WinToUSB is a lightweight, user-friendly tool that enables you to create and run bootable Windows installations on USB drives or external hard drives. It provides a convenient solution for portable Windows systems or emergency recovery tools.
WinToUSB (also called Windows To USB) is a free Windows To Go (WTG) creator that lets you install and run a fully functional version of Windows on an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or Thunderbolt drive. It is simple and efficient – just three steps and a few minutes are all it takes to create your first portable Windows 11/10/8/7 (x64/x86/ARM64) or Windows Server installation.
You can build it directly from an ISO, WIM, ESD, SWM, VHD, VHDX, or DBI file (DBI is the extension for backup image files created by Hasleo Backup Suite), or from a CD/DVD. Alternatively, you can clone your current Windows installation to a USB or Thunderbolt drive and run it as a portable version.
WinToUSB also supports creating a Windows installation USB drive from Windows 11/10/8/7 and Windows Server installation ISOs, allowing you to install Windows from a USB drive with ease. If you want to upgrade a WTG Workspace to Windows 11 24H2 or Windows 10 22H2, please go to Hasleo Windows To Go Upgrader.
Can I convert an existing internal hard drive with Windows installed into a portable Windows-to-Go drive without reinstalling?
Yes, you can. Simply connect the internal drive (for example, via a USB enclosure), launch the conversion feature in the software, select the target drive, and start the conversion from internal disk to Windows-to-Go. After the process, you'll be able to boot directly from that drive.
What use cases make WinToUSB especially useful?
It shines in scenarios where you need a personalized, bootable Windows environment on the go. Perfect for IT tasks, troubleshooting, or simply carrying your system between devices.
Can I use any kind of Windows image to create a portable system?
Yes. WinToUSB supports a wide variety of Windows installation formats, including ISO, WIM, ESD, SWM, VHD, and VHDX files, as well as CDs/DVDs. You can even clone your currently running Windows installation directly to a USB or Thunderbolt drive, which adds considerable flexibility to how you build your portable workspace.
... continue reading