Set up Windows 10 directly on an HDD without installing it first.
Set up Windows 10 directly on an HDD without installing it first.
It’s doable to have Windows 10 ready on an SSD beforehand. You could prepare the installation media on your spare drive and mail it to your friend. Once he receives it, he can install the OS onto his laptop using the same drive. This method avoids needing to set up drivers or handle BIOS details directly. Just make sure the drive is formatted correctly and compatible with his system.
You usually can handle this, but it’s actually quite simple to provide him with the USB installer, which helps minimize problems. It looks like you’re not gaining any benefits while adding more complications. Try using Rufus—it allows choosing an MBR-compatible installer.
If the UEFI isn't standard with CSM installed, simply download the ISO using Windows 10 tools and create a bootable USB with Rufus. This approach avoids complex configurations and should work well for BIOS or UEFI setups without requiring additional drivers. It’s likely simpler than attempting an install, as generic drivers are automatically applied during setup. Be cautious during installation—if you need a local account, mention you don’t have internet access at that stage. Connect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi to prompt for a Microsoft account login. Once initial setup completes, skip setting a password during installation; it will ask for three security questions. After logging in, the password can be entered freely without extra hurdles.