How to Install Windows 8 on an External hard drive
Operating systems always arouse interest among enthusiasts. Especially if we talk about Windows 8.1, the Microsoft OS designed not only to adapt to the mouse and keyboard but above all to respond quickly to touch screen input.
It must be remembered that Microsoft introduced the WindowsToGo function in the most-recent editions of Windows. This is a real innovation aimed at those who want to install Windows 8 on an external hard drive or flash drive.
So if you have installed the old and obsolete version of Windows, and you want to try Windows 8 but you don’t have a free partition or you want to avoid creating it, don’t worry. In the following guide, step by step, we will explain how to install the new OS on an external USB hard drive!
Launch the boot
Being able to install Windows 8 on an external USB hard drive is something quite complex, if you look at the directions given in the following guide to the letter, the job will become quite simple. The first thing to do is to download the Windows 8.1 ISO and burn it on a blank DVD. You can also do this by following the USB stick wizard. Then restart your PC and boot from DVD or USB.
To do this you need to access the BIOS before you start the operating system installed on your PC and from there select the device on which the Windows 8.1 boot is located. When you reach the language setting screen, press the Shift and F10 keys to open the command prompt. Type Diskpart, enter date and enter the command list disk. Choose the disk on which to create the VHD file.
Locate a large partition
The next step is the one that brings you even closer to the goal. Now remember the command select disk 0 (replace 0 with the disk number to be used) and continue with the command list vol which will show you the partitions available on the disk you have chosen.
Keep in mind that at least 20 GB of free space is required, so locate a relatively large partition. With the command create vdisk file = ” D: windows8.1vhd ” maximum = 20000 type = expandable, you will save the file in D (replace D with your external USB hard disk). To select the file type select vdisk file = D: windows8.1vhd and date Enter.
It should be remembered that for those who have no manual skills with the world of computer science, what is mentioned in the guide may be difficult to understand. So it is recommended to install Windows 8 only if you have manual skills and knowledge of the sector; otherwise it is good to rely on an experienced person.
Change the settings and exclude the installation
Mount the virtual disk with the Attach vdisk command and exit the command prompt by typing the exit command and giving Enter. Back to the Windows 8.1 installation, choose the language, in our Italian case, go ahead, click on Install now and type in the product key. Continuing accept the license and click on Custom.
Select the Unallocated Spaces unit and finish the installation. You have created a dual boot configuration that will allow you to choose which operating system to launch. So now you will have all the potential of the new Windows 8.1, with the changes made.
You can immediately see the differences of the new Windows 8.1: ease of use, the new user interface and its greater ease of use. The news that immediately catches the eye is the lack of the start menu, which has been replaced by the start screen. Do not go into crisis due to changes, you will acquire dexterity with time.
