Create Windows To Go Drive in Windows 8

Introduction

Windows To Go is a new feature in the Windows 8 Enterprise edition that enables you to install a complete, managed Windows 8 system image in a USB drive. You can insert the USB drive in any Windows 8 or Windows 7 host computer to boot and run a managed Windows 8 system without installing any software on the host computer.

The Windows To Go workspace can use the same image that enterprises use for their Desktop and Laptop and can be managed the same way. Windows To Go is not intended to replace the Desktop system or to support other mobility offerings. Rather it provides support for efficient use of resources for alternative workplace scenarios.

To create a Windows To Go drive you must:

• Have a computer with Windows 8 Enterprises version installed in it.
• Windows 8 Enterprise image file in ISO format.
• At least 32 GB or greater mass storage drive like USB hard disk, USB pen drive or SD card.

How to create a Windows To Go drive

Step 1

Insert you USB device and go to the Control Panel and click on "Windows To Go" or go to search box and type "Windows To Go" and click on "Settings" and then select "Windows To Go" from the results window.

Step 2

Select the USB device and then click on the "Next" button.

Step 3

Now click on "Add search location" to search the Windows 8 installation media. Browse the installation media location and select it and click on the "Next" button.

Step 4

In this step it will ask to configure the BitLocker password. If you want to create a BitLocker password then check "Use BitLocker with Windows To Go workspace" and create a password otherwise click on "Skip" to skip this step.

Step 5

In this step it will copy the Windows image to the USB drive to make it bootable and finalize the process. This process will take about 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 6

After the Windows To Go installation, it will ask if you want to boot from the USB drive immediately. Select "No" and click on "Save and close".

Step 7

Now insert the USB drive into the system you want to start Windows 8. Start your system and select the option to boot from a USB device. This will start the Windows 8 environment from the USB device.