, or an ISO file with the installation. The installation process is the same no matter the source that you use, just booting from a different source involves different selections. In this guide, we show you how to make a clean install of Windows 10 on your PC using the following types of installation media: DVD, USB memory stick, and ISO file. There are many steps involved, so let’s get started:

NOTE: This guide is based on Windows 10 May 2020 Update, the most recent version of Windows 10 at the time this tutorial was created.

Windows 10 requirements (minimum)

Before you install Windows 10, read the Windows 10 Specifications on Microsoft’s website and review its system requirements. Windows 10 demands the following:

• Processor or System on a Chip (SoC): 1 GHz or faster, compatible with Windows 10
• RAM: minimum 1 gigabyte (GB) for the 32-bit version or 2 GB for the 64-bit version
• Free hard drive space: 32 GB or more, for both the 32-bit version and 64-bit version. For the best experience, it is better to use 60 GB or more.
• Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 compatible graphics card
• A display with a minimum resolution of 800 x 600 pixels

Windows 10 requirements (recommended system requirements)

For an excellent user experience and a Windows 10 PC that feels fast and works well, your computer or device should meet the following specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core 8th Gen, AMD 8th Gen, Snapdragon SDM850 or later
• RAM: 4 gigabytes (GB) for the 32-bit version or 8 GB for the 64-bit version
• SSD: 128 GB or more
• Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 compatible graphics card
• A display with a minimum resolution of 800 x 600 pixels

What you should know and have prepared before installing Windows 10

Before you start, you should have the Windows 10 product key, even though you can install it without one. However, you cannot fully use Windows 10 until you activate it and provide the product key. We recommend using a working internet connection and a Microsoft account.

If you need the ISO setup image file for Windows 10, follow the steps in this tutorial: How to get and use Media Creation Tool to create Windows 10 installation media (USB stick or ISO). We also recommend a similar third-party tool that you can use to download any edition of Windows 10: Download ISO files with Windows 10 and Office (all versions).

If you want to run Windows 10 in a virtual machine, the best virtualization applications that we tested and are capable of running Windows 10 are VirtualBox, VMware (Player, Player Pro, and Workstation), and Hyper-V. VMware Player, Hyper-V, and VirtualBox are the free products on this list. If you want to install Windows 10 in a virtual machine, you need to mount the Windows 10 ISO setup file before starting the virtual machine.

During our tests, we discovered that, in some cases, the Windows 10 installation process may not offer you the option to create a local (non-Microsoft) offline account. If you are not comfortable sharing your data with Microsoft, avoid connecting your computer to the internet before the installation is complete. This ensures you can finish the Windows 10 install process using a local account, without being forced to create a Microsoft account to finish the process.

Finally, regardless of whether you want to know “How to install Windows 10 from DVD?”, “How to install Windows 10 from ISO file?”, or “How to install Windows 10 from USB?”, the steps you need to take are identical, so let’s see how to make a clean Windows 10 install:

How to install Windows 10 from a USB memory stick, DVD, or ISO file

Boot your computer or virtual machine using the installation DVD, USB flash drive, or the ISO file with the Windows 10 setup files. In a couple of seconds, you see a quick message on the screen stating that you need to press any key to continue. Do what the message says, and the Windows 10 logo is shown, while the installation wizard is loaded.

First, the Windows 10 Setup asks what language, time and currency format, and keyboard input settings you want to use. Make the selections you prefer and press Next.

Click or tap Install now to start the Windows 10 installation.

The setup takes a couple of seconds to start and asks you to enter the product key for Windows 10. Type it and press Next. If you are reinstalling Windows 10, click or tap that you do not have a product key, and your copy is automatically activated later. You can also clean install Windows 10 without providing the key, if you click or tap on “I don’t have a product key.”

Select which Windows 10 edition you want to install: from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Education, all the way to Windows 10 Pro.

You are shown the license terms. Read them if you wish and have the time. Then, check the box for “I accept the license terms” and press Next.

You are asked for the type of installation you want to perform. To make a clean install of Windows 10, click or tap “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).” Otherwise, choose Upgrade, and read the instructions from this guide instead: How to upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 to Windows 10.

You are asked to select where you want to install Windows. Choose the drive or partition that you want to use for Windows 10 and press Next. If you need to configure your partitions in a specific way, do not hesitate to use the tools available for creating new partitions, deleting old ones, formatting, and so on, before clicking Next.

The setup takes some minutes to copy all the required files and then installs the Windows 10 operating system. It also installs updates, if it detects that it can connect to the internet.

Once the installation is done, the Windows 10 setup automatically reboots, at least once, to run the first-time configuration scripts. Wait for the process to finish. If you see the prompt below, you can skip the waiting by pressing Restart now.

While you wait, Windows 10 shows you the status of its “Getting ready” activities, letting you follow the progress.

How to customize your Windows 10 installation (setup steps)

After the reboots are finished, Windows 10 asks you to choose the region where you live. Select it from the list, and then click or tap Yes.

You are asked to confirm the keyboard layout that you want to use. Choose the keyboard you prefer, and press Yes.

If you need to use a secondary keyboard layout, you can add a second one during the next step. Otherwise, choose Skip.

You can also add new keyboards after installing Windows 10, using the instructions from this guide: How to add, change, and remove keyboard input languages in Windows 10.

If you have a working internet connection, Windows 10 checks if there are any updates available. If that is the case, it downloads and installs them.

Then, you are asked to confirm the ownership of your Windows 10 device. If you are its owner, select “Set up for personal use.” If the device belongs to an organization (for example, the company you work at), select “Set up for an organization” and use your business account to sign in and access your resources. Then, press Next.

Read the second page of this tutorial to see how to configure the user account as part of the Windows 10 install process.