Complete guide to using Windows To Go

The concept of Windows To Go has revolutionized the way users and businesses can carry a full and functional operating system. This tool, originally introduced in Windows 8 Enterprise, allows users to store the operating system onto a USB drive or external disk and start it on any compatible computer. Although designed for business environments, its usefulness has extended to a wide variety of users, from mobility professionals until technology enthusiasts looking to personalize their computing experience.

Compared to other solutions, sistemas operativos portátiles, like the Live USB of Linux distributions, Windows To Go It is presented as an interesting alternative for those who prefer to work in an environment WindowsNext, we'll explore how it works, its advantages, limitations, and the most effective methods for setting it up on different operating systems and devices.

¿Qué es Windows To Go?

Windows To Go It is a specific function of certain versions of Windows, as Windows 8.1 Enterprise y Windows 10 Enterprise y Education, which allows you to run a full version of the system from an external storage drive, such as a USB flash drive or a Microsoft-certified portable hard drive. In essence, it turns a USB drive into a sistema operativo portátil which can connect to different compatible devices.

This feature is primarily designed for entornos empresariales where mobility and security are crucial. Companies that implement policies such as BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) find in this tool an ideal solution to guarantee a controlled and uniform environment regardless of the device used.

Advantages and uses of Windows To Go

One of the biggest attractions of Windows To Go is the ability to safely carry your entire work desk anywhere. Its main advantages include:

• Full mobility: Allows you to work from any computer compatible with Windows without the need to load a specifically configured device.
• Security: The function supports the cifrado BitLocker, ensuring that data remains protected in the event of loss or theft.
• Does not alter the system of the host devices: There is no access to the host computer's internal hard drives, ensuring that no interference or damage occurs.
• Use in business environments: Ideal for remote employees or those who need to work in different ubicaciones físicas.

Windows To Go Limitations

A pesar de las ventajas mencionadas, Windows To Go has certain limitations that users should consider:

• Limited compatibility: It is only officially available in versions Enterprise y Education de Windows.
• Restricciones de hardware: Microsoft certifies specific drives as compatible, although it is possible to use uncertified drives with third-party tools.
• Missing key features: Not allowed update operating system, recovery, hibernation, or the Microsoft Store.
• End of support: From Windows 10 version 1903, Microsoft stopped developing new features for Windows To Go.

How to create Windows To Go on USB drives?

There are several methods to create a unit Windows To GoBelow, we explain the most efficient ones.

Official method with Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise

The Pro and Enterprise include a built-in assistant called Windows To Go Creator, which makes it easy to create a bootable USB drive. Here are the basic steps:

1. Connect a compatible USB drive (recommended: 32 GB or more).
2. Access the Control Panel Windows and search for “Windows To Go.”
3. Select the USB drive and provide a ISO image of the operating system (you can download it from the official Microsoft website using Media Creation Tool).
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

This method has limitations, especially regarding hardware compatibility.

Using third-party tools like Rufus

For those who do not have a compatible version of Windows or want to use non-certified hardware, Rufus is an excellent option. This free tool allows you to burn ISO images with the specific option for Windows To Go. Los pasos son los siguientes:

1. Download and install Rufus from their official website.
2. Connect the USB drive.
3. En Rufus, select the previously downloaded ISO image and check the “Windows To Go” option in the settings.
4. Configure the partition scheme and target system to ensure compatibility.
5. Click “Start” and wait for the process to complete.

Method with EaseUS Todo Backup

Another useful option is to use third-party software such as EaseUS Todo Backup, which includes advanced features such as system cloning and creating portable USBs:

1. Connect your USB drive and open EaseUS Todo Backup.
2. Select the “System Clone” option and choose the destination disk.
3. Check the “Create a Windows portable USB drive” option.
4. Follow the instructions to complete the process.

Hardware and configuration requirements

Para un funcionamiento óptimo de Windows To Go, it is crucial to meet certain hardware requirements:

• Minimum USB drive capacity: 16 GB, although 32 GB or more is recommended.
• Host System Compatibility: 1 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM, USB boot support y DirectX 9.
• USB Port Speed: Use USB 3.0 or higher for better transfer speeds.

Tips for using Windows To Go effectively

To get the most out of this tool, keep the following tips in mind:

• Prepare a recovery key BitLocker to protect your data in case of damage or loss of the drive.
• Configure the host device's BIOS or UEFI to prioritize booting from USB.
• Be sure not to remove the USB drive during use; the system will freeze and may be damaged if not reinserted within 60 seconds.

The concept of carrying a functional operating system in your pocket is a practical and versatile solution for many users. Whether you use official tools like Windows To Go Creator or third-party alternatives such as Rufus y EaseUS Todo Backup, the flexibility offered by this functionality makes it an invaluable option for those who need mobility without compromising the work environment. Dare to explore its advantages and take advantage of the tecnología portátil.