Creating a Windows To Go setup on a USB thumb drive is restricted to Windows Enterprise. But it's possible, to use any version of Windows 8/8.1/10 and convert it to a Windows To Go setup using Rufus. I've tested it with Windows 10 Technical Preview (Build 9926, for Consumers) – works like a champ.
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I have blogged several times about Windows To Go and how to create such a setup manually. I wrote my first article years ago, using Windows 8 Developer Preview for Windows To Go (see links at the end of this article). Within this blog post I show, how to use Rufus to create a Windows To Go setup using a core or pro version of Windows 8, 8.1, 10.
What is Windows To Go?
Windows To Go is a portable Windows installation on USB media (thumb drives, disc drives). Microsoft has introduced this feature in Windows 8 Enterprise for business users (admins, maintenance people or mobile users). Windows To Go enables users to carry their own Windows environment and boot it on several computers.
Due to license issues Windows To Go is officially restricted on Enterprise version of Windows 8, 8.1 and Windows 10. Only volume activation assures that Windows To Go will be activated on distinct machines. In Windows Enterprise there is a tool "portable workspace creator", that may be used, to setup a device with Windows To Go.
But there is no technical restriction to prevent users from converting a Windows core or pro version into a Windows To Go setup. If a product key is used, this setup can be activated, but the activation works only for one machine. For many people this is sufficient and it's helpful to have a Windows To Go thumb drive for a machine – it comes handy in case something went wrong.
But there is no wizard like the portable workspace creator in Windows core or pro, to setup Windows To Go. The only way is to use DISM to setup Windows To Go manually – which is complicated and error-prone.
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Windows To Go with a little help from Rufus
I've used the tool Rufus a couple of times to create bootable USB sticks. But recently I stumbled upon a German forum post mentions that Rufus version 2 (still alpha) also supports Windows To Go setups. But this plain info is a bit useless, so I decided to write a blog post explaining the odds and evens.
- First of all, Rufus version 2.x is required, because this is a new feature. The alpha version of Rufus 2.0 may be downloaded here. Update: Build 2.0.0.595 has been exchanged with Build 2.0.0.609.
- You need also an ISO image of Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 (Technical Preview). If you intend to use a BIOS based machine, you may use 32- or 64-bit images of Windows. On UEFI systems a 64-bit-Windows 8/8.1/10 ISO image is mandatory (32 bit setups won't boot).
- Also a Windows To Go capable USB media with 32 GB capacity is required. This can be an USB disc drive or a modified USB thumb drive. A modified thumb drive reports a "fixed media" disc to Windows (see Amazon advertising above).
Launching Rufus 2.x and confirming UAC will invoke the following windows. The 1st list box Device selects the USB drive as target.
My USB 3.0 thumb drive reports multiple partitions (as required from Windows To Go). If that's not the case, Rufus refuses to create a Windows To Go setup (it's simply not possible to create the partitions required to boot).
After selecting a Windows ISO image, Rufus expands the options and offers an option Windows To Go. Selecting this option enables you to transfer the ISO image to the USB devise using the Start button. If the USB media isn't Windows To Go capable, Rufus issues a warning and refuse to copy the image. In this cases I would recommend to use a spare USB disc drive – but be aware, that all data on this media will be deleted.
Testing Windows 10 Technical Preview
I've tested it with Windows 10 Technical Preview (Build 9926) in a 32-bit-environment. Windows 10 Technical Preview doesn't support officially Windows To Go (you need Windows 10 Technical Preview for Enterprises instead, to use portable workspace creator).
It was no problem for me, to transfer a 32-bit-Windows 10 (Build 9926) image to my 32-GB-Kingston Data traveller USB thumb drive. I've used the product key NKJFK-GPHP7-G8C3J-P6JXR-HQRJR for activation. The setup can't be used on UEFI systems, but I have several BIOS based netbooks and a slate. This machines was bootable.
Above is a screenshot of Windows 10 Technical Preview (Build 9932) obtained on a Medion Akoya E1210 netbook. The screen resolution is 800 x 600 pixel,k and I was able to launch modern UI apps. So, the new windowed Apps are running also on old machines with desktop resolution below 1.024 x 768 pixel.
Update: It seems that Rufus Alpha 2.0.609 doesn't support the option any more. Don't know, whether this feature is gone – 've contacted the developer. If I receive an answer, I will publish it here. I should note, that the Windows To Go option is only offered, a) after you selected a valid ISO image and b) if your OS is at least Windows 8 or newer. Windows 7 SP1 doesn't works.
Similar articles:
How to create your own Windows 8 To Go Developer Preview
Creating Windows 8 To Go on a 16 GB USB-Stick
Creating Windows To Go from Windows 8/8.1 (Release Preview)
Windows To Go mit Windows 8/8.1 (Release Preview)
Windows To Go – Windows 8 Consumer Preview on the run …
Windows 8 To Go with Dual-Boot
Windows 8: A cure for To Go Workspace Bug
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