Score:2

How do I Create a Full Install of Windows 10 to USB Device from Ubuntu 20.04 Step by Step?

in flag

I am running Ubuntu 20.04 as my daily driver. Unfortunately I need to run some Windows programs that require too much RAM to work well in a virtual machine. I would like to avoid dual booting to preserve storage. Therefore I would like to make a full install of Windows 10 on a USB drive. Is that possible from Ubuntu 20.04, and if so how?

Thank you!

in flag
Umm … regardless of *where* the installation sits, having your computer able to boot multiple OSes from multiple locations is still multi (or dual) booting. Are you just aiming to avoid resizing partitions?
Pentaquark avatar
in flag
Yes more or less. Like I said in the question, I don't want to add an additional partition on my SSD as I don't have enough storage.
Score:4
cn flag

Create a Full Install of Windows 10 to USB Device from Ubuntu 20.04 Step by Step?

Warning: This question will likely be closed as off-topic

  1. Boot Ubuntu and open Windows 10 in VirtualBox

  2. Download Windows ISO from Microsoft, (1803, 1909 and 20H2 should work)

  3. Download Rufus

  4. Start Rufus and run "Windows To Go" Image option

  5. Reboot to USB and Windows Setup should run automatically.

This may take a long time and works much better on some flash drives than on others, SSD's are recommended.

enter image description here

You can dual boot the USB with Ubuntu if you want to make this question a little more about Ubuntu.

Pentaquark avatar
in flag
Thank you so much!
Pentaquark avatar
in flag
Quick question: Why do I need the Windows 1909 ISO specifically? It should work just the same with any other iso right?
C.S.Cameron avatar
cn flag
I tested it with the 1909 ISO and it worked. I tried it with 1903 and Rufus complained and would not accept it. Try what ever version you have, Rufus will let you know if it works or not. I read that it works with 1803 but not 1809. I have not tried it with 20H2, will try that later, after my latest trial is done. Will update the answer.
Pentaquark avatar
in flag
Thanks, that was very helpful!
Pentaquark avatar
in flag
One last question before I begin: will I be able to update Windows this way?
C.S.Cameron avatar
cn flag
I read that it is not possible to upgrade versions, I have not tried yet.
C.S.Cameron avatar
cn flag
@Pentaquark: 20H2 worked for me with Rufus WTG. The installer did not ask for any numbers. The installer did an update before running Setup.
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