WinToUSB Not Working - How to Resolve the Issue?

Windows users regularly receive updates from Microsoft to ensure their system functions smoothly without any issues. This makes Windows highly efficient, user-friendly, and an easy-to-operate operating system. However, frequent travelers might require assistance in carrying their system as a travel companion. They might also search for ways to make it more portable, and what could be better than having it on a USB drive?

However, it's more complicated than it appears. Occasionally, when utilizing WinToUSB for transfers, you might encounter an error where Windows becomes stuck. How can we resolve the issue of WinToUSB not working, which stops the update from completing at 0%, 36%, 83%, or 99%? Keep reading to find answers to your questions and discover a superior alternative as a solution.

Why Isn't WinToUSB Working?

WinToUSB is a freeware tool that facilitates the installation and running of your Windows operating system using any external hard drive or USB drive. It doesn't require USB drives that are specifically certified by Microsoft, unlike Windows To Go and Windows Enterprise, which utilize Microsoft-certified USB drives. With this tool, you can create a Windows workspace on a USB drive using an ISO image file, a current Windows OS, or a DVD/CD, and it's also removable.

However, there might be instances where WinToUSB doesn't function correctly. Some of these scenarios are as follows:

• If the image file from the source becomes corrupted, when creating a Windows bootable USB using an ISO/ESD/WIM/VHD/SWM/VHDX file, ensure the file's integrity. Otherwise, you might encounter an error stating "Copy file failed."
• Windows 7 does not natively support USB 3.0. Thus, if you attempt to use Win7 with a USB 3.0 port, it may not function properly. This means you can only boot Windows 7 using a USB 2.0 drive.
• If you don't have an active partition, after creating a Windows portable USB, you need to set the system-related partition as active using third-party partition software or Disk Management. Before booting from the USB, you must configure the created bootable drive as the boot device in your system settings.

If you're still encountering the WinToUSB not working issue, you should explore an excellent alternative tool that can help you resolve the situation in your favor.

Best Alternative to WinToUSB - OS2Go Tools

You can maximize your productivity when using a portable Windows system, which allows you to utilize a keyboard, mouse, and display for your tasks. It also helps prevent boot failures on your PC and enables you to rescue files with portable Windows. However, you might encounter issues like the WintoUSB getting stuck at 0%, necessitating an alternative solution. In this case, we recommend the tool OS2Go to address the WinToUSB not functioning properly problem.

Tools OS2Go is an effortless solution for resolving WinToUSB non-functioning issues. It aids in creating portable bootable Windows USB drives. The software is cost-effective, space-efficient, convenient for travel, and reliable. It also enables you to create a bootable Windows 7 USB. Here are some key features:

• Multi-PC Access. Once connected, it grants access to Windows 10/11 as well as data stored on USB.
• No Need for Certified USB Drive. You can use it as a regular Windows desktop without requiring a certified USB drive; it also supports flash drives.
• Cost-Efficient. Being USB-based, it's a more pocket-friendly option compared to hard drives.
• Smoother Performance on Both Mac and Windows. It functions seamlessly on both Mac and Windows, allowing you to run games or apps exclusive to Windows without any hindrance.
• Windows Installation on Mac. There's no need for a boot camp to turn your Mac into a Windows machine. This lets you have the functionality of two operating systems in one device. You can also install Windows on a Mac without boot camp.
• Smooth Creation of Bootable Disk in Emergencies. You can use a USB drive to reboot a PC in case of emergencies, helping to resolve Windows-related issues.

Here's how to create a portable Windows USB drive:

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. When 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, 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, or else you might not be able to boot from it.

WinToUSB versus OS2Go Tools

Here, we will compare WinToUSB and OS2Go on several aspects to determine a clear winner that provides more features. Our focus will be on the utility of the tool, its portability, and multifunctionality.

• Usefulness and Error Experience.

If you're choosing to transfer Windows to a device that adds portability and a compact size to your setup, WinToUSB can be a convenient tool. However, you might encounter the issue where WinToUSB gets stuck at 0%, which can lead to frustration, wasted time, and decreased productivity.

