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Installing Windows 10 from a Downloaded Image (USB Drive)
When the installation process for Windows 10 is complete, you may want to create a bootable USB drive from that same image, allowing you to install the operating system on multiple computers without needing to reinstall it every time. This can be incredibly convenient, especially in scenarios such as:
– Migrating computers between different organizations or countries
– Creating an image of a company’s network for disaster recovery purposes
– Installing Windows 10 on a friend or family member’s computer
To accomplish this task, you’ll need to use Rufus, a popular utility for creating bootable USB drives. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
Prerequisites
- Rufus installed and configured on your computer
- A copy of the Windows 10 installation media (USB drive) from your previous installation
Step 1: Create a New Boot Configuration in Rufus
To create a new boot configuration, follow these steps:
– Open Rufus on your computer.
– Select the USB drive you want to use as an image for Windows 10 from the list of available disks.
– Click on “New” and then select “ISO image”.
– In the “Select ISO or file:” field, enter the path to the downloaded Windows 10 installation media (e.g., C:\Windows\Media\Windows10.ISO).
– Make sure the option is set to “Read-only” and click “Next”.
– Select “Create a bootable disk using this ISO image” as the startup type.
– Click “Save”.
Step 2: Configure the Boot Options in Rufus
After creating the new boot configuration, you’ll need to configure the boot options. Follow these steps:
– Open Rufus again and select the USB drive that was created in step 1.
– Click on “Edit” at the top right corner of the window.
– In the “Boot options” section, set the following:
* Set “Boot device” to the USB drive (e.g., “C:”).
* Set “Boot order” to “USB”.
* Set “Save changes” to ensure that Rufus saves any changes you make to the boot configuration.
– Click “OK” and then click “Apply”.
Step 3: Use Rufus to Create a Bootable USB Drive
Now it’s time to use Rufus to create a bootable USB drive. Follow these steps:
– Open Rufus again and select the USB drive that was created in step 1.
– Click on “Burn” at the top right corner of the window.
– In the “Create a bootable disk using this ISO image” dialog box, enter the path to the downloaded Windows 10 installation media (e.g., C:\Windows\Media\Windows10.ISO).
– Select “Write everything” as the boot method and then click “OK”.
– Rufus will now create a bootable USB drive from the Windows 10 installation media. You can verify this by opening the disk management tool or using a file explorer.
Step 4: Boot from the Bootable USB Drive
To install Windows 10 on multiple computers, you’ll need to boot from the bootable USB drive. Follow these steps:
– Insert the bootable USB drive into your computer.
– Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, or Del).
– Set the USB drive as the first device in the BIOS settings.
– Save and exit the BIOS settings.
– The computer should now boot from the USB drive. You’ll be prompted to select which Windows 10 installation media to use for installation.
Tips and Precautions
– Be careful when using Rufus, as incorrect configuration can result in data loss or corruption of the Windows 10 installation media.
– Always make sure to create a backup of your original installation media before attempting to install Windows 10 from it.
– If you’re having trouble installing Windows 10 on the bootable USB drive, ensure that Rufus is configured correctly and that the USB drive is properly formatted.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully create a bootable USB drive from your downloaded Windows 10 installation media and install the operating system on multiple computers without needing to reinstall it every time.
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