Step-by-Step Guide- How to Install Windows 10 on Your PC Using an External Hard Drive

How to Install Windows 10 from External Hard Drive

Installing Windows 10 from an external hard drive is a convenient and efficient way to upgrade or install the operating system on your computer. Whether you’re dealing with a new build, a system that won’t boot, or simply want to have a backup installation, following these steps will guide you through the process. Let’s dive into the details of how to install Windows 10 from an external hard drive.

Step 1: Prepare Your External Hard Drive

Before you begin, ensure that your external hard drive is formatted and ready for installation. If it’s not already formatted, you can use the built-in Disk Management tool in Windows to do so. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows key + X and select “Disk Management” from the menu.
2. Right-click on the unallocated space on your external hard drive and select “New Simple Volume.”
3. Follow the prompts to create a new volume and format it with the NTFS file system.

Step 2: Download Windows 10 ISO File

Next, you’ll need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the Microsoft website. Go to the official Windows 10 download page and select the edition you want to install. Click on “Download tool now” to download the Media Creation Tool.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Once you have the Media Creation Tool downloaded, run the executable file and select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.” Choose the ISO file option and specify the location where you saved the Windows 10 ISO file. Select your external hard drive as the USB flash drive and click “Next.”

Step 4: Boot from the External Hard Drive

Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2, F10, or DEL) during the boot process. In the BIOS or UEFI settings, change the boot order so that your computer boots from the external hard drive first. Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings.

Step 5: Install Windows 10

After your computer boots from the external hard drive, you’ll see the Windows Setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. You may need to choose the language, keyboard layout, and other preferences. When prompted, select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” to perform a clean installation.

Step 6: Partition and Format the Drive

During the installation process, you’ll be prompted to partition and format the drive. Choose the partition you want to install Windows 10 on and click “Next.” Windows will automatically format the drive for you.

Step 7: Complete the Installation

Once the installation process is complete, your computer will restart. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your user account, network, and other preferences. Once you’re done, you’ll have Windows 10 installed on your computer from the external hard drive.

By following these steps, you can successfully install Windows 10 from an external hard drive. This method is especially useful for system builders, those who need to recover their system, or anyone looking for a backup installation. Happy installing!