When installing Windows 10 using a USB flash drive, there are several considerations to keep in mind. One common misconception is that it is easy to install Windows 10 on a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). However, it can be more challenging to install Windows 10 on a UEFI-based computer. In this article, we will outline the necessary steps to successfully install Windows 10 on both BIOS and UEFI systems.
To install the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) on Windows 10, several steps must be followed. There are two tools that can be used to create USB media for installation: the default Microsoft program and a third-party tool. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Windows 10 from a USB flash drive using either of these tools.
A Comprehensive Guide to Installing Windows 10 from a USB Flash Drive
There are two methods for creating USB media for installation: using Microsoft’s official Media Creation Tool or using a third-party tool called Rufus. Based on user feedback, the Media Creation Tool is generally the preferred method because it provides straightforward and easy installation of Windows 10 with UEFI support. In this article, we will outline the steps for installing Windows 10 from a USB flash drive using the Media Creation Tool.
While the Media Creation Tool is easy to use, some users may have difficulty following the procedure if they are not familiar with installing software on a Windows computer. In recognition of this, we have prepared a comprehensive guide outlining the steps required to install Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool. This guide is intended to assist those who may be unfamiliar with PC usage in successfully completing the installation process.
Note: Before proceeding with the steps below, ensure that you have a flash drive with at least 8 GB of free space available for use.
- Visit the Windows 10 download page and locate the ‘Create Windows 10 installation media’ section.
- Click the ‘Download tool now‘ button.
- Double-click the downloaded MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe file and accept the licensing terms.
- Select ‘Create installation media’ and click ‘Next’.
- Choose the desired language, architecture, and edition, then click ‘Next’.
- Choose a USB flash drive by clicking ‘Next’.
- Select the desired flash drive from the list and click ‘Next’.
- Click ‘Finish’ to complete the process.
Once you have created a bootable USB flash drive, you are ready to install Windows 10 on a UEFI device. By using the USB boot media with support for UEFI systems, you can launch the ‘Windows Setup’ wizard to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 or an in-place upgrade.
However, keep in mind that the ‘UEFI:NTFS bootloader’ does not include a digital signature for secure boot. As such, you will need to temporarily disable secure boot on the motherboard firmware before you can boot into the setup. This can typically be done from within the UEFI by pressing the F2 or Delete key when the computer is starting up. Once you have accessed the UEFI, you can proceed with the installation process.
Please note that firmware settings can vary by manufacturer and device model. For this reason, it is important to check the support website of your device manufacturer for specific instructions on how to access and modify the firmware settings. After installing Windows 10, you can re-enable secure boot. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask in the comments section below.
Frequently Asked Questions
A1. Refer to the guide provided above for detailed instructions on how to install Windows 10 from USB to UEFI.
A2. Yes, you can boot from USB in UEFI mode as long as your hardware supports it.
A3. Yes, UEFI has faster boot times compared to legacy boot modes.
A4. Yes, Windows 10 utilizes the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) to support the handoff of system control from the SoC firmware boot loader to the operating system.
