In VirtualBox, a USB flash drive or USB drive can be connected in such a way that for a virtual computer it would seem like a regular SATA drive. Therefore, we will use one interesting loophole. At the same time, there are no obstacles for booting an already installed system from a USB disk. If you try to install Windows on USB, the system will inform you that USB drives are not supported. The system boots more slowly than with an SSD inside a computer, but the speed of the disk almost does not affect the subsequent work - everything is quite comfortable, just like on a regular computer with an HDD. In this manual I use HDD from an old laptop placed in a SATA-USB 2.0 adapter. USB 2.0 will do, although USB 3.0 is also better. An HDD is suitable, although it would be better with an SSD. In my opinion, the speed of the flash drive is not enough, although I did not check it - I simply do not have a flash drive of sufficient size. If you are not sure to choose a USB flash drive or an external USB HDD/SSD drive, then I recommend an HDD/SSD drive. On a USB drive we will install Windows 10. The main thing that it should be not quite an old machine (EFI support is needed - this is the firmware, which now (the last 7+ years already) is replacing the BIOS). This drive is not tied to a computer and should boot on any other laptop or desktop PC. This is the only form of nag you’ll see - there are no pop-up windows, for example.In this manual, I will show a trick with which you can get a portable Windows on an external USB drive. Activate Windows now.” link at the bottom of the Settings app. You’ll also see a “Windows isn’t activated.

First, you’ll notice a watermark in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Eventually, Windows will start nagging you a tiny bit. Initially, you won’t notice a difference. These days, Windows just complains at you in a few minor, cosmetic ways. With Windows XP, Microsoft actually used Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) to disable access to your computer. However, an unactivated version of Windows 10 doesn’t have many restrictions. RELATED: How Does Windows Activation Work?Īfter you’ve installed Windows 10 without a key, it won’t actually be activated. Whatever version you choose, Windows 10 will install normally. When you select this option, you’ll be able to install either “Windows 10 Home” or “Windows 10 Pro.” Bear in mind that, if you plan to pay to upgrade to the paid version later, it’ll be cheaper to upgrade to Windows 10 Home, so you may want to install the Home version.

Install win 10 on usb drive