Windows 10: Is there a way to create bootable USB flash drive and use extra space

Yes, that is the reference

 

Hi! I have some 16GB flash drives that I would like to make bootable. From time-to-time, I will be updating the bootable apps. Since 16GB of space is far more than I need for these apps, and I hate to waste the extra space, is there a way to utilize that extra space without losing it every time I refresh the bootable portion? I ask this because, when making a bootable drive, I receive a warning that the entire drive will be reformatted. I could copy the non-bootable apps/files (all in their own folders, of course) to my hard drive, then copy them back - but I'm looking for an easier way to do this. Is partitioning the flash drive a way to do this? Some other way? Thank you.

:)

 

How to Reinstall Windows 10 Upgrade?

You can download the ISO image to your PC and then use other tools to create a bootable USB flash drive.

I had to use Diskpart to create a bootable USB flash drive, then copy the contents of the ISO to the drive. (it needs to be at least 4GB)How to Create a Bootable USB Drive Without Using Any Software

 

Is there a way to use a USB drive to provide temporary storage for the WIndows 10 November update

You do need a minimum of 8 Gb free on the OS drive. Are you talking about HD space or memory? You seem to use them interchangeably.

Have you tried running a disk cleanup wizard (Including system files)? That may free up enough to install by itself expecially if there is a windows.old folder.

 

You can partition it.

However iirc some flash creating tools e.g. the windows one will just reformat the entire thing anyway.

 

Nisko,

It all depends on what you are putting on it.

I have a bootable ver 1709 installation USB.
- It was originally Ver 1607
- Before downloading a new version, I delete all the Windows installation files [I have my own files on it as well but I leave those as they are]
- I download the ver 1709 ISO, mount it & drag all its contents onto the USB
- Result - a ver 1709 installation USB
- All this without having to reformat the USB and hence without disrupting my own files on it.

Whether or not you can do the same thing depends on what it is, what it boots for.

[some errors deleted] However, many applications that make bootable USBs [such as Macrium Reflect, Acronis TI, Paragon Backup, ...] will reformat the whole of the physical drive and destroy your partitioning so I do not see that as a long term solution.

So, as I wrote above, it all depends what you are trying to put on the USB. There are some comments in Other files on an OS usb drive? as well.

Denis

 

As stated, If you partition your Flash Drive, Windows will only recognize the first partition as either bootable or in Windows. If you are on Linux or on a Mac, the other partition (s) will show.
Also as stated, you can add files to a Bootable USB drive in separate folders from the boot file. if you don't have an option to browse files on the USB then they will only be viewable via Command Prompt, if you have that on your boot drive.

 

You can create the boot UFD, resize it to create unallocated space, create another NTFS partition in this space, and put your files in it.

To update the boot files, delete them, mount the new ISO image, copy the boot files, and paste them to the UFD boot partition.

 

That all changed with the Creators Update, the first version of Windows that CAN create, see and use multiple partitions on a USB.

CU supports multiple partitions on a standard USB Flash Drive

 

Thank you all for the information. Now, I know what I should do!

 

Nisko - What is it that you are putting on this USB? Denis

 

One thing would be something I keep updated: Windows 10 with all updates. Another thing is @Kyhi's repair tool ISO. A third thing is Macrium Reflect's Emergency Boot App. There might be one or more emergency apps when I'm through. I'm preparing a set of tools 1) In case I need them and can't boot into my PC and 2) to help anyone who asks for my help in repairing their PC.

 

Nisko,

So you are looking at a multi-boot USB. @Bree's link will help you with the Windows & Macrium. I do not know whether or not the same approach would allow you to incorporate Kyhi's repair tools.

Denis

 

You could just use one Type of bootable media - say Windows 10 Installation Media..
Which boots the Boot.wim in the SOURCES folder
then create a MACRIUM folder and place Marcium's Boot.wim in that folder
then create a PESE folder and place the Rescue Media Boot.wim in that folder...

Now duplicate the current BCD entry (on USB) for the Windows 10 Setup
then edit the Description and Location and point to the Marcium Folder
Then repeat the process and point to the PESE folder..

Now when booting that USB Media you will be given 3 Options
Windows Setup > from Sources folder
Macrium > from Macrium folder
Win10PESE > from PESE folder

Any extra USB Space can be used for your personal DATA folder and Files..

USB will have one Partition (Fat32) but as long as NO file is over 4GB you should be good..
Formatting the USB will remove ALL the files..
But you can replace the files on the USB, thus overwrite to update

 

Thank you for the lead!