How to Install Windows To Go on a GPT Partitioned Drive with Rufus

How to Install Windows To Go on a GPT Partitioned Drive with Rufus

If you need to run Windows on a different computer without modifying its existing operating system, Windows To Go is a great solution. It allows you to create a portable version of Windows that you can boot from any compatible computer. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing Windows To Go on a GPT partitioned drive using Rufus, a popular tool for creating bootable USB drives.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

• A Windows ISO file: You will need a copy of the Windows installation files in ISO format. You can download the ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
• A USB drive: You will need a USB drive with a minimum capacity of 32GB. Make sure to back up any important data on the USB drive, as it will be formatted during the process.
• Rufus: Download and install Rufus from the official website. Rufus is a free and lightweight tool that allows you to create bootable USB drives.

Step 1: Launch Rufus

After installing Rufus, connect your USB drive to your computer and launch the Rufus application. You may need to grant administrative privileges to run the program.

Step 2: Select the USB Drive

In the Rufus window, select your USB drive from the "Device" dropdown menu. Make sure you choose the correct drive, as all data on the selected drive will be erased.

Step 3: Choose the Partition Scheme and Target System Type

Under the "Partition scheme" section, select "GPT" from the dropdown menu. GPT (GUID Partition Table) is the recommended partition scheme for modern computers with UEFI firmware.

Next, under the "Target system" section, choose "UEFI (non-CSM)" if your computer supports UEFI boot mode. If your computer only supports legacy BIOS boot mode, select "BIOS (or UEFI-CSM)".

Step 4: File System and Cluster Size

For the "File system" option, select "NTFS". NTFS is the recommended file system for Windows To Go drives.

Leave the "Cluster size" option as the default value, which is usually set to "4096 bytes".

Step 5: Create a Bootable Disk using the Windows ISO

Click on the small CD/DVD drive icon next to the "Boot selection" dropdown menu. In the file explorer window, locate and select the Windows ISO file you downloaded earlier.

Step 6: Start the Windows To Go Installation

Click on the "Start" button to begin the process. Rufus will display a warning that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Make sure you have backed up any important data before proceeding.

Wait for Rufus to format the USB drive and copy the Windows installation files. This process may take a while, depending on the speed of your USB drive and computer.

Step 7: Boot from the Windows To Go Drive

Once Rufus has finished creating the Windows To Go drive, you can now boot your computer from it. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings.

In the BIOS or UEFI settings, change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive. Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings. Your computer will now boot from the Windows To Go drive.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Windows To Go on a GPT partitioned drive using Rufus. You can now carry your own portable Windows environment and use it on any compatible computer. Remember to always keep your Windows To Go drive updated and secure by installing the latest Windows updates and using reliable antivirus software.

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