Consider USB 3.0 or 2.0 for a smoother Windows 10 installation.
Consider USB 3.0 or 2.0 for a smoother Windows 10 installation.
I searched for information myself and found mixed results. My concern is identifying the most reliable and hassle-free method to install Windows 10 using a flash drive, preferably via USB 2.0. It seems safer to use USB 2.0 with a standard USB 2.0 flash drive. However, the drawback is locating a new USB 2.0 flash drive and the fact that USB 2.0 is quite slow—even a 3.0 is comparable to a 7200 RPM HDD. Some suggest older devices (like Mobo) or Windows 7 might not support USB 3.0 installations via flash drives, while Windows 10 has native USB 3.0 support and most modern devices should work. My setup includes a Gigabyte X370 Gaming 5 and several USB 3.0 drives. I’m wondering if brand matters and whether drivers are necessary for USB 3.0 ports to function properly. On my current system, all peripherals use USB 2.0, so I used a disc during the Windows 7 install. Others advised that you might need a driver to enable USB 3.0 functionality.
I've installed Windows 10 via a USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 flash drives countless times, never had an issue with either. I think it takes me between 10 and 15 minutes to do a full install with no noticeable difference between the two. You shouldn't need drivers or anything to get it to work, USB should work out of the box regardless of rev.
Looking for a USB 2.0 flash drive or using ports that support it? Since I haven’t found any USB 2.0 devices locally anymore... who still uses them, anyway? Even if I could, what would happen in ten years when my drive fails? It’s frustrating that the standards are so outdated. Microsoft—or whoever—should set a minimum for version 3.0 now. USB Type C is hard to find, and most options are expensive unless you’re willing to pay a lot.
It's possible to use drivers on USB 3.0 ports even without them being installed, though performance may be limited. Full speed isn't guaranteed.
Usually go with USB 3.0, since that’s what users recommend. Many Windows updates come from USB drives. Whether you buy from the manufacturer or a store, this works. If needed, you can use a CD to make a bootable one.
I think I should give it a shot myself. Thanks for the replies. If it doesn’t work out, fine—maybe I should back it up too just in case! This is my first time installing Windows via USB. It’s always been Disc for me. Finally, it’s time to move past the Stone Age, I guess...
They’ll all function properly—Windows doesn’t matter in practice.