Updated by Linda on Jul 20, 2023
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There may be instances when you need to run your Windows operating system on another computer, for example:

    • You wish to run Windows-specific games or applications on your Mac.
    • You require precise Windows configurations on your work or personal PC.
    • Or, you prefer not to leave any trace of your work on another computer, etc.

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。

What is Windows To Go Creator?

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.

windows to go

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:

  • IronKey Workspace W700
  • IronKey Workspace W500
  • IronKey Workspace W300
  • Kingston DataTraveler Workspace
  • Spyrus Portable Workplace
  • Super Talent Express RC4
  • Super Talent Express RC8
  • Western Digital My Passport Enterprise

Technical Specifications for Supporting Windows To Go on a Host Computer

    • A computer system with USB boot enabled
    • A processor with a speed of 1 GHz or faster
    • At least 2 GB or more RAM
    • A DirectX 9 graphics device with a WDDM 1.2 or later driver
    • A USB 2.0 port or higher

Why Do You Need a Windows To Go Alternative?

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:

  • Firstly, Windows To Go is not supported by the latest versions of Windows.
  • This option will increase your expenses since you need to acquire a compatible USB drive and a host computer.
  • Windows To Go lacks several standard desktop Windows features, including automatic hibernation and Sleep mode being disabled, no use of Trusted Platform Module (TPM), absence of Windows Recovery Environment mode, and more.

Best Alternative for Windows To Go for Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

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:

    • Enable you to run Windows-specific games or applications on a Mac, such as Minecraft
    • Allow you to run Windows 11 on any old or unsupported computers
    • Grant access to all Windows features and personal data on another computer
    • Deliver quick services without any hindrances
    • Aid in saving your Windows management costs
    • Super easy to download and install the software on your computer
    • Let you create a Windows To Go environment using a non-certified USB drive, as the tool supports all USB brands
    • Ensure seamless integration with all USB drives on both Windows PCs and Apple Macs
    • Provide 24/7 email support to customers

How to Utilize a Windows To Go Alternative to Create a Portable Windows 11/10 USB Drive

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.

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 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.

how to use os2go step 3

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.

how to use os2go step 4

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。

Sum Up

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.