Updated by Linda on Jul 20, 2023
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What is Windows to USB software?

Were you aware that you can install and run a full version of Windows from a USB drive? With Windows 8 Enterprise, Microsoft introduced "Windows To Go," a portable operating system that fits on a USB stick you can keep in your pocket. Microsoft has continued to support this feature in Windows 10.

Windows to USB software goes by many names, including Windows installation media, bootable USB creation utilities, and the most popular and precise term is Windows To Go.

Users can utilize Microsoft's Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to restore a PC, execute a clean installation, or create a bootable installation USB drive, DVD, or ISO file for installing Windows 10 on another computer. This feature is intended to enable employees to carry their work environment with them; however, having a copy of your Windows on a flash drive can be useful for backup purposes or when frequently using a public computer with limited operating system functionalities or missing preferences/applications.

windows to go software

In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive alternative to Windows To Go - the tool OS2Go.

Where can I download software to create a Windows USB installation media?

Suppose you travel frequently and require a computer, but wish to avoid the additional weight of carrying one. You can solve this issue by installing Windows on a USB flash drive. As long as you have access to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, you can remain productive regardless of your location.

Additionally, having a portable Windows can be useful if your PC encounters startup issues. With Portable Windows, you can boot your machine successfully and retrieve your files. However, Windows To Go has specific requirements for the Windows OS version and certified USB drives. Windows To Go certified USB drives are designed for high random read/write speeds, the host computer should have a 1 GHz or faster processor, 2 GB or more of RAM, and several other requirements must be met.

However, the Windows to USB tool does not have any specific requirements. It is straightforward and easy to download, with a quick and effortless installation process. Once installed, this portable Windows drive can be carried around and used on any computer. It supports all USB drives and memory sticks from various brands.

The download is secure and straightforward. You can install it by clicking the download button or by visiting the official product page - OS2Go tools.

How to use portable/bootable Windows on a USB software?

OS2Go is the best free Windows To Go Creator that enables you to install and run the Windows operating system on an external hard drive or USB flash drive, or you can clone Windows 11/10 to a USB drive as a Windows To Go workspace.

OS2Go工具还允许您从Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/2008/2012/2016的ISO文件创建Windows安装USB闪存驱动器,使您能够通过USB闪存驱动器安装Windows。最后,OS2Go工具可以通过将Windows PE的内容转移到USB设备并使其可引导,帮助您创建可引导的Windows PE USB驱动器。其他重要功能包括:

    • A user-friendly wizard interface guides you through the process of creating a Windows To Go USB drive step by step.
    • Windows To Go can be created using ISO, WIM, ESD, SWM, VHD, or VHDX image files or CD/DVD drives.
    • You can clone an existing Windows operating system (Windows 7 or later) to a USB drive as a Windows To Go workspace.
    • The tool can create a Windows USB drive compatible with MacBook, iMac, and Mac mini computers running Windows.
    • OS2Go is the ideal software choice for users who need to install two operating systems on a single computer.

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 the 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 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 restart your computer. Press the necessary key (F2, DEL, F10...) to access the 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。

Conclusion

In conclusion, OS2Go is a reliable Windows-to-USB tool that allows you to swiftly create a bootable Windows 11 USB drive. It enables you to install Windows 11 on a new computer, repair your device, or set up a dual-boot system with Windows 10 and Windows 11. Download it and give it a try!