We all know that the Windows To Go feature is introduced by Microsoft, which is only available in Windows 10/8 enterprise and education editions. So for many non-enterprise Windows users, they are using a third-party tool, such as Rufus, to create Windows to go USB drives. Rufus has added the Windows To Go feature since version 2.0. In this article, you can learn how to make portable Windows 10 USB with Rufus.
Before you do:
1. The Windows To Go option in Rufus is only available in Windows 8 or later versions. So, if you are using Windows 7, you cannot create a Windows To Go USB with Rufus.
2. The USB drive should be at least 32GB.
3. It is recommended to use the certified USB to get the best performance.
4. Rufus is compatible with all editions of Windows 10 and Windows 8/8.1.
Steps to create Windows 10 portable USB using Rufus
Step 1: Go to Rufus website and then find the Download section. You can check its latest updates. Then download the normal version instead of the Portable version.
Step 2: Connect the USB drive or USB hard disk to your Windows 8/8.1 or Windows 10 computer.
Step 3: Double click Rufus software and then it will detect your USB drive automatically.
If you are using the USB hard disk, just click Show advanced drive properties and then check the option List USB Hard Drives.
Step 4: Click the SELECT button to add Windows 10 ISO image file.
After the image file is scanned, it will be listed under the Boot selection. And other settings will be changed automatically. You can also change the Partition scheme to MBR for BIOS or UEFI computers.
Step 5: Change the Image option to Windows To Go.
Step 6: Click the Start button and then select the Windows version to install. Click OK to finish the selection.
Step 7: Get the formatting warning. Click OK to continue this operation.
Step 8: Rufus is making your Windows 10 portable USB. This process will take a long time so you just need to wait for the ending. When it is done, you can take this USB anywhere and boot any Windows computer into Windows 10 OS.
Rufus alternative to make portable Windows USB
When you cannot find the Windows To Go option after importing the ISO image in Rufus, how can you make Windows To Go USB drive? You can try Rufus' alternative tool to make a portable Windows USB. iSunshare WinToGo Genius is recommended here, which makes the whole job easier for you to create the Windows To Go USB on any Windows computer, including Windows 1/8/8.1/10/11.
But this software is not free to use. You need to pay $19.95 for the full version. It deserves the price.
Step 1: Download and install iSunshare WinToGo Genius on your computer.
Step 2: Plug the USB drive into your computer and then run iSunshare WinToGo Genius. It is better for you to use the USB hard disk in a large size.It will take a long time when you are using a USB flash drive which is less than 32GB.
Step 3: Select the USB drive to make portable Windows 10 USB. You can also check the Shut down when finished option if you have no time in waiting for the creation.
Step 4: Click Use the Windows iso image file tab and then click the folder icon to add your Windows 10 ISO image file.
Step 5: Minutes later, you can get the Windows OS decompressed from the ISO file. Select one operating system you want to install on the USB drive.
Step 6: Click the Start button and then you will get the format message. Click Yes to start making Windows 10 To Go USB.
You will get the successful message after a short time.
Conclusion:
Rufus is indeed a great tool to create a Windows To Go drive when you can not use Windows built-in Windows To Go feature. And iSunshare WinToGo makes it easier for you to create portable Windows on any Windows computer. It is compatible with the newest Windows 11. You can also have a try!