On the other hand, OS2Go offers a user-friendly interface that instantly resolves this issue by functioning seamlessly. It saves both time and effort, allowing you to concentrate more on your work.

• Issues Encountered While Running Software.

某些用户在使用WinToUSB后报告遇到问题，他们的键盘和鼠标无法正常工作。然而，OS2Go工具最近也报告了类似的问题。

• Pocket-Friendly.

WinToUSB has a significant price tag of $29.95 for a 30-day subscription. In contrast, OS2Go offers a professional version at just $19.95 for the same period, making it a more budget-friendly choice if you're cost-conscious.

With the points mentioned above, we declare OS2Go the outright winner over WinToUSB. It emerges as the best alternative to WinToUSB, offering a seamless and efficient solution for everyday use.

The Bottom Line

We have made every effort to provide you with a seamless alternative to resolve the WinToUSB not working issue. WinToUSB is a convenient, practical, and time-saving solution that enhances your adaptability. However, with OS2Go tools, you can expect similar features but with advanced functionality and additional integrated specifications. Therefore, our recommendation goes to OS2Go tools. Give it a try to experience a smooth operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

< b > 1. Why isn't my bootable USB working? < /b >

If you're having issues with your bootable USB and it's not functioning properly, the problem might lie in its faulty creation. You can resolve this by reformatting it and creating a new bootable USB for installing Windows.

2. Why isn't my bootable USB showing up in BIOS?

This issue might occur because your computer is unable to autonomously select the boot source. To resolve this problem and display the bootable USB in BIOS, please follow these steps:

• Depending on your BIOS number, press and hold the Esc, F1, F2, and either F* or F10 keys simultaneously during the initial startup screen.
• When a menu appears, tap to enter the BIOS setup and then tap on the Boot tab to select it.
• To prioritize booting from a USB device, move the hard drive device to the top of the list. Next, expand the hard drive device and drag the USB device to the top section of the list.
• Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup utility.

3. Why isn't my PC finding a boot device?

It may occur due to various reasons such as:

• Hard disk connection issue.
• The boot order may need to be adjusted in BIOS.
• Unintentional damage to the system or boot files.
• Damage to the boot sector or MBR (Master Boot Record) on the bootable disk.
• Malware or virus attacks, etc.

4. How do I run WinToUSB? To run WinToUSB, follow these steps: 1. Download WinToUSB from the official website: . 2. Install the software by double-clicking on the downloaded setup file and following the on-screen instructions. 3. Once the installation is complete, launch WinToUSB from your computer. You can find it in the Start menu or on your desktop, depending on your installation preferences. 4. Upon launching the application, you will be presented with the main interface. Follow the wizard to create a Windows To Go USB drive: - Select the "Create Windows To Go" option. - Choose the ISO file or mounted Windows installation media (DVD or USB) that contains the version of Windows you want to install. - Insert a USB drive with enough storage space for the Windows installation. - In the "Destination Disk" section, select the USB drive you inserted. Make sure you have backups of any data on the USB drive as it will be formatted during the process. - Click "Next" and follow the remaining steps in the wizard to complete the process. 5. Wait for the software to finish creating the Windows To Go drive. This may take some time depending on the speed of your USB drive and your computer. 6. After the process is completed, you can boot your computer from the USB drive to use Windows To Go. Remember that you might need to change your BIOS/UEFI settings to boot from the USB drive. Refer to your computer's user manual for instructions on how to do this.

You can follow these steps to run WinToUSB:

1. Finish downloading and installing WinToUSB, then run the software. 2. Click on the "Disk graphic" icon, followed by the "Folder icon" button. 3. A list of available operating systems will appear; select the Windows edition you need and click "Next." 4. From the dropdown menu, choose the targeted USB drive. If the target is not visible, click "Refresh." 5. Select a partition scheme and click "Yes." 6. When the selected partitions appear in red, click "Next." 7. Allow the process to complete, which may take a few minutes.