Install W10 on SSD via USB to use in different comp. later via SATA?


  1. Posts : 19
    Windows 10 Pro x64
       #1

    Install W10 on SSD via USB to use in different comp. later via SATA?


    Hello.
    I read there are a few tools available that allows install a Windows To Go version onto a USB drive.
    Is there a way install "normal" version on a SSD connected via USB adapter, which later can be used as primary OS in different computer permanently connected via SATA?

    Thank you.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 18,432
    Windows 11 Pro
       #2

    Yes.

    If it is going to a legacy BIOS computer, partition the SSD as MBR. Create a small system partition marked as active, normally formatted NTFS. Then partition the rest with a large NTFS partition. Use the dism /apply-image command to apply the correct index from the install.wim file or install.esd file from the sources folder of a mounted Windows 10 ISO file. Then use the bcdboot command to write the boot files to the system partition.

    The same procedure is used for an SSD for a UEFI computer, except the SSD can be UEFI partitioned (recommended over MBR). The first partition created is an EFI system partitioned, formatted as FAT32. The rest of the procedure is the same. If you really, really want to have the same partition layout as a normal Windows installation, create a 16MB MSR (Microsoft System Reserved) partition after the EFI system partition before you create the partition for the OS.
      My Computer


 

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