Yes, you can install Windows 8.1 on a USB 3.0 drive.
Yes, you can install Windows 8.1 on a USB 3.0 drive.
When the USB version is 3.0 and the port matches it, it functions smoothly at those speeds. No prior operating system required.
Windows isn't compatible with my motherboard right away, so I have to install the necessary drivers first. Once that's done, I should be able to connect to the internet smoothly. Other than this, everything seems okay. You're likely to have a smoother experience than I do.