Have a netbook that you want to install Windows on, but are confused because you don't have a DVD drive? Install Windows often and don't want to worry about scratching or damaging your installation CD? Copying the Windows installation program to a USB flash disk is actually a much simpler process than you might think. Follow this guide to learn how to make your USB flash disk usable to install Windows Vista, 7, or 8.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Getting the ISO File
Step 1. Purchase or get a copy of Windows
You can create an installation USB from a DVD or from an ISO file provided by Microsoft for download if you purchased Windows from their web store. You can install Windows Vista, 7, and 8 from a USB flash disk.
If you downloaded the ISO file of your desired version of Windows, you can read the next steps
Step 2. Install a free burning program
There are many free burning programs available on the internet. You will need a burning program that can create ISO files. ImgBurn is one of the popular and free options.
Step 3. Insert your Windows DVD
Open your new burning program. Look for the “Copy to Image” or “Create Image” option. If prompted, select your DVD drive as the source.
Step 4. Save your ISO file
Choose a memorable name and location for the file. The ISO you create will be the same size as the CD or DVD you copied. This means that you may need several GB of space on your storage media. Make sure you have enough storage space.
The ISO file is an exact copy of the installation DVD
Part 2 of 4: Creating a Bootable Flash Disk
Step 1. Insert your flash disk
Your flash disk must be 4GB in size or more for the ISO copying to be successful. All data on the flash disk will be deleted when you make it a flash disk for Windows installation, so make sure you save all important data before proceeding.
Step 2. Download Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool for free from Microsoft
Despite the name "Windows 7", you can also use it for Windows 8. You can install and run this program on almost any version of Windows.
If you prefer the more difficult method and want to create a bootable flash disk via the command line, check out this guide
Step 3. Select the Source file
This file is the ISO you created in the first section. Click Next.
Step 4. Select the USB device
You are given the option to burn a DVD or create a bootable USB device. Click the USB Device option. Select your flash disk from the list provided.
Step 5. Wait for the program to work
The program will format the flash disk so that it can be used for booting, and copy the ISO file to it. Depending on the speed of your machine, the copying process may take up to 15 minutes.
Part 3 of 4: Booting from a USB Flash Disk
Step 1. Insert the flash disk into the computer where you will install Windows
Turn on or restart the computer. When the computer restarts, you need to press the Setup button to enter the BIOS and change the boot order. This allows you to boot via USB instead of the hard disk.
- The Setup button must be pressed when the manufacturer logo appears on the screen. Usually the time is very short, so if you don't have time to press it, you'll have to restart your computer and try again.
- This button varies between computers, but will appear on the screen when you can press it. Generally, the keys are F2, F10, and Del.
Step 2. Enter the Boot menu
Although the layout of each BIOS is different, all of them will have a Boot menu despite their different names. This menu will display the order of devices to be used as boot devices by the computer. Generally, the computer is set to boot from the hard disk so that the operating system loads quickly.
Step 3. Change the boot order
After you find the Boot menu, you need to change the order so that your USB flash disk is on top. Again, the method differs between computers. Some BIOS settings display the flash disk name, while other settings only say “Removable Device” or “USB”.
Generally, you should use the + and - keys on your keyboard to change the boot order
Step 4. Save changes and exit BIOS
After you change the boot order, save the changes and exit the BIOS. The key to exit the BIOS is usually F10. The computer will restart from the USB flash disk.
Part 4 of 4: Installing Windows
Step 1. Press any key to start the Setup process
You will see a message after the manufacturer logo asking you to press any key to start Setup. Press any key on your keyboard to get started.
If you don't press the key, your computer will move to the next device in the boot order, so you will need to restart your computer
Step 2. Wait for Setup to load
After you press any key, Setup will start loading the files needed to install Windows. This may take a few minutes on older computers.
Step 3. Start installing Windows
Once the files are loaded, the Windows installation will start just like you would install Windows from a DVD. Read this guide for specific instructions on installing Windows:
- Installing Windows 8
- Installing Windows 7
- Installing Windows Vista
