Updated by Linda on July 20, 2023  | Home > Windows System To Go

What is Windows To Go Creator Software?

Windows To Go was introduced as a feature specifically in Windows 8 Enterprise, Windows 8.1 Enterprise, Windows 10 Enterprise, and Windows 10 Education. This handy feature enables the installation of a fully functional Windows on any system. It can be easily stored on any external hard drive or USB flash drive and is typically used to boot from the host computer via USB. To run the Windows To Go creation software, the BIOS settings of the host computer need to be updated. Compatibility between the host computer's firmware (Legacy BIOS vs. UEFI BIOS) and processor architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit) must also be ensured.

*  Want to know how to create a Windows To Go USB without the Enterprise Edition? Click the link for the solution.

You can boot Windows To Go on various drives. However, for optimal performance, a certified USB drive is required. It is entirely acceptable to create Windows To Go using a non-certified USB device. The software for creating Windows To Go is designed to work with specific USB drives. A portable SSD with USB 3.0 or higher standards is considered the ideal flash drive for this purpose. If you use a USB 2.0 drive, the creation and operation speeds will be slower.

Microsoft Windows To Go Creator
This image depicts the Microsoft Windows To Go Creator, a tool used to create a portable version of Windows that can be booted from a USB drive. The screenshot shows the interface where users can select the operating system, choose the USB device, and proceed with the creation process.

In this article, we will explore the other three top-notch Windows To Go creator software options. We will delve into their individual features and applications. By the conclusion of this piece, you will be able to assess the best creator tool suitable for your needs. Let's dive in.

Top 3 Windows To Go Creator Tools

We've previously examined the Windows To Go Creator software. Now, let's explore the Windows To Go Creator software subsidiaries, which serve similar purposes as the Windows creator software but possess extra features that make them a superior option. Here are the top 3 Windows To Go Creator Software choices:

#1. Rufus

Website: https://rufus.ie/en/

It's a software application that enables you to create a bootable USB drive. It is considered one of the best bootable creators. Thanks to its standard and advanced settings, it can be used by both beginners and experienced users alike. This immediate boot maker creates a bootable drive without putting stress on the system. It comes with in-built drive formatting functionality, so Rufus automatically formats the drive before it is launched.

Features:

Rufus's distinguishing characteristics are as follows.

    • It can create bootable and non-bootable drives.
    • It formats USB flash drives swiftly.
    • It is free for both commercial and personal use.
    • No installation is required.
    • Installs multiple operating systems and creates a multiboot USB drive.
    • Utterly safe to use.
    • Free from advertisements, banners, and third-party promotions or offers.

How to Use Rufus

To use Rufus and create bootable media, you must first meet the necessary system requirements. You'll need Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, or XP, either the 32-bit or 64-bit version. Additionally, you'll require a USB flash drive with a minimum capacity of 8 GB.

Once you have fulfilled the system requirements, you can use Rufus by following these steps:

    Connect the USB drive to your computer and launch Rufus. Set the device and select the installation media for Windows 10 from the drop-down menu. Select the volume label as the format, and leave the file system and cluster size at default. Wait for Rufus to create a Windows 10 installation USB by clicking Start.

rufus - best windows to go creator software

#2. Hasleo WinToUSB

Website: https://www.easyuefi.com/wintousb/

This software enables you to install the entire Windows Operating System on any hard drive or external storage device. It is favored because it creates a portable Windows installer USB drive that you can carry with you wherever you go. The operating system can be run on any computer. Simply copy it to an external drive and then insert it into the system you wish to use. It will work seamlessly. The software provides a straightforward and user-friendly interface.

Features:

以下是Hasleo WinToUSB之所以备受青睐的一些特性:

    • Creates a portable version of Windows 10, 8, 7, by using ISO, WIM, ESD, SWN, VHD, VHDX files directly.
    • Create a USB drive from an existing Windows installation.
    • Windows 7, 8, 8.1, and Windows Server 2012 are all supported.
    • Hot cloning Windows to USB eliminates the need to restart the computer.
    • It's completely free.
    • It is fully compatible with UEFI and GPT, and can run on both 32-bit and 64-bit servers.
    • It runs smoothly on various computers.

How to Use Hasleo WinToUSB

Here are the instructions for using Hasleo WinToUSB on any Operating System:

    1. Insert the USB drive into your computer and launch WinToUSB.
    2. Press the file button to choose the Windows installation ISO/WIM/ESD/SWM from the dialog box.
    3. Review the list of installable operating systems before selecting a destination.
    4. Once you've chosen the format and partition, the installation of Hasleo WinToUSB on your PC will begin.
    5. Restart your computer after the tool has been installed.

Hassle-Free WinToUSB - The Best Windows To Go Creator Software

hassle wintousb - best windows to go creator software

#3. Tool: OS2Go

Site: /utilities/ostogo.html

OS2Go is a tool that enables you to carry your Windows installation on a USB drive. It's similar to creating a portable Windows USB drive, rather than a bootable one. To learn how to create a portable Windows 11 USB drive, you can refer to this guide: /system-to-go/how-to-create-windows-11-portable-usb-drive.html.

It assists you in operating your system while saving passwords and applications on any computer. Firstly, you need to create a bootable USB drive and insert it into a accessible system. Its portability in a USB drive makes it convenient and cost-efficient. Even with an uncertified USB, OS2Go tool can effortlessly create a Windows To Go installation.

Features:

Here are some of the most beneficial features of OS2Go:

    • It creates portable windows for use on both Mac and Windows computers.
    • Bootcamp is not necessary for installing Windows on a Mac.
    • It ensures seamless integration of applications, allowing them to run on any system.
    • 100% safe and secure.
    • A free trial is available.

How to Use the OS2Go Tools?

The steps for using the tool OS2Go are as follows:

Step 1. Install OS2Go on your Windows computer, which will show you the used space on your system drive. Insert a USB drive with a capacity larger than the used space on the system drive. Select the target USB drive and click Next to proceed.

how to use os2go step 1

Step 2. OS2Go will warn you that the following action will erase all data on your drive. Make sure you've backed up all important data. Click Continue to proceed.

how to use os2go step 2

Step 3. Adjust disk layout. The default disk layout on the target drive will be identical to the source drive. You can also customize the layout to suit your needs. Check the box provided if you're using a Solid State Drive as the Windows boot drive. Then, click Proceed.

how to use os2go step 3

Step 4. OS2Go will then begin creating the portable USB drive. This process may take some time, depending on your operating system and network conditions. Once the progress reaches 100%, the USB drive should be bootable.

how to use os2go step 4

Step 5. Insert the portable Windows USB and start your computer. Press the necessary key (F2, DEL, F10, etc.) to access BIOS. Select the option to boot from the USB drive.

注意: 请确保便携式USB和目标计算机的启动模式(UEFI或Legacy)相同,否则可能无法启动。

Conclusion

In summary, we have discussed the top three Windows To Go creator software options. All the tools mentioned are user-friendly and offer a swift response. You can choose the one that best fits your requirements. For optimal outcomes, we recommend using OS2Go Software. Hence, give OS2Go a try!