How to Install Windows 10 Without a USB

There are times when you might need to install Windows 10 but don’t have access to a USB drive. Maybe your USB ports are damaged, or you simply lack the necessary hardware. Fortunately, it’s entirely possible to install Windows 10 without a USB. This guide will show you how to do it step-by-step, using methods that are straightforward and efficient.

Preparing for Installation

Before diving into the installation process, there are a few key preparations you need to make. Ensuring your system meets the requirements and downloading essential files is crucial.

Checking System Requirements

To successfully install Windows 10, your computer must meet the minimum specifications:

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
• Storage: At least 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
• Graphics: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver

You can find detailed system requirements on Microsoft’s official page.

Downloading the Windows 10 ISO

A Windows 10 ISO file is essential for installation. You can download the official ISO file directly from Microsoft’s website. Choosing the correct version (32-bit or 64-bit) based on your system specifications is critical.

Creating a Local Partition for Installation Files

Since we won’t use a USB drive, creating a local partition to store the ISO file is necessary. Here’s how:

1. Open Disk Management by searching for it in the Start menu.
2. Select an existing drive, right-click, and choose Shrink Volume to create unallocated disk space.
3. Right-click the unallocated space and select New Simple Volume to create a new partition. Format it with NTFS and assign a drive letter.

This new partition will house the Windows installation files.

Methods to Install Windows 10 Without USB

Once the preparations are complete, you can proceed with one of the following methods.

Using a Local Partition

This is one of the simplest methods. Follow these steps:

1. Mount the ISO: Right-click the Windows 10 ISO file and select Mount. This will create a virtual drive.
2. Copy Files to Local Partition: Transfer all the contents of the mounted ISO to the newly created partition.
3. Run Setup from the Partition: Open the new partition in File Explorer and launch the setup.exe file. This will start the Windows installation process.

Installing via Network Share

If your computer is connected to a network, you can use another PC to share the ISO file:

1. Share the folder containing the ISO file on the network.
2. Map the shared folder as a network drive on the target computer.
3. Mount the ISO file from the network drive and run the setup.exe to start the installation process.

Using Command Line for Installation

For advanced users, the command line provides more control. This involves using tools like DISKPART and NET USE:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Use DISKPART to create a new partition and format the space if you haven’t already.
3. Transfer or mount the ISO file from a network share or local path.
4. Access the files and manually start the installation by running the setup.exe.

Note: This method requires familiarity with command-line tools.

Post-Installation Steps

After installing Windows 10, there are essential steps to ensure your system is fully operational.

Installing Drivers

Windows might not install all drivers by default. Use tools like Device Manager to install missing drivers, especially for chipset and network devices. You can also visit your computer manufacturer’s website to download the appropriate drivers.

Running Windows Update

To get the latest features and security patches, run Windows Update:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for Updates and let the system download and install all available updates.

Managing Disk Partitions

The partition created earlier for the installation files can now be repurposed:

1. Open Disk Management.
2. Delete the partition and extend your primary drive (C:) to reclaim the space.

This ensures you’re making the best use of your storage.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 10 without a USB is entirely possible, as shown through these methods. By preparing adequately, ensuring your computer meets the requirements, and following the outlined steps, you’ll have Windows 10 up and running in no time. Remember to install drivers and run updates to keep your system secure and efficient.

Avoid skipping crucial steps or forcing installations, as this can lead to errors. With patience and attention to detail, you can complete the process successfully!

Thank you for visiting our website! We hope this guide helps you achieve a smoother and faster Windows experience. Do check out our other tech tips and visit again Fyss.in for more solutions.