How can I transfer my current Windows 10 setup to a USB drive?
How can I transfer my current Windows 10 setup to a USB drive?
You must have any operating system installed on any drive in this setup.
Your goal is to eliminate all drives and OS inside the system.
Consider using sysprep as I mentioned earlier; even if the Windows inside the vhd matches the source machine, moving it from a m.2 or sata to a simulated vhd might lead to boot problems. Sysprep will remove all drivers, ensuring only compatible ones are loaded on the first boot.
There are numerous YouTube tutorials that show you how to install Windows 10/11 on a USB using Rufus.
I have created Windows to Go installations on various storage media several times before. As mentioned earlier, a fast flash drive is essential. Inexpensive or slow drives can take over 15 minutes to boot and may fail quickly. Even a small mobile HDD performs better than a slow flash drive.
As suggested, the person likely only intends for Linux on their internal drive, not Windows.
TY, but these are 3,5'' so suitable for a desktop rather than a laptop (I didn't say it's a laptop since the question is only about USB). The swap process would involve removing the current NVMe, installing the Win10 NVMe, starting it up, and swapping back when using the regular OS... not exactly what I expected, but it could work. I might just skip the NVMe USBc case then.
Alternatively, I could drill into the back carter to find an extension wire hanging out, connect it to the NVMe slot for direct access, allowing me to use either NVMe without opening it every time... this would be a last resort if the VHD doesn't work.
Win should run from Ventoy in a VHD format, but it seems to fail in my setup for no clear reason, which is really frustrating :/
Right.
And I understand. The main reason wasn't clear at first.
Still not grasping the 'why', but no problem.
I also realize Windows might not be the best choice for this.
Linux performs much better when used via USB.
Following the previous advice, there are several options available.
Yes, TY for bringing that up again. I reviewed it during the initial phases of this project, but I had to drop it since the plan is to stick with the existing system rather than reinstalling everything (as some applications are no longer supported). This means shifting attention to using VHD on Ventoy.
But yes, that would be a backup choice if VHD doesn't work (though why? because it functions for others—why not me?).
Thanks again!