Install Windows 10 Pro From USB: A Step-by-Step Guide

Oct 31, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 54 views

Hey guys! Ever needed to install Windows 10 Pro but didn't have a DVD drive? No sweat! This guide will walk you through installing Windows 10 Pro using a USB drive. It's super handy, especially for newer laptops without optical drives or when you just want a faster installation. So, let's dive in and get your system up and running with Windows 10 Pro!

What You'll Need

Before we get started, let's make sure you have everything you need. Preparation is key to a smooth installation process. Trust me, gathering all these items beforehand will save you a ton of headache later on.

A USB Drive: You'll need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of storage space. Make sure it's empty because the process will erase everything on it. Back up any important files before proceeding! Seriously, don't skip this step. You don't want to lose those precious photos or important documents.
Windows 10 Pro ISO File: You can download the official Windows 10 Pro ISO file from Microsoft's website. Make sure you grab the Pro version, not the Home version, if that's what you're aiming for. Keep an eye out for the latest version to ensure you're getting the most up-to-date features and security enhancements.
A Computer to Create the Bootable USB: You'll need a working computer to create the bootable USB drive. This computer needs internet access to download the necessary tools and the Windows 10 Pro ISO file. It doesn't have to be a powerhouse, but a stable internet connection is a must.
Rufus (or a similar tool): Rufus is a free and open-source utility that helps you create bootable USB drives. It's small, fast, and easy to use. You can download it from rufus.ie. There are other tools like the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool, but Rufus is generally faster and more reliable.
Your Windows 10 Pro Product Key: You'll need a valid Windows 10 Pro product key to activate your installation. If you're upgrading from a previous version of Windows, make sure you have that key handy. Without it, you won't be able to fully activate Windows 10 Pro, and you'll be stuck with limited functionality. Locating this before starting the installation will save you time and frustration.

Step-by-Step Guide

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Follow these steps carefully, and you'll have Windows 10 Pro installed from a USB drive in no time!

Step 1: Download the Windows 10 Pro ISO File

First things first, you need to download the Windows 10 Pro ISO file. Head over to the Microsoft website and navigate to the Windows 10 download page. Microsoft often updates this page, so look for the section that allows you to download the Media Creation Tool. This tool will help you download the ISO file. Run the Media Creation Tool and select the option to create installation media for another PC. Choose the language, edition (Windows 10 Pro), and architecture (usually 64-bit) that you need. Then, select the ISO file option and choose a location to save the file. This download might take a while, depending on your internet speed, so grab a coffee and be patient. Ensure that you have enough free space on your hard drive to save the ISO file.

Step 2: Download and Install Rufus

Next up, download Rufus from rufus.ie. It's a small, portable executable, so you don't need to install it. Just download it and run it. Rufus is a fantastic tool because it simplifies the process of creating a bootable USB drive. It's lightweight, fast, and reliable. Plus, it's constantly updated to support the latest versions of Windows and other operating systems. Keep Rufus in a safe place on your computer, as you might need it again in the future for other bootable USB projects. Always download Rufus from the official website to avoid getting a potentially malicious version.

Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive

Now, let's create that bootable USB drive. Plug your USB drive into your computer. Launch Rufus. In the Rufus window, select your USB drive from the "Device" dropdown menu. Then, click the "Select" button and browse to the Windows 10 Pro ISO file you downloaded earlier. Make sure the "Boot selection" is set to "Disk or ISO image" and the "Partition scheme" is set to "MBR" or "GPT" depending on your system's BIOS (more on this later). The "Target system" should be set to "BIOS or UEFI". Click the "Start" button. Rufus will warn you that all data on the USB drive will be destroyed. Click "OK" to proceed. The process will take some time, so sit back and relax. Once it's done, you'll have a bootable USB drive ready to install Windows 10 Pro. Remember to safely eject the USB drive from your computer once Rufus is finished.

Step 4: Boot from the USB Drive

Time to boot from the USB drive! Restart the computer on which you want to install Windows 10 Pro. As your computer starts, you'll need to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings. This is usually done by pressing a key like Delete, F2, F12, or Esc during startup. The exact key varies depending on your motherboard manufacturer, so check your computer's manual or look for a prompt on the screen during startup. Once you're in the BIOS/UEFI settings, look for the boot order options. Change the boot order so that your USB drive is the first boot device. Save the changes and exit the BIOS/UEFI settings. Your computer will now boot from the USB drive. If it doesn't, restart the computer and try again, making sure you've selected the correct boot order.

Step 5: Install Windows 10 Pro

Alright, the moment of truth! Your computer should now be booting from the USB drive, and you should see the Windows Setup screen. Select your language, time and currency format, and keyboard input method. Click "Next". Then, click "Install now". Accept the license terms and click "Next". Choose the "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" option. Here, you'll see a list of your hard drives and partitions. If you're installing Windows on a new drive, select the unallocated space and click "Next". If you're upgrading or reinstalling Windows, you may need to format the existing partition. Be careful! Formatting a partition will erase all data on it. Select the partition you want to install Windows on and click "Format". Once the partition is formatted (or if you're installing on unallocated space), click "Next". Windows will now begin installing. This process will take some time, and your computer will restart several times. Don't panic! This is normal. Just let it do its thing.

Step 6: Complete the Setup

Once the installation is complete, Windows will restart, and you'll be greeted with the setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your settings, create a user account, and connect to the internet. When prompted, enter your Windows 10 Pro product key to activate your installation. If you don't have a product key, you can skip this step for now and activate Windows later, but keep in mind that you'll have limited functionality until you activate. Once you've completed the setup, Windows will install the necessary drivers and updates. Make sure to install all available updates to ensure your system is secure and stable. And that's it! You've successfully installed Windows 10 Pro from a USB drive.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes things don't go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

Computer Won't Boot from USB: Double-check your BIOS/UEFI settings to make sure the USB drive is set as the first boot device. Also, make sure the USB drive is properly created as a bootable drive using Rufus.
Installation Errors: If you encounter errors during the installation process, try downloading the ISO file again. The file might be corrupted. Also, check your hard drive for errors.
Missing Drivers: After the installation, some drivers might be missing. Go to your computer manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers for your system.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Installing Windows 10 Pro from a USB drive is a straightforward process. With a little preparation and attention to detail, you can have your system up and running in no time. This method is perfect for modern computers without DVD drives or for anyone who wants a faster installation. Now go forth and conquer your digital world with Windows 10 Pro! Good luck, and happy computing!