Windows 8 – Equivalent to Windows To Go for Personal Use

windows 8windows-to-go

Windows To Go is one of the most exciting Windows 8 features to me – the ability to pack up your desktop environment and take it with you anywhere is extremely appealing. Unfortunately, it's only included with Windows 8 Enterprise, which you can't buy for individual use.

Is there an equivalent that works for Windows 8 Professional? I would be satisfied by either a third-party program that does the same thing, or some workaround to enable Windows To Go for non-Enterprise versions.

I'm aware of various WinPE-based live environments, and that's not what I'm looking for. I want the ability to run a full Windows 8 environment off of a flash drive that I can take anywhere.

Best Answer

Before you begin:

There are a few things that you need to take into consideration when doing something like this. The first and foremost being what medium and connection are you planning on using to create and run this portable OS. My recommendation is to use AT LEAST USB 3.0 or eSATA. The use of USB 3.0 SSD's (yes there is a difference) is also highly recommended with these specific models:

  • Kingston Technology 32GB Data Traveller Ultimate USB Flash Drive Mfr # KW-U4132-1FA
  • SuperTalent 25GB USB 3.0 Express RC8 Flash Drive Mfr # ST3U25GR8S
  • SuperTalent 50GB USB 3.0 Express RC8 Flash Drive Mfr # ST3U50GR8S
  • SuperTalent 100GB USB 3.0 Express RC8 Flash Drive Mfr # ST3U100R8S

Note: I used a USB 2.0 flash drive drive, and got this to work, but it took forever (11 hours) to setup and forever to bootup. (several minutes)

Also you'll need a Windows 8 Installation .iso file

Getting started

  1. You need to format your drive as a NTFS drive.

    • Go to "Disk Management" and right click on the flash drive.
    • Select "Format..."
    • Make sure to Select NTFS as the File System and a quick format is ok to run: Disk Management

  2. Mount the Windows 8 Installation disk by double clicking on the .iso file.

  3. From an Administrative Windows PowerShell, run the following command (you have to use PowerShell as CMD doesn't work even with Admin rights):

    dism /Apply-Image /ImageFile:<path to install.wim> /ApplyDir:<USB Drive Letter> /Index:<image_index (1 for Pro, 2 for Core)> /CheckIntegrity /Verify

    You'll get a screen like the following:

    PowerShell DISM

    WARNING: If you are using a USB 2.0 port or drive, this can take multiple hours to perform. It took 11 hours for me.

  4. Run the next following command:

    bcdboot.exe <drive letter of flash drive>:\windows /s <drive letter of flash drive>: /f ALL

You're Done!

Again unless you're using USB 3.0 or another equivalent medium in speed, don't expect this to boot up right away. But you should be able to enjoy a fully operable portable Window 8 Experience.

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