Installing Windows on a Fresh SSD by USB

[leon-nor]

Is it possible?

I've recently ordered parts for a new computer. Amongst other things I've ordered a EVO 850 250GB SSD which I want to use as the boot disk. If I get a SATA-USB converter, can connectmy fresh-from-the-box SSD to my old computer, install an OS (say Windows 10 Public Beta, because people say it's stabile and has little to now compatibility issues and is currently free), and then put my SSD back in the new case along with the other new hardware and get on with my life?

 

[Someone Somewhere]

Unfortunately, no. You cannot install Windows onto a USB-connected drive, and changing motherboards is troublesome.

However, if you've got a spare USB stick, you can put the Windows installer onto it (which you'd need to do anyway, unless you use a DVD), then install off that onto your new computer.

 

[leon-nor]

Unfortunately, no. You cannot install Windows onto a USB-connected drive, and changing motherboards is troublesome.

However, if you've got a spare USB stick, you can put the Windows installer onto it (which you'd need to do anyway, unless you use a DVD), then install off that onto your new computer.

Does that mean I can "boot install" windows from a USB stick, without already having a working OS? I didn't think that was possible.

 

[Someone Somewhere]

You need a working OS on another computer to burn the disk or USB stick.

Beyond there, you don't need anything beyond a BIOS that can boot from USB drives, which is pretty much everything from the last decade.

 

[leon-nor]

So it turns out I've been living in the stone age. I see now that there is an ocean of programs, tools and guides on how to install an OS from USB. Thanks for the quick answers!