FlashBoot and EBCD Articles

B20: Boot Windows From USB


Back button Back to the list of articles

Contents

1. Intended audience

This article is for people who need to install Windows 8 to USB thumbdrive as if it was fixed HDD, and boot it everywhere: at home, at friend's home, at work, at public library or internet-cafe.

You can carry the entire OS in your pocket: your applications, your documents, your browser; and run it everywhere!

If you are security-concerned person, you can encrypt your entire fixed HDD with software like TrueCrypt and carry your USB thumbdrive with an OS as a key to your data. So, there's no way to secretly install the keylogger to your PC when you're away.


2. Installing Windows 8 to USB thumbdrive

Get USB thumbdrive, it should be as fast as possible. USB 2.0+ device is required, USB 3.0 is recommended. Minimum capacity is 16Gb.

Download and install FlashBoot.

Step-by-step guide follows:

1) Run FlashBoot, click Next

Create Bootable Windows USB - Starting FlashBoot


2) Choose CD -> USB in Main Menu

Create Bootable Windows USB - Bootable CD to USB Conversion


3) Choose CD/DVD drive or image file and click Next

Create Bootable Windows USB - Choosing Windows 8 Installation CD or ISO Image File


4) Choose "Install fully-functional Windows 8 to USB thumbdrive" from the scenario list and click Next

Create Bootable Windows USB - Install fully-functional Windows 8 to USB thumbdrive


5) Choose target USB disk (flash, HDD) and click Next

Create Bootable Windows USB - Choose target USB thumbdrive or USB HDD


6) Enter volume label or leave it as is and click Next

Create Bootable Windows USB - Enter volume label for Windows XP installation USB thumbdrive


7) Check summary information and click Next

Create Bootable Windows USB - Summary information


8) Wait for process completion

Create Bootable Windows USB - Installing Windows 8 to USB thumbdrive


9) USB disk is ready for use. Click OK to exit

Create Bootable Windows USB - FlashBoot done



3. Setting up BIOS to boot from USB thumbdrive

Follow this guide.




Related Articles

Back button Back to the list of articles