Installing Windows 10 from a USB flash drive is a common practice for many users. This guide will walk you step by step through the process to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
How to install Windows 10 from USB: preparing the USB flash drive
Before diving into the process of installing Windows 10 via a USB flash drive, it is critically important to make sure you have all the right tools at hand. A crucial element in this context is the USB flash drive itself. We are not talking about just any USB flash drive, but one with a capacity of at least 8GB. This capacity is essential to ensure that there is enough room for the entire Windows 10 ISO image.
After choosing the right USB flash drive, the next step is to prepare it for installation. This process begins by inserting the flash drive into the computer. Once it is recognized, you need to format it. But this is not random formatting, you must make sure to format it in FAT32 format. This particular format ensures that the USB flash drive is fully compatible with the Windows installation, avoiding possible complications or incompatibilities during the process.
Windows 10
Starting from 34,99€
How to download Windows 10
With the USB flash drive ready and formatted, we can move on to the crucial step: downloading the Windows 10 ISO image. For this, it is essential to turn to the most reliable source, namely Microsoft’s official website. Here, you can find the ready-to-download Windows 10 ISO image.
Windows 10 is offered in two main versions, one 32-bit and the other 64-bit. It is vital to download the version that best suits your computer’s specifications and your needs. If you are not sure which version to download, it is always a good idea to consult your computer’s specifications.
Creating a bootable USB flash drive
Once we have completed the download of the Windows 10 ISO image, we are faced with the next crucial step: turning our USB stick into a bootable device, that is, a tool that, once inserted into a computer, will start the process of installing the operating system.
But how can we accomplish this? The answer lies in specific software programs designed for this purpose. And when it comes to these programs, one of the names that stands out in popularity and effectiveness is Rufus. Rufus is not just another program; it has become, over time, one of the tools of choice for many professionals and technology enthusiasts because of its reliability and ease of use.
The first thing to do, of course, is to get Rufus. This can be easily done by visiting the official website of the software. It is always recommended to download software like Rufus directly from the official source to ensure that the file is free of malware or other potential problems. Once downloaded, the installation process is quite simple and intuitive, similar to most Windows applications.
After installing Rufus, open it with a double-click of the mouse and you will find a clear and user-friendly interface. In the middle of this interface, there will be an option to select the ISO image you downloaded earlier. Select the Windows 10 ISO image and make sure it is properly loaded into Rufus.
Before proceeding, one last but crucial check: make sure that the USB flash drive you intend to make bootable is properly selected within the program. This step is essential to avoid potential errors or problems during creation.
Finally, once everything is ready and in order, you can click on the “Start” button in Rufus. From this moment, the software will begin the process of creating the bootable USB flash drive. This operation, depending on the specifications of your computer and the capacity of the USB flash drive, may take some time. It is advisable not to interrupt the process once it has started and to wait patiently for Rufus to complete its work.
Installing Windows 10 from USB flash drive
With the USB stick now ready and bootable thanks to the Windows 10 ISO image, we are approaching the crucial moment: the actual installation of the operating system on the computer. This step, while fairly straightforward, requires care and precision to ensure a smooth transition to the new operating system.
First, you need to restart the computer on which you want to install Windows 10. During the reboot process, you will notice that most computers provide brief directions on which key to press to access the boot menu or BIOS. These prompts are usually visible for a few seconds during power-up. The common keys to access these menus are F2, F12, DEL, or ESC, however, keep in mind they may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the computer.
Once in the boot menu or BIOS, the next challenge is to navigate through the various options available to select the USB flash drive as the primary boot device. This selection ensures that the computer starts the installation from that flash drive, rather than booting normally from the hard drive. After making this selection and confirming the settings, it is time to save and exit the BIOS or boot menu.
Following this operation, during the next boot, the computer should recognize the USB flash drive as the main source and begin the Windows 10 installation process. At this point, the Windows 10 welcome screen should appear, a reassuring sign that everything is proceeding as planned.
From here on, the process is guided and intuitive. The installation screen will provide a series of clear instructions and steps to follow. During these steps, you will be prompted to select various preferences, such as language, time of day, and desired type of installation. It is important to read each screen carefully and make the choices that best suit your needs.
Installing Windows 10: Tips and precautions for doing it correctly
Installing a new operating system is a process that, although it may seem simple on the surface, involves several facets that deserve attention. A few tricks can make the difference between a successful installation and potential complications. Here are some tips and precautions that may prove critical during this journey.
One of the crucial aspects before starting any installation process concerns personal data and information saved on your computer. You might think that your files are safe, but there are always risks inherent in any such operation. Therefore, it is vital to make sure that you have a backup copy of all essential data. This backup could be saved on an external drive, on another computer, or on a cloud service. This way, even in case of any unforeseen events, you will always have a secure copy of your data at hand. We recommend that you use EaseUS Todo Backup or Aomei Backupper.
Another key aspect concerns the computer’s power supply. It may seem trivial, but making sure the computer is connected to a stable power source throughout the installation process can prevent unwanted interruptions. A sudden interruption, such as a power failure or brownout, could compromise the installation, causing potential problems and making it necessary to start over.
When you get to the partition selection stage, it is essential to proceed with caution. Hard drive partitions contain various data, and a hasty choice could lead to the deletion of vital information. Therefore, it is essential to be certain which partition you are changing and, if possible, avoid deleting partitions that contain important data. Again, we have two pieces of software to suggest: EaseUS Partition Master and AOMEI Partition Assistant.
Finally, once the Windows 10 installation is complete, you are not yet at the end of the road. To ensure that your computer runs at its best and smoothly, it is imperative to install all the necessary drivers. These drivers are essential for the proper functioning of components such as the graphics card, sound card, touchpad, and many others. Making sure you have the latest drivers available and compatible with Windows 10 could mean the difference between a smooth operating system and one that is full of problems.
Activating Windows 10
When it comes to activating Windows 10, the importance of a genuine license cannot be underestimated. A valid license not only ensures that you are using a legitimate copy of the operating system, but also protects you from potential problems and limitations in using some of the key features of Windows.
Perhaps you are wondering where to find a reliable product key without emptying your wallet. Well, the solution may be simpler than you might imagine. We suggest you consider buying your product key at Mr. Key Shop, which has earned a remarkable reputation for selling authentic licenses at very competitive prices.
The advantages of buying from Mr Key Shop are many. First, you will be guaranteed a genuine product key, thus avoiding the risks associated with buying counterfeit or invalid licenses. In addition, the prices offered by Mr Key Shop are often much lower than other retailers, which means you can get the same quality and reliability without spending a fortune. Finally, Mr Key Shop’s customer support is always ready to assist you for free, ensuring a hassle-free buying experience.
After obtaining your product key, the activation process is fairly straightforward. Just go to Windows settings, navigate to the “Update and Security” section, select “Activation,” and enter your product key. Within minutes, your copy of Windows 10 will be activated and ready to use.
Conclusions
Installing Windows 10 from a USB flash drive is a fairly simple process, but it requires attention to detail. By carefully following this guide, you should be able to install Windows 10 on your computer without any problems. Always remember to back up your data and follow the instructions carefully to ensure a smooth transition to the new operating system.
