Copy Windows Operating System to USB Flash Drive

Amy Dennis

Jun 25, 2021 • Filed to:

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Q: How to Copy Windows Operating System to USB Flash Drive?

"Just like any other computer user, I can also install Windows on my SSD or HDD. However, what should I do if I want to copy Windows OS to USB flash drive? Can you guys provide a suitable method to so?"

Perhaps, you want to transfer Windows 10 to USB or copy Windows 10 to USB. You are not sure how to go about this as you want to do it from a laptop. It is possible, and you can even perform this from a computer.

Most users can only think about a manual way. Unlike what many users believe (it is complicated or time-consuming to do so), this is not the case. It does not have to be manual even when Windows operating system is involved. To copy Windows 10 to USB without a hassle, use AOMEI Backupper (trusted software) or in-built tools.

Part 1: Why Do You Need to Copy Windows Operating System (OS) to USB Drive?

Part 2: Use Built-in Tools to Transfer Windows OS to USB Flash

Part 3: Use AOMEI Backupper to Copy Operating System to USB Flash Drive

Part 1: Why Do You Need to Copy Windows Operating System (OS) to USB Drive?

Why do users perform this copying task? It is because this approach has several benefits. It is imperative to understand why people copy Windows OS onto a USB flash. These are some of the things to understand before learning how to copy Windows 10 to USB.

1. It Helps Protect the Computer

Most computer users, if not all, store crucial information on their computers and laptops. It is easy to access it when needed. Having a backup is vital if an unfortunate event happens. It ensures users that they will not have to lose the data when they have a backup.

A USB flash drive is multifunctional as it is used as a storage device and for transferring data. Thus, to enjoy these uses and to protect your PC, you should copy the Windows OS to a flash drive.

2. To Restore System Image

Restoring a Windows OS is not as complicated as having to reinstall it. That's because restoring takes less time since it is not necessary to install drivers and software. What makes reinstalling complicated is that application you need to install the software and hardware drivers once again. You need to do it after installing the OS. Without doing this, the computer will not operate optimally.

To back up your operating system, you should copy it to a USB drive. In case there is a need to restore the OS, you can do it without having to reinstall it. That will save you time, hard work, and the hassle of installing software and hardware drive.

3. Convenient and Flexible

One reason many users prefer to use USB flash drives is that they are flexible. It is a huge convenience for all users, even when travelling. You can be assured that you will have your operating system within reach anytime. All you need is to copy Windows 10 to USB. Once this is done, whenever you plug the stick in the computer, you will have access to your popular OS. It will make your work easier.

4. Others

System hard drive failure can cause your computer to crash, which will be a considerable inconvenience. You need to have a backup that you can use. That is the reason why every computer user should learn how to copy Windows 10 to USB. The USB stick will be your emergency bootable disk in such cases.

In short, it will not only save you valuable time, but it will also be convenient.

Part 2: Use Built-in Tools to Transfer Windows OS to USB Flash

Windows has taken care of its users with the system backup utilities that are in-built. There are several of them depending on the OS you are using. If you are using Windows 8, you have access to Windows 7 File Recovery. In Windows 7, you have Backup and Restore, whereas, in Windows 10, there is Windows 7 Backup and Restore. At times, users may need to backup and restore their files. When this is the case, they most prefer Windows 8 and 10 File History.

These utilities are used to store the system image in a USB flash. Despite it being possible, in some instances, an error could pop up. In most scenarios, you will get 'The drive is not a valid backup location' error. When this error comes up, you cannot proceed with the backup process. It is one reason to understand such errors and how to backup Windows 10 to USB.

As a user, this is an error that will bother you the most. After all, it is a restriction that was put in place when Windows created backup and restore features. They were not designed to support USB flash drives as backup storage locations.

With the advanced features and advanced technology, this should never be a problem. Do not despair if the in-built tool will not allow you to backup. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that you should never use a USB with a small capacity. You must use one with more than 8 GB. If the USB is big enough, but you are still getting an error when you copy Windows 10 to USB, choose another solution.

Part 3: Use AOMEI Backupper to Copy Operating System to USB Flash Drive

If the error happens and you are using a larger USB flash drive, then consider this workable option. When in-built tools fail to backup, why not opt for software? If it is a third-party one, it must be reliable and safe.

For Windows-based PCs, you can opt for AOMEI Backupper Professional. It works quite well on Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, Windows XP, and Vista. You will not stress about how to backup Windows 10 to USB. Backing up your Windows operating system will be hassle-free. It is just like backing up to optional hard drives.

Regardless of the removable USB drive you have; you can comfortably use this solution. Whether it is thumb drive, USB 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, or even pen drive, this solution will work for you. It is one advantage of using this software. Perhaps, you need to back up for the long run or even just once. Then, it is possible too. You will be saving sufficient space on the USB with the differential and incremental backup. All users need as much space as they can get on their flash drives.

Below are useful steps on how to use this software. They are easy guidelines on how to copy Windows 10 to USB.

Step 1. Download and Open the Software

Here, the very first step you should take is connecting the USB drive to the PC. Install AOMEI Backupper and launch it. Under the "Backup" tab, select "System Backup."

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Step 2. Choose the USB Flash Drive

When using AOMEI Backupper, you do not have to worry about how you will select the system drive. It is not done manually as this software does it automatically. Choosing the USB flash drive where the Windows operating system should be copied is what you do in this step.

Step 3. Choose Additional Options, if Required!

When you check on the lower-left corner, you will see three options. These are for customized configuration. Learn more about them below.

Options:

This will give you several options. It will provide you with different choices, such as compression, password protect the backup image, and split backup images.

Schedule:

There are different types of backups that you can choose from. You can even choose how often you want the backup to be done. Incremental, full, and differential backup are all possible. In addition to this, you can change the schedule of the backup to daily, weekly, or even monthly.

Scheme:

There is a value you set when doing this. The backup image amount can pass this value. On the Scheme option, old backups delete automatically. It will be convenient and timesaving.

Step 4. Start the Backup Process

Once you are done customizing your configuration, you can proceed to this step. Upon completion, go ahead and select the "Start Backup" button.

In short, this software is ideal and reliable. Solving the error when copying Windows 10 to USB will be resolved quickly. It comes handy when the in-built tools in your computer are not sufficient and workable.

Besides allowing you to copy the operating system with ease, AOMEI Backupper gives you a chance to backup. You can back up your PC and files with so much comfort. Protecting your computers is also possible, and thus, you should get this software at the earliest.

Conclusion:

Copying Windows OS to USB flash drive is never complicated as many people see it. Well, it is a simple process when you follow the guidelines. One thing to remember is that you must be careful when doing it; otherwise, you might lose crucial data. It is not surprising to have issues when performing this task. In-built tools can fail sometimes, but this is not something to worry about. If this happens with your tools for any reason, you will need to use reliable third-party software.

AOMEI Backupper Professional will solve the problem when you need to copy Windows 10 to USB flash drive. After all, it is the most reliable backup manager that is readily available.

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