Windows is usually installed on a computer using an installation in the form of a compact disc (compact disc or CD) or a digital verstil disc (digital versatile disc or DVD). However, this method cannot be done on newer models of computers that do not have an optical disc (optical drive). Fortunately, you can create an installation drive using a USB flash drive as long as it has at least 4 GB of data storage allocated. You also don't need a Windows installation disc to create an installation disc. After creating the installation disc, you can use it to install Windows 7 on any computer.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting the ISO File
Step 1. Create an ISO file using the installation disc (if you have one)
The easiest way to create a Windows installation on a USB flash drive is to use an ISO file, or disc image type file, which contains Windows. The ISO file can be created using a Windows 7 installation disc. If you have the disc, you can create your own ISO file in a few minutes. If you don't have a Windows 7 installation disc, see the next step.
- Insert the Windows 7 installation disc into the DVD drive (DVD Drive).
- Download (download) and install ImgBurn. You can download it at imgburn.com for free. In the setup process, select the "Custom installation" option and uncheck the box that offers additional software installation. You have to do this step twice.
- Run ImgBurn and select "Create image file from disc."
- Select the DVD drive and click the directory (folder) button to create a file name and select a save location. The created ISO file will be several GB in size. Create a recognizable name for the ISO file such as "Windows7 Installation".
- Click the big " Read " button to start creating the file. This process will take a few minutes. You can find the ISO file that has been created in the specified location.
Step 2. Download the ISO file from Microsoft if you don't have an installation disc
If you don't have a Windows 7 installation disc, or don't want to install ImgBurn, you can download the Windows 7 ISO directly from Microsoft. You need a Windows 7 product key in order to get the download link. You can find the product key on your computer, in a computer document, or in an email with a purchase confirmation.
- You can use NirSoft's ProduKey software to find the product key. You can get it at nirsoft.net/utils/product_cd_key_viewer.html. Running this software will bring up the Windows 7 product key.
- After getting the product key, go to microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7. Enter the product key and download the ISO file to your computer. This process will take a few moments, depending on the internet speed.
Part 2 of 3: Creating a USB installation disc
Step 1. Insert a USB flash drive of 4 GB or larger into the computer
Make sure you have backed up any important files on the USB flash drive. This is a must because any files on the disc will be deleted when you insert the ISO file into it.
Step 2. Format the flash drive to change the system type to NTFS
This step may not be necessary, but some people have reported that it can help eliminate problems with the ISO file creation process.
- Open a "Computer" or "This PC" window. You can find it in the Start menu, or by pressing Win+E.
- Right-click the USB flash drive and select the "Format" option.
- Select "NTFS" in the "File system" menu and format the disk.
Step 3. Download and install "Windows USB/DVD Download Tool" (WUDT)
This software helps you convert a USB flash drive into a Windows installation disc using an ISO file. You can download this software at wudt.codeplex.com. The software must be installed before it can be used.
Step 4. Run WUDT and select the ISO file
You will be asked to select this file on the first screen of wudd. Look for an ISO file that was created or downloaded from Microsoft.
Step 5. Select "USB device" as the media type
You can also use this software to create bootable DVD discs, but this guide is specifically for USB flash drives.
Step 6. Select the flash disk from the list of available disks
If you install more than one USB flash drive into the computer, all the installed flash drives will appear in the list. Make sure the USB flash drive shows it has at least 4 GB of storage allocated.
Step 7. Start the copying process
This process will take a few minutes to copy the ISO file onto a USB flash drive. Do not remove the USB flash disk until the copying process is complete.
Part 3 of 3: Installing Windows 7
Step 1. Insert the flash drive into the computer you want to install Windows 7
You can use a flash drive containing an ISO file to install Windows 7 on any computer, but each computer requires its own product key. The version of Windows (Home, Professional, Ultimate) that can be installed on your computer depends on the version of Windows that the ISO file contains. For example, if the ISO file contains a Home version of Windows, then you cannot install the Professional version or the Ultimate version of Windows on the computer.
Step 2. Shut down and turn on the computer and press the SETUP, BIOS, or BOOT button
The name of the key used varies, depending on the hardware manufacturer (hardware). This button must be pressed when the computer first starts up. This process can help you change the boot order for your device, so your computer uses a flash drive instead of a hard drive to boot. The correct button and must be pressed will be displayed on the same screen when the manufacturer logo appears. In order not to miss it, keep in mind that the manufacturer's logo will appear immediately on the screen when you turn on the computer, so it's a good idea to have the monitor turned on before turning on the computer. Press the button continuously until the menu opens.
Commonly used keys include F2, F10, F11, or Del
Step 3. Open the BOOT menu
If you enter the BOOT menu directly, you can skip this stage to the next stage. Otherwise, use the arrow keys in the BIOS menu to open the BOOT section.
Step 4. Set the flash drive as the primary boot device
Rearrange the boot order so that the flash drive is in the topmost position. This is to ensure that the computer will boot from a flash drive before booting another disk.
Step 5. Save the changes that have been made and shut down and restart the computer
You will be prompted to press a key to start the Windows Setup process.
Step 6. Start the Windows Setup process
You will be asked to select a language and region option. After making your selection, click "Install Now" to run the installation.
Step 7. Select "Custom Installation" when prompted
This allows you to format the hard disk and install a fresh copy of Windows 7. This process will delete all data that is on the partition that was selected as the place to install Windows.
Step 8. Choose the partition where Windows will be installed
All files in this partition will be deleted during the installation process. You can delete unused partitions to combine them with other partitions to increase the free space. To delete and merge partitions, click on " Drive options " and select the partition you want to delete to convert it to unallocated space.
Step 9. Wait for Windows to finish installing
This process will take about 20 to 30 minutes. You will not be prompted to do anything until the installation process is complete.
Step 10. Create a user account
You will be asked to create a user account and name the computer. Create a user account to proceed to the next step.
If you are setting up your computer for someone else or for sale, press Ctrl+⇧ Shift+F3 on this screen. This step will run Windows in Audit mode. After that, you can install the necessary drivers and run the System Preparation Tool. Select "Enter System OOBE" and click "OK" to complete this process. This stage will ask the next computer user to create a user account
Step 11. Enter the product key
You will be asked to enter a product key so that Windows can be activated. You can continue to use Windows without entering a product key for 30 days, but we recommend entering it immediately.
Step 12. Select "Use recommended settings" for Windows Update
This option ensures that you can get the latest Windows updates.
Step 13. Set the date and time
You will be asked to set the date and time. Many computers will perform this step automatically with the help of the BIOS.
Step 14. Choose a network type
This stage will affect how the computer appears on the network (network) and what devices can access it. Be sure to select "Public network" if the computer is not at home or at work to help protect it.
Step 15. Wait until the setup process is complete
Windows will start preparing the desktop and this process will take a few minutes. Once this process is complete, you can start using Windows 7.
