Updated by Jerry on Jan 15, 2024
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If your Windows 10 is encountering errors or not functioning as intended, you can attempt to reinstall it. One popular method for installing Windows 10 is through a bootable USB drive. Are you aware of how to install Windows 10 from USB through BIOS? Regardless of your answer, this article from tools will provide a detailed guide on how to perform this task.

First, we'll outline the requirements you need to meet for a successful Windows 10 installation from USB. You'll also discover an efficient tool called OS2Go that you can use to create a Windows bootable USB drive. Keep reading to learn how to easily install Windows 10 from a USB.

Can You Install Windows 10 from BIOS using a USB Drive?

You can't directly install Windows 10 from the BIOS, but instead, you need to use a bootable USB drive. However, BIOS plays a crucial role during the installation process because it's where you set the boot order for your setup. When you connect the bootable USB drive to your computer, BIOS assists in recognizing the vital boot files necessary for a successful Windows 10 installation.

Can you install Windows 10 from BIOS from USB

To access the BIOS settings on your computer, you'll need to press a specific key depending on the model, such as Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, MSI, and so on. This can range from pressing the ESC, DEL, F2, or F10 keys.

What You'll Need to Install Windows from a USB Drive

To successfully install Windows 10 from a USB drive, you must meet the following requirements:

  • USB flash drive. Your media USB flash drive should be working properly and have approximately 8GB of free space.
  • Computer with BIOS. This is the device on which you'll install the operating system. The computer must have a BIOS that supports booting from a USB drive.
  • Stable Internet connection. A reliable network connection is crucial for connecting to Microsoft servers and downloading the necessary installation files.
  • Create a Windows bootable USB drive. The bootable drive will contain the ISO files with the information needed for the OS installation. While you can create a bootable drive using Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool, it's recommended to use professional software like OS2Go for Windows To Go creation, as it eliminates the need to create a bootable USB or manually download the ISO file.

With OS2Go tools, you can save time normally spent manually creating Windows 10 installation media. This free utility enables you to create the installation drive without needing an ISO. Additionally, it lets you bypass the usual minimum requirements for a Windows installation. Furthermore, it allows you to install two operating systems on a single computer. Here are some key features of this powerful tool.

And what else? This tool enables you to run Windows applications on a Mac device or play Windows games on a Mac computer. Creating a bootable USB drive with OS2Go is a smooth and straightforward process. Hence, make sure to download and start utilizing it today.

Step 1. Install the OS2Go tool on your Windows computer. Connect a USB drive or external hard drive with sufficient capacity.

Step 2. Select the third tab, "Windows Install Drive Creator." Firstly, choose the version of Windows you wish to install, as OS2Go supports creating installation media for Windows 11/10/8.1. You also have the option to select a local ISO file. After making your selections, click "Create."

create Windows installation media step1

Step 3. You'll see a warning message telling you that all data on the selected disk will be erased. Click "Continue" to proceed.

create Windows installation media step2

Step 4. OS2Go will then begin creating the Windows installation media. This process typically involves downloading an ISO file, which can take some time depending on your operating system and network conditions. Once the progress reaches 100%, the USB drive should be bootable.

create Windows installation media step3

Step 5. Insert the Windows Installation media into your computer and initiate the installation process.

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How to Install Windows 10 from USB Using BIOS

As previously mentioned, you cannot reinstall Windows 10 directly from the BIOS, but instead through a bootable USB drive. This section will be divided into two parts: 1) How to access the BIOS and 2) How to install Windows 10 from a bootable drive. Continue reading for an in-depth explanation of each process.

Part 1. Enter BIOS to Set USB as Boot Device

The initial step in installing Windows 10 on your PC involves accessing the BIOS to enable detection of your bootable drive. To enter BIOS, you need to press特定按键 on your keyboard while starting your computer. The key(s) to press differ depending on your computer model; typically, they are either ESC, DEL, F2, or F10, either individually or in combination.

Step 1. Once BIOS has launched, you can access the "Boot menu" by either navigating to the "Advanced" or "System" configuration sections.

Step 2. Choose "USB drive" as your primary boot device. To do this, press the Down arrow and hit Enter to select the USB drive.

Set USB as the first boot device

Step 3. Finally, save your changes and exit the BIOS setup. You can now move on to the next section to have Windows boot from USB.

Part 2. Install Windows 10

Once you've set your USB drive as the boot device in BIOS, you can proceed with the steps below to install Windows 10.

Step 1. Insert the bootable USB drive into one of the USB ports on your PC. Then, press the F9 key repeatedly until the boot menu appears. From there, select your bootable USB drive to initiate Windows Setup and proceed with installing Windows 10.

Step 2. When the Windows Setup screen appears, choose your preferred language and click Next.

select your preferred language

Step 3. On the next screen, click the "Install now" button.

click Install now

Step 4. When prompted for a product key, click on the option that says "I don't have a product key."

Click "I don't have a product key" as shown in the image below: click I don't have a product key

Step 5. Next, check the box for the license terms and click Next. When prompted to choose an installation type, select "Custom Install."

choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)

Step 6. Choose the drive where you want to install Windows, then click "New," "Apply," and "Next."

Click New, Apply, and then Next. click New, Apply, and then Next

Step 7. You can get new partitions. Select the primary partition and click Next.

Select the primary partition and click Next. (Translation only)

Step 8. Windows 10 will then begin installing on the chosen drive. Keep an eye on your screen to monitor the installation progress percentage. This process may take a while. Once it's all completed, you'll be able to access your computer anew with a fresh operating system.

wait for the Windows installation process to be done

Troubleshooting: Unable to Install Windows 10 from USB

It's possible to encounter issues when installing Windows 10 from an installation media USB flash drive. However, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. Firstly, the installation might fail due to incorrect BIOS settings. Hence, verify and make sure you have set the USB drive as the primary boot device.

Secondly, if you access the boot menu and find that your bootable drive is not listed, despite having set it as the primary boot device in BIOS, you can attempt to update your BIOS to the latest version from the device manufacturer's website.

Lastly, Windows installation might fail due to a corrupted USB drive. To resolve this, you can format the drive or use a different one. Follow these recommended options to address any issues with your Windows installation.

To Wrap Things Up

This guide has demonstrated how to install Windows 10 from USB using BIOS. Prior to installation, you need to ensure that you have a USB drive with a minimum capacity of 8GB, a computer, and a stable Internet connection. Additionally, you must create a bootable USB drive.

One of the most recommended professional tools to aid in creating a bootable drive is OS2Go. This third-party software enables you to bypass many of the prerequisites typically needed for installing Windows 10. Be sure to download it today to explore its functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Install Windows 10 from USB on BIOS-based Systems

Here are some frequently asked questions about installing Windows 10 from USB using BIOS:

1. How to Run a Bootable USB from BIOS?

To run a bootable USB from BIOS, you'll need to set it as the primary boot device. Please follow these steps:

  • Step 1. Depending on your computer model, press ESC, DEL, F2, or F10 to enter BIOS.
  • Step 2. Access the Boot menu by navigating to either the Advanced or System configuration sections.
  • Step 3. Then, choose your boot mode (Legacy or UEFI) and set the USB drive as the primary boot device. Save the changes and click Exit to initiate booting from the USB drive via BIOS.

2. How to Install Windows 10 on UEFI BIOS?

Follow these steps to install Windows 10 on a UEFI BIOS:

Step 1. Upon entering the BIOS setup, proceed to the Boot Options menu.

Step 2. Next, configure the following settings to enable UEFI BIOS:

  • Launch CSM: Enabled.
  • Boot Device Control: UEFI Only.
  • Boot from Storage Devices: UEFI driver first.

Step 3. Save these changes, then restart your system. You can now proceed with the regular installation process for Windows to install from the UEFI BIOS.

Should I Install Windows 10 in UEFI or BIOS?

You can install Windows 10 in either Legacy or UEFI BIOS boot modes. However, the partition style used when creating your bootable drive determines which mode to use. If you use the GPT partition style, you'll install Windows 10 in UEFI mode. If the partition style is MBR, you'll need to boot it in Legacy mode.