Title: How to Install Windows 10 Using a USB Drive with PE
Content:
In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Windows 10 on your computer using a USB drive with PE (Preinstallation Environment). This method is beneficial for those who want to install Windows 10 without using a CD/DVD drive or for those who want to create a bootable USB drive for future installations.
Before starting, make sure you have the following requirements:
1. A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage space.
2. A valid Windows 10 product key.
3. A computer with a BIOS/UEFI firmware that supports booting from USB.
Step 1: Download and install Windows 10 ISO file
1. Go to the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 ISO file. You can choose between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions based on your computer's specifications.
2. Install a software tool like Rufus or balenaEtcher to create a bootable USB drive. These tools are free and easy to use.
Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive with PE
1. Insert the USB drive into your computer and launch the Rufus or balenaEtcher tool.
2. Select the USB drive from the "Device" drop-down menu.
3. Set the "Partition scheme and target system" to "MBR (Master Boot Record)" for BIOS or "GPT (GUID Partition Table)" for UEFI firmware.
4. Set the "File system" to "FAT32" or "NTFS" (choose NTFS if you have more than 16GB of storage space).
5. Click on the "Select" button next to "Image file" and select the Windows 10 ISO file you downloaded earlier.
6. Click on "Start" to begin the process. The tool will format the USB drive and copy the ISO file to it.
Step 3: Boot your computer from the USB drive
1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the appropriate key (e.g., F2, Del, or Esc) during startup.
2. Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. This can usually be done by pressing the "F6" key or selecting the "Boot" tab and moving the USB drive to the top of the list.
3. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings.
4. Your computer will boot from the USB drive and display the Windows Setup screen.
Step 4: Install Windows 10
1. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. You will need to choose your language, keyboard layout, and time/currency format.
2. Select "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" when prompted.
3. Select the partition where you want to install Windows 10. If you want to format the partition, click on "Drive options (advanced)" and then "Format".
4. Click "Next" to start the installation process. The installation may take some time, depending on your computer's specifications.
Step 5: Complete the installation
1. Once the installation is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Windows 10 user account and preferences.
2. Your computer should now be running Windows 10. You can now remove the USB drive and restart your computer.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows 10 using a USB drive with PE. This method can be useful for creating a bootable USB drive or for installing Windows 10 on a new computer.
