How to Install Windows 7 using a USB Flash Drive [Step-by-Step Guide]

If you wish to install Windows 7 on your computer, the most typical method is by using a bootable USB drive. Have you ever wondered how to install Windows 7 from a USB flash drive? Relax! This article from tools will guide you through the process of installing Windows from a USB drive. Quickly learn how!

Yes, you can install Windows 7 from a USB drive. Here's a brief outline of the process: 1. **Create a Bootable USB Drive**: You'll need to download the Windows 7 ISO file and use a tool like Microsoft's Windows USB/DVD Download Tool or Rufus to create a bootable USB drive. 2. **Insert the USB Drive**: Plug the USB drive into your computer's USB port. 3. **Boot from USB**: You may need to change your computer's boot order in the BIOS settings to prioritize booting from USB. This varies depending on your computer model, but typically involves pressing a key like F2, F10, or Del during startup to enter BIOS. 4. **Start the Installation**: Save any unsaved work and restart your computer. If everything is set correctly, your computer should start from the USB drive and display the Windows 7 installation screen. 5. **Follow the On-Screen Instructions**: Choose your language, time, and currency preferences, then click "Install Now." Follow the prompts to activate your copy of Windows and choose the installation type (e.g., Upgrade or Custom). 6. **Select the Install Location**: Choose the hard drive where you want to install Windows 7 and proceed with the installation. Remember that you need a valid Windows 7 license key for the activation process. Also, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for running Windows 7.

Windows 7 still occupies the third position in Microsoft's desktop operating system rankings, with numerous Windows users opting for it over Windows 8/10/11. Despite Microsoft ceasing technical support and security updates for Windows 7 on January 14, 2020, the operating system remains functional even after January 10, 2023.

This is because you can use a bootable USB drive to assist in installing Windows 7 on your computer. But can you install Windows 7 directly onto a USB flash drive? The answer is yes. You can install Windows 7 on a USB drive and then install it from a bootable USB drive.

Many desktop and laptop computers no longer come with a disc drive for reading or writing physical disks, as the relevance of CDs and DVDs has diminished. However, USB drives are widely used since virtually every PC has a USB port for connecting external devices.

Furthermore, it's the simplest and most efficient method for installing an operating system. You can install various Windows versions by creating a bootable USB drive. For instance, you can make a Windows 7 bootable USB to assist in installing Windows 7 on your computer.

To do so, you'll need to prepare the necessary installation files in advance if you're planning to reinstall or install a Windows OS on your computer. This will allow you to boot and set up the system. In other words, you need to create a bootable USB drive first, then install Windows 7 from that bootable USB.

How to Create a Windows 7 Bootable USB

When it comes to crafting a Windows bootable USB, employing a bootable USB drive creator tool is the most efficient and user-friendly method. This is due to the fact that such a tool facilitates the creation of a bootable USB hassle-free. The tool OS2Go is precisely what you need to fulfill this purpose.

OS2Go tools is a professional Windows To Go creator compatible with Windows 7/8/10/11. It enables you to create a bootable USB drive with or without an ISO file. For instance, you can use it to create a Windows 11 bootable USB from an ISO. Furthermore, it allows you to transfer your Windows to another computer and create Windows installation media effortlessly and promptly.

?Main Features of OS2Go Tools:

Upon downloading and installing OS2Go on your computer, follow these steps to create a bootable Windows 7 USB using OS2Go tools to install Windows 7 from a USB flash drive for free.

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 system drive's used space. Select the target USB drive and click Next to proceed.

Step 2. OS2Go will warn you that the process 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. 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.

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

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

How to Install Windows 7 from a Bootable USB

After creating a bootable USB for Windows 7, you can use it to install or boot Windows 7 from USB. The detailed steps are as follows:

Occasionally, you might encounter issues where the bootable USB drive doesn't show up or isn't recognized on your computer. In such cases, you can refer to this article for assistance.

Bootable USB Drive Not Showing Up or Recognized in Windows 11/10/8/7

Solution to fix the issue of bootable USB drive not appearing or being recognized in the BIOS boot menu in Windows 10/8.1/8/7.

Step 1. Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer and turn on the computer.

Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer.

Step 2. Choose your preferred language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input methods. Click 'Next'之后。

Step 3. Click Install Now to start the installation process.

Click the "Install Now" button.

Step 4. Select the checkbox to accept the license terms, then click Next.

Step 5. Click on Custom (Advanced). (You can either select Upgrade to keep your current files, settings, and applications or choose Custom to perform a clean installation of Windows 7.)

Click "Custom (Advanced)" (图5)

Step 6. Select Partition 1 on Disk 0, and press Delete. (You must delete all existing partitions before performing a clean installation with new partitions.)

Step 7. Click OK if prompted.

Click OK.

Step 8. The space on your computer's hard drive is now free for use. Proceed by creating new partitions. Select the 'Drive options (advanced)' option. Click 'New,' specify the size of the new partition, and then click 'Next.'

Step 9. Click on "Format" after selecting one of the new partitions. Repeat this process for any additional partitions, excluding the one used for storing system files, and click "OK" when prompted.

Click **OK**. 

Step 10: Choose the partition where you want to install Windows 7, then click Next.

Step 11. After the Windows 7 installation is complete, you'll be prompted to set your user and computer names. Lastly, enter the new user's password.

就是这样！现在，你的电脑正从USB驱动器运行全新的Windows 7系统。

To Sum Up

That's all about how to install Windows 7 from a USB flash drive. Firstly, you need to create a Windows 7 bootable USB; afterwards, you can use the bootable USB to install Windows 7 from the USB drive and finish the Windows 7 setup.

To create a Windows bootable USB, your best option is to use a bootable USB creator tool like **OS2Go**. This utility can assist in creating a bootable USB drive and guide you through the process of installing Windows 10 step by step. Furthermore, it enables you to perform additional tasks related to Windows installation. Discover more valuable features for your usage!

Frequently Asked Questions on Installing Windows 7 from a USB Flash Drive

< strong > 1. Why can't I install Windows 7 from USB?

Enter the BIOS settings and navigate to the Boot list. Switch to the first USB port, then restart your computer. Assuming you've accurately followed the instructions and your computer isn't experiencing issues related to partition failures, hard drive sector problems, or any other malfunctions, you should see the installation menu. Upon restarting, prevent any further actions from occurring.

**2. How do I install Windows 7 using the command prompt?**

If you've ever booted from a live installer (such as an installer DVD or USB drive) and launched a command prompt (by pressing Shift+F10, for instance), you would be acquainted with commands like diskpart, dism, and bcdboot. Moreover, you should have a working knowledge of a live environment where these commands operate effectively (with install.esd, a minimum requirement would be a Windows 8.1 environment; for install.wim, it would be a Windows Vista environment or higher).

3. How to install Windows for free from a flash drive?

If you intend to install Windows from a USB drive, you can utilize the free bootable USB creation tool called OS2Go to assist you in creating a bootable USB. Subsequently, you can employ the drive to facilitate the installation of Windows.