[SOLVED] Is it possible to install via an external HDD?

[anderton46]

Hi all,

I have an external HDD that connects via USB with the windows 10 installation files on. I was wondering will I be able to use this rather than a flash drive to install Windows onto my new PC or does it have to be flash?

 

[USAFRet]

Hi all,

I have an external HDD that connects via USB with the windows 10 installation files on. I was wondering will I be able to use this rather than a flash drive to install Windows onto my new PC or does it have to be flash?

How did you create this on the external HDD?
If you can boot from it, yes.

 

[anderton46]

How did you create this on the external HDD?
If you can boot from it, yes.

I just followed this guide to download the installation files to it -
https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmanager/install-windows-10.html

The reason I'm asking is my pc hasn't arrived yet, and as I have no flash drive wasn't sure if I needed to order one rather than waiting for the PC to come and realising it won't install from the HDD.

 

[USAFRet]

I just followed this guide to download the installation files to it -
https://www.partitionwizard.com/partitionmanager/install-windows-10.html

The reason I'm asking is my pc hasn't arrived yet, and as I have no flash drive wasn't sure if I needed to order one rather than waiting for the PC to come and realising it won't install from the HDD.

If you selected "USB flash drive", then all should be OK.

Some things badly wrong with their write up, though.
"In fact, what you are buying is a license code to activate Windows 10. Anyone can download and use Windows 10 for 30 days, but for permanent access, a license is required. "
The '30 day' thing is not correct.
Yes, you DO need a valid license to activate it. But there is no '30 day thing. That used to be the case with Win 8.1 and earlier.
The limitations for an Unactivated Win 10 start on Day 1. But it will run that way forever, it seems.


Here is a better writeup on installing Win 10.

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com