Windows OS on external hard drive

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Is it possible to install Windows OS to plug and play storage devices such as external hard drives, HDD enclosures (with SATA hard drives), USB flashdrives and the likes? What OS's? And if it's possible, can I boot on it after the installation/formatting?

I've read someone has tried this already using Windows XP but failed since XP reinitializes all attached USB devices before loading OS, thus disabling the External HDD that is attached via USB port.

What about other Windows OS: on Windows 7 or 8…. or Windows 10?

I'm asking this because I'm planning to create a portable OS. When I'm at my house, when I go to my grandmother's, or to a friend's place: I just simple plug that portable storage device, change the boot priority, and turn on the system and ta-da! I will only see one environment every time.

Best Answer

Is it possible to install Windows OS to plug and play storage devices?

You can use Windows To Go.

Windows To Go is a feature in Windows 8 Enterprise, Windows 10 Enterprise, and Windows 10 Education that allows them to boot and run from USB mass storage devices such as USB flash drives and external hard disk drives. It is a fully manageable corporate Windows 8 environment.

Source Windows To Go

Windows To Go: Feature Overview

Windows To Go is an enterprise feature of Windows® 8and Windows 8.1 that enables the creation of a Windows To Go workspace that can be booted from a USB-connected external drive on PCs that meet the Windows 7 or later certification requirements, regardless of the operating system running on the PC. Windows To Go workspaces can use the same image enterprises use for their desktops and laptops and can be managed the same way. Windows To Go is not intended to replace desktops, laptops or supplant other mobility offerings.

Source Windows To Go: Feature Overview

Windows To Go: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Windows To Go?

Windows To Go is a new feature for enterprise users of Windows® 8 that enables users to boot a full version of Windows from external USB drives on host PCs.

Does Windows To Go rely on virtualization?

No. Windows To Go is a native instance of Windows 8 that runs from a USB device. It is just like a laptop hard drive with Windows 8 that has been put into a USB enclosure.

...

Is Windows To Go supported on both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 drives?

No. Windows To Go is supported on USB 3.0 drives that are certified for Windows To Go.

Is Windows To Go supported on USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports?

Yes. Windows To Go is fully supported on either USB 2.0 ports or USB 3.0 ports on PC’s certified for Windows 7 or Windows 8.

Source Windows To Go: Frequently Asked Questions

How about those "true" hard disk drives that are connected via HDD enclosures?

Are they eligible for this?

It would appear not.

As of the date of publication, the following are the USB drives currently certified for use as Windows To Go drives; as more drives are certified for use with Windows To Go this list will be updated: WarningWarning Using a USB drive that has not been certified is not supported

Source Hardware considerations for Windows To Go

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