Yes, you can install Windows from a Windows To Go USB drive. Windows To Go is a feature in Windows 8 and later versions that allows you to create a portable version of Windows on a USB drive. This can be used to boot and run Windows on any compatible computer. To install Windows using the Windows To Go USB, follow these steps: 1. Ensure that your computer's BIOS or UEFI settings are configured to boot from USB devices. You may need to enter the setup menu during startup (usually by pressing F2, F10, F12, or Del keys, depending on your system) to change the boot order. 2. Insert the Windows To Go USB drive into your computer's USB port. 3. Restart your computer. It should now boot from the USB drive. 4. Follow the on-screen instructions for the Windows Setup process. You'll be asked to select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard preferences. 5. Choose the "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option when prompted to choose an installation type. 6. Select the partition where you want to install Windows (or create a new partition if needed). Note that this will erase any existing data on the selected drive. 7. Complete the installation process, which may take some time. 8. Once the installation is finished, remove the USB drive and restart your computer. It should now boot directly into the newly installed Windows operating system. Remember that Windows To Go is designed for enterprise use and might have specific licensing requirements. Make sure you have a valid Windows license before proceeding with the installation.

Many Windows users wonder if they can install Windows from a Windows To Go USB. The straightforward answer is **NO**. Microsoft created the Windows To Go feature to enable users to create a portable system copy on an external USB drive. However, this feature has been removed from various Windows versions. Moreover, it requires specific types of USB devices and is no longer supported by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). If your goal is to install Windows, you can utilize the Windows Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB drive.

How to Create a Bootable USB with the Windows Media Creation Tool?

Windows Media Creation Tool是微软开发的重要实用工具之一，旨在帮助用户创建可启动的USB驱动器。简单来说，它允许所有Windows用户将Windows ISO文件下载到外部USB驱动器中，使USB驱动器成为安装媒体。这个可启动的USB驱动器可以用于各种情况，如启动失败、系统重新安装等。然而，在使用Windows Media Creation Tool之前，用户需要准备一些事项。这些事项包括：

• Blank USB Drive: The Windows Media Creation Tool does not demand a certified USB drive. You can utilize a blank USB drive with a minimum of 8GB of storage space.
• Windows Product Key: Users must possess a valid Windows product key, which they would have obtained at the time of purchase. This key enables you to copy the operating system onto the USB drive.
• Internet Access: Ensure you have a stable internet connection throughout the entire process.

When you're prepared, proceed with the following steps to create a bootable USB drive:

Step 1. Visit the Microsoft site to download and install the Windows Media Creation Tool.

Step 2. After downloading the software, open the tool and read the terms. Click on Accept to proceed further.

Step 3. Under the second window, you will see two options. Click on the "Create Installation Media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)" option and then click "Next."

Step 4. In the next window, select the language, Windows Edition, and Architecture. You can also choose the recommended options for this PC.

Step 5. Choose the USB flash drive for the installation process.

Step 6. Once the external USB drive is detected, the utility tool will initiate the process.

Step 7. Click on the 'Finish' button, and your USB bootable drive will be prepared. You can use the USB drive to start up your system and install the operating system.

How to Create a Windows To Go USB?

Windows To Go is another Microsoft feature that allows users to create a portable Windows system on a USB drive. However, it comes with several limitations. For instance, it's only available in Windows 8/10 Enterprise and Education editions, and users must use certified USB drives. Alternatively, you can use the tool OS2Go to create a portable USB drive.

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

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.

Step 3. Adjust disk layout. The default disk layout on the target drive will be identical to the source drive. You can also edit the layout to suit your needs. Check the option if you're using an SSD as the Windows boot drive. Then, click Proceed.

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

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

Note: Ensure that the boot mode (either UEFI or Legacy) of the portable USB and the target computer are identical; otherwise, booting may not be possible.

Conclusion

The process to create a bootable USB drive is straightforward using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Aside from that, you can employ a third-party utility called OS2Go to create a portable Windows USB drive. With a portable Windows drive, you have the convenience of accessing your system anytime and anywhere. If you opt for a Windows 11 portable USB drive, you can even run Windows 11 on a non-supported computer.