Can a flash drive be installed onto Windows
Yes, a flash drive can be used to boot a Windows OS.
Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 can utilize a flash drive for storage.
However, the speed will be slower than a hard disk.
This is especially true unless you use a flash drive with high transfer capabilities.
Older model USB 2.0 flash drives have an average transfer speed of around 20MB/s. While this may be sufficient for booting, it will be slower for other tasks.
Remember, Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems rely on RAM to load programs, which can help mitigate the slower speed of a flash drive.
Test using Kingston Traveller HyperX 8GB, model 2009
Speed 30MB/s read, 20MB/s write
Requirements:
Flash Drive: Minimum capacity of 8GB (Note: All data on the drive will be erased during the process)
Windows 11 Image Files:
ISO Windows: 1.5GB (ISO file without bloatware)
Features:
No bloatware programs
No Autopilot
No news, feeds, etc.
No Microsoft Defender installed
Minimum drivers included (only those necessary for the system)
System Requirements (Minimum):
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 3GB (on the target system, not the flash drive)
Performance:
Running Windows 11 from a flash drive will likely be slow.
Benefits:
Makes old computers with limited storage functional again.
Suitable for basic tasks like web browsing and watching KZread videos.
Software
WinToUSB (also called Windows To USB) is the best free Windows To Go (WTG) Creator which allows you to install and run a fully-functional Windows on external hard drive, USB flash drive or Thunderbolt drive. It is so easy and efficient, with just 3 steps and a few minutes, you can create your first portable Windows 11/10/8/7 or Windows Server directly from an ISO
www.easyuefi.com/wintousb/
ISO Windows 11 24H2 Xlite Micro
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