Microsoft's "Windows To Go" feature allows you to install Windows on a certified USB drive, enabling you to boot and run Windows on any other computer. This feature was available in Windows 8, 8.1 Enterprise, Windows 10 Education, and Windows 10 Enterprise editions.
Windows To Go is a useful feature for business and personal Windows 8 users. It allows you to quickly set up a familiar Windows 8 environment on a USB drive, making it easy to work from home or on a business trip. Additionally, it can help resolve compatibility issues with programs or games that only run well on a specific OS, making it a handy tool for those who need to run such applications.
To create a Windows 8 bootable USB with Windows To Go, follow these steps: First, download the Windows To Go Creator tool from Microsoft's website. Then, insert a USB drive with at least 3GB of free space and run the tool.
For Windows 8, 8.1 Enterprise users, you can create a Windows 8 Enterprise USB, but if you're running a different OS or don't have a certified USB drive, you can skip to the next part to create a bootable Windows 8 USB without the Enterprise limit.
Prepare a WTG certified USB with at least 32GB, and backup the drive as it will be formatted.
✍ List of WTG certified USB:
● WD My Passport Enterprise
● Kingston DataTraveler Workspace
● Super Talent RC4/ RC8
● Imation IronKey™ Workspace W300 / W500 / W700
● Spyrus WorkSafe
● Spyrus Portable Workplace
● Spyrus Secure Portable Workplace
Step 1. Insert the USB drive, and go "Control Panel" and find "Windows To Go"
Step 2. In the "Windows To Go" window, the USB drive is recognized and listed on the window. And click "Next".
Step 3. And choose a Windows 8 image file.
Step 4. To create a Windows To Go workspace, you need to set a password for the Windows 8 USB, click "Create", and it will start making a Windows To Go workspace.
You can use a tool like Rufus to create a portable Windows 8 OS on a normal USB drive, without the need for the Windows To Go feature or an Enterprise version of Windows. Rufus is a free, open-source utility that allows you to create a bootable USB drive with a Windows installation, and it doesn't have the same limitations as the Windows To Go feature. This way, you can create a portable Windows 8 OS on a normal USB drive, without breaking the bank on a certified USB drive.
Qiling Disk Master Professional is a powerful Windows To Go creator that surpasses the built-in Windows To Go tool in several ways, offering numerous advantages.
You can start by downloading the demo version, which will allow you to see how the software operates and understand its functionality. Once you have the demo version installed, you can follow the steps to get familiar with its features and how to use it effectively.
When you insert the Windows 8 USB drive into a computer, you'll typically need to enter the BIOS settings to set it as the boot drive. This allows the computer to recognize the USB drive as the primary boot device, enabling you to install Windows 8 from it. To do this, you usually need to restart the computer, then press a specific key (such as F2, F12, or Del) to access the BIOS settings.
To start, turn on the computer and immediately tap the BIOS key when the logo appears on the screen. This key is usually F2, F12, or Del, and its function varies by computer model. The BIOS key is used to enter the system's Basic Input/Output System settings, which allows you to configure various settings for the computer.
Step 2. When the BIOS window is launched, choose the "Boot" tab, and choose "Change boot order".
Step 3. Select the USB drive at the top of the list of devices and save the change. This will cause the PC to boot from the USB drive.
Qiling Disk Master is a better option for creating a Windows 8 USB compared to other alternatives. It not only allows you to build a Windows 8 USB but also enables you to create a bootable USB for repairing purposes. If your PC experiences boot issues, you can use this USB to boot and repair your PC. Additionally, Qiling Disk Master offers an Unlimited edition that includes all Server version features and provides unlimited usage, making it a cost-effective option for companies.