How to Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options in Windows 10


Windows To Go was announced as deprecated in Windows 10 version 1903 and is now removed in version 2004.

Features being removed or deprecated in Windows 10 version 2004


Windows To Go is a feature available only in the Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education editions that enables the creation of a Windows To Go workspace that can be booted from a USB-connected external drive on PCs (hosts). The portable Windows To Go workspace will run using the hardware and resources of the host PC.

PCs that meet the Windows 7 or later certification requirements can run Windows Enterprise in a Windows To Go workspace, regardless of the operating system running on the PC. Windows To Go workspaces can use the same image enterprises use for their desktops and laptops and can be managed the same way. Windows To Go is not intended to replace desktops, laptops or supplant other mobility offerings. Rather, it provides support for efficient use of resources for alternative workplace scenarios.

By default, you can change Windows To Go Startup Options at any time to turn on or off having your PC automatically boot from a Windows To Go workspace USB when it's connected while you boot your PC. If turned off, you will have to manually boot from the Windows To Go workspace USB instead.

For additional information and details about Windows To Go, see:

This tutorial will show you how to specify a default Windows To Go startup option on your Windows 10 PC.

You must be signed in as an administrator to specify a default Windows To Go startup option.


 CONTENTS:

  • Option One: Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options in Local Group Policy Editor
  • Option Two: Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options using a REG file


EXAMPLE: "Windows To Go Startup Options" disabled after specifying a default
Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options in Windows 10-windows_to_go_startup_options.png






OPTION ONE

Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options in Local Group Policy Editor



The Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

All editions can use Option TWO below.

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.

2. In the left pane of Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)

Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Portable Operating System

Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options in Windows 10-windows_to_go_startup_options_gpedit-1.jpg

3. In the right pane of Portable Operating System in Local Group Policy Editor, double click/tap on the Windows To Go Default Startup Options policy to edit it. (see screenshot above)

4. Do step 5 (default), step 6 (enable), or step 7 (disable) below for what you would like to do.


 5. To Not Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options

This is the default setting to allow changes to the Windows To Go Startup Options.

A) Select (dot) Not Configured, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)


 6. To Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options as Enabled

If you enable this setting, booting to Windows To Go when a USB device is connected will be enabled, and users will not be able to make changes using the Windows To Go Startup Options Control Panel item.

A) Select (dot) Enabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)


 7. To Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options as Disabled

If you disable this setting, booting to Windows To Go when a USB device is connected will not be enabled unless a user configures the option manually in the BIOS or other boot order configuration. Users will not be able to make changes using the Windows To Go Startup Options Control Panel item.

A) Select (dot) Disabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 8 below. (see screenshot below)

Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options in Windows 10-windows_to_go_startup_options_gpedit-2.png

8. When finished, you can close the Local Group Policy Editor if you like.






OPTION TWO

Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options using a REG file



The downloadable .reg files below will add and modify the DWORD value in the registry key below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Policies\Microsoft\PortableOperatingSystem

Launcher DWORD

(delete) = Default
0 = Disable
1 = Enable

1. Do step 2 (default), step 3 (enable), or step 4 (disable) below for what you would like to do.


 2. To Not Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options

This is the default setting to allow changes to the Windows To Go Startup Options.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.

Allow_changes_to_Windows_To_Go_Startup_Options.reg

Download


 3. To Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options as Enabled

If you enable this setting, booting to Windows To Go when a USB device is connected will be enabled, and users will not be able to make changes using the Windows To Go Startup Options Control Panel item.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.

Specify_Default_Windows_To_Go_Startup_Options_as_enabled.reg

Download


 4. To Specify Windows To Go Default Startup Options as Disabled

If you disable this setting, booting to Windows To Go when a USB device is connected will not be enabled unless a user configures the option manually in the BIOS or other boot order configuration. Users will not be able to make changes using the Windows To Go Startup Options Control Panel item.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 5 below.

Specify_Default_Windows_To_Go_Startup_Options_as_disabled.reg

Download

5. Save the .reg file to your desktop.

6. Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

7. When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

8. If you like, you can now delete the downloaded .reg file.


That's it,
Shawn


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