PC_Advisor_Issue_264_July_2017

HOW TO
Once you’ve done that, you may see some options
under the ‘Operating system’ column in the main window.
Pick the one that matches the license you have. For
example, if you’re installing from the official image file,
you’ll be able to choose between Home and Pro. Click Next.
Select the installation
disk, partition and mode
On the next screen, use the drop-down labelled ‘Please
select the destination disk’. At the top to pick the external
drive you want to install Windows to. This will open up a
bunch of options below that. You’ll be asked to pick the
system and boot partitions. If the external drive isn’t
split into multiple partitions, you can easily just pick
the available partition for both system and boot.
Finally, you’ll be presented with Installation mode. If
you can, pick Legacy mode; that’s the simplest way to
go. Only try installing Windows in VHD mode if you have
issues installing Legacy. You’ll also be given the option to
configure the size of the Windows installation on the drive;
just go with the maximum available unless you’re doing
something special. Click Next to get the installation started.
You’ll see a progress percