Unable to install Windows 10 from USB drive

thira · 06 Jul 2021

MegaHertz, I am installing Windows. Thank you and every one else.

Megahertz · 06 Jul 2021

Glad to know you did it.

Please mark this thread as SOLVED

bobkn · 06 Jul 2021

thira said:

MegaHertz, I am installing Windows. Thank you and every one else.

If you please, could you briefly post what the problem was, and its solution?

thira · 07 Jul 2021

The fix for me:
Followed Megahertz recommendations.
My \source\install.Ed’s < 4G, then followed steps for \source\install.end<4G
Copied mounted iso to root of usb drive(used same iso as I used when I was unsuccessful having Windows 10 show up when I started thread, but I did use a different USB drive)
Booted right into Windows 10 install.

- - - Updated - - -

Thank all again.
Everyone’s help much appreciated.

Megahertz · 07 Jul 2021

bobkn said:

If you please, could you briefly post what the problem was, and its solution?

bobkn, When you make a Boot able Win 10 USB drive using Rufus and it doesn't work, most of the time it is because of a wrong Rufus option. As you can see, if you have \Sources\install.esd less than 4G, all you have to do is to copy the mounted iso it to a fat32 partition (to boot as UEFI) and set the partition as Active (to boot as legacy).
If instead of \Sources\install.esd you have a \Sources\install.wim (bigger than 4G) you have to split \Sources\install.wim into smaller \Sources\install.swm files using DISM, then delete the \Sources\install.wim and then copy all files and folders to the USB.

bobkn · 07 Jul 2021

Megahertz said:

bobkn, When you make a Boot able Win 10 USB drive using Rufus and it doesn't work, most of the time it is because of a wrong Rufus option. As you can see, if you have \Sources\install.esd less than 4G, all you have to do is to copy the mounted iso it to a fat32 partition (to boot as UEFI) and set the partition as Active (to boot as legacy).
If instead of \Sources\install.esd you have a \Sources\install.wim (bigger than 4G) you have to split \Sources\install.wim into smaller \Sources\install.swm files using DISM, then delete the \Sources\install.wim and then copy all files and folders to the USB.

I've done that.

I have also read that it's possible to partition the USB drive, and to put the overly large .wim into an NTFS partition, with other parts of the installer in a FAT boot partition. I have never tried that.

I can't claim to follow "thira's" description. The typos don't help.

Obito · 21 Sep 2022

Would you please try to help me out as well Mega? I followed your instructions though I converted my usb to gpt not MBR. (I have attempted to install 50+ times with numerous USBs formatted every which way using CMD - loaded to usb using Rufus, using the regular windows usb option, and using the mount copy paste). I mounted the iso and install.esd was <4gb. Copied all files to the clean usb. Flashed bios to current version and reset to defaults. Secure boot does not have a disable feature but I found out deleting the PK keys essentially does this? Anyway I deleted the PK I turned off fast boot. I changed my boot option 1 to the usb. Option 2 is my SSD. I click the boot override (usb) to try to get this install going but I don't even make it to a windows screen. Merely freezes on a republic of gamers screen after a few dots start circling. I can list pc specs if needed. I don't believe it could be a hardware issue as this PC ran pretty great for a year until I ran a clean on it. (In reality I know nothing) . Once the clean was finished, impatient I auto snapped "ok" on the popup which asked if I wanted to delete certain windows files as well. Very stupid of me I know and yeah the windows auto repair will not work because of this also. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Megahertz · 22 Sep 2022

Welcome to the Forums @Obito

To install as UEFI-GPT you must boot the installation drive as UEFI. To boot the installation drive as UEFI the USB flash drive MUST be formatted as Fat32.

Read my post #9 carefully

Where did you get the Win10 installation iso?

Mount the iso and see if \sources\install.esd is smaller than 4G. If you have \sources\install.wim it is probably bigger than 4G.

Obito · 22 Sep 2022

Thank you for the reply Mega.

I got the win10 install iso from Microsoft website.

I followed your instructions when I mounted the iso install.esd was smaller than 4g (3.8ish).
I went with gpt because my bios says UEFI. Formatted to fat32 from the instructions.
Though the last CMD did not work "active".
Once I flashed my bios I set everything as per your last post though like I said deleting the PK keys seems to be the only way to disable secure boot.

Yeah I can't think of anything else. I have also tried at some point to change everything to legacy settings with a NTFS and MBR usb.

Before I try to boot I always set the usb to boot option 1. SSD to option 2. Then I click the option at the bottom of the screen boot override usb. I have also taken the SSD completely off of the list with no luck.

I haven't tried disconnecting anything I have read some people take out one of their rams or even the GPU?

Megahertz · 23 Sep 2022

Please edit your profile with ALL your hardware specs. It will help us to help you
System Specs - Fill in at Ten Forums

You didn't follow the Diskpart instructions and it did not converted the USB drive to MBR. As it is still GPT you can't make it active (needed to boot as Legacy)
You're not following the instructions to launch the boot menu during POST and then select USB UEFI (Name).

If you want us to guide you you must follow the instructions line by line.