Windows 10: How to install Windows on an external hard drive?

Discus and support How to install Windows on an external hard drive? in Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade to solve the problem; My computer is being fixed right now, but I bought a fancy new SSD for it and would like to go ahead with installing windows 10 in it. I have a pen... Discussion in 'Windows 10 Installation and Upgrade' started by AndreMF, Mar 17, 2020.

  1. AndreMF Win User

    How to install Windows on an external hard drive?


    My computer is being fixed right now, but I bought a fancy new SSD for it and would like to go ahead with installing windows 10 in it. I have a pen drive with windows' iso in it, a computer with two USB ports, and a case where I can put my SSD. Now, how do I use all these tools to install Windows 10 on the SSD? Is it even possible?

    :)
     
    AndreMF, Mar 17, 2020
    #1
  2. Remon Ont Win User

    External Hard Drive

    Hi John,

    We suggest that you try the troubleshooting steps below:

    • Open your External Hard Drive file in File Explorer.
    • Type the name of the file you want to search on the search box and click Enter.
    The file will show up in Search Results and you will be able to move it to the correct folder.

    Let us know if you need further help.
     
    Remon Ont, Mar 17, 2020
    #2
  3. Marco Gav Win User
    unrecognised external hard drive on Windows 10

    Since you already reinstalled the drivers of the External Hard Drive, let's run the
    Hardware and Devices troubleshooter as it can resolve your concern. You can do that by following these steps:


    • Press the Start button.

    • Type and select Troubleshooting.

    • Click on View all on the left panel.

    • Select and run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.



    If the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter doesn’t resolve your concern, we suggest that you change the letter of the External Hard Drive. You can do that by following these steps:


    • Press the Start button.

    • Type and select Control panel.

    • Select System and Security.

    • Select Administrative Tools, and a new window will appear.

    • Double-click Computer Management, and a new window will appear.

    • Select Disk Management that is located under
      Storage
      in the left pane.

    • Right click on the External Hard Drive that is not showing on the File Explorer.

    • Select Change letter and network path, and a new window will appear.

    • Select Change, and choose the letter that you want for the External Hard Drive.



    After changing the letter of the External Hard Drive, we suggest that you reboot your laptop for the changes to take effect.



    Let us know how it goes.



    Regards.
     
    Marco Gav, Mar 17, 2020
    #3
  4. twynog Win User

    How to install Windows on an external hard drive?

    External hard drive not recognised

    Thanks for this. I've done what you suggested and been through all the steps mentioned in the article. The hard drive works fine on a Mac computer, and I've managed to copy the information on it. It must be a Surface issue so I'll try to get a chat line tomorrow.
     
    twynog, Mar 17, 2020
    #4
Thema:

How to install Windows on an external hard drive?

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