SSDs are the best upgrades a PC can get.
Without spending a fortune, you’ve got the option to inject snappiness into your gear.
But this does not mean you gotta open up your gear to drop in the SSD.
you’re able to install any operating system on an external drive too.
This guide states how to set up and install Windows or mac to your USB SSD.
So, tag along, and lets get started.
Microsoft used to provide a dedicated tool to install its OS on external drives.
This is known as Windows to Go.
But it stopped supporting it starting from Version 2004, which was released in mid-2020.
But we can configure the SSD as a boot drive using the command prompt.
So lets look at how you’re able to do it.
Format the External SSD
First, insert the SSD into the USB port.
Use a pop in C port if it is available.
For most computers, choose the fastest port that is available.
USB 3.0 ports are marked blue for locating easily.
Now, format the SSD from the Files Explorer.
We will choose NTFS as the file format.
Note the drive letter of the SSD, which we will need later on.
Check our exclusive tutorial on how touse an internal SSD for external storage.
First mount the ISO to enter the file as a drive.
Then copy the Windows setup file by using CMD.
Just replace your ISO and USB SSD location in the command prompt command.
Next, open CMD and copy the files into the USB SSD.
Now the SSD is configured with the Windows installation files.
Also, check out our experts recommendedfastest PCIE 4.0 SSDs.
To do that, you must connect the SSD using a USB port.
Then enter the BIOS by pressing the key set by the manufacturer.
This is usually the DEL key.
Inside the BIOS, navigate to Boot Priority and set the USB SSD to the top of the list.
Save the changes by pressing the F10 key, and the computer will restart.
Next, follow the on-screen instructions and complete the Windows installation.
During this time, the computer will restart many times.
When the process completes, you will land right on the desktop.
You have successfully made a portable Windows setup on the external disk drive.
In short, your work will travel with you.
Did you know it’s possible for you to also use the external drive for backup?
Read our excellent piece onhow to backup and restore your files in Windows 11.
This is particularly useful for older macs which are harder to upgrade.
Just double-check you are using a USB 3.0 port to connect the SSD to enjoy its faster speeds.
Here are the steps to boot macOS from an external SSD:
1.
Erase and Format the SSD
First, remove any existing files and erase the SSD.
Use Disk Utility from tweaks to do this.
Read more on how touse old SSD on a new computer.
Your mac will reboot and start installing its software.
A progress bar will show you how long it takes until the process completes.
Change this from the Startup Disk controls inside System Preference.
On older macs, you will definitely appreciate the overall speed boost.
Doing any tasks will feel smoother the next time you use your machine.
You get the benefits of both worlds speed and convenience as well.
