There may be instances when you need to run your Windows operating system on another computer, for example:
To enable the creation of a similar Windows environment on another computer, Microsoft has developed a specialized feature called Windows To Go, which lets you move your Windows operating system to a USB drive.
Using a Windows bootable USB drive, you can effortlessly work on your Windows OS without the need for installation. This feature sounds fantastic, but unfortunately, Microsoft discontinued it after May 2020.
This means that Windows To Go is no longer a powerful option for running Windows on portable devices. However, there are numerous excellent Windows To Go alternatives available today, and one such option will be discussed in this post.
那么,我们开始吧。
Windows To Go is a Windows feature that enables you to run the Windows operating system on another computer, regardless of the OS it is currently using. This function lets you create a replica of your Windows workspace on a different desktop or laptop.
The Windows To Go feature is only supported in select Windows operating systems, specifically Windows 8 Enterprise, Windows 8.1 Enterprise, Windows 10 Education, and Windows 10 Enterprise. As of the updates prior to May 2020, Windows To Go is no longer accessible for Microsoft users.
* Related post: How to Create a Windows To Go USB Without Enterprise Edition
此外,某些 USB 品牌支持 Windows To Go 功能,例如:
Technical Specifications for Supporting Windows To Go on a Host Computer
Windows To Go is an inherent and complimentary feature by Microsoft that enables you to create a portable Windows USB drive. However, it's advisable to explore alternatives to Windows To Go due to the following limitations:
Since Windows To Go isn't an ideal tool for running Windows on a USB drive, it's time to seek the best alternative to Windows To Go. You require an alternative solution that is cost-effective, efficient, and addresses the issue of not having access to a certified USB drive or the Enterprise edition.
A robust alternative to Windows To Go is OS2Go tool. This user-friendly and intuitive utility enables you to create a portable Windows To Go USB drive with just a few clicks. Notably, it supports all the latest Windows versions, including Windows 11.
OS2Go is a tool that enables you to easily travel with your Windows environment in your pocket. Apart from addressing the limitations of Windows To Go, it also provides several other advantages, such as:
Are you eager to create Windows To Go using tools? If so, just follow these steps, and you can easily carry the Windows operating system in your pocket:
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 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 provided 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 should be bootable.
Step 5. Insert the portable Windows USB and start your computer. Press the necessary key (F2, DEL, F10...) to access BIOS. Select 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。
Windows To Go is an excellent choice for running the Windows operating system on another computer without the inconvenience of installation. However, it is unfortunate that Windows To Go is no longer part of the Microsoft lineup, rendering it an outdated method today.
However, with the help of the OS2Go software, you can now create bootable Windows USB drives to run on Mac or other Windows computers. Moreover, the program supports all USB brands, facilitating the creation of portable Windows USB drives.
Today, you can try a free OS2Go trial to test all its features and easily create a portable USB drive.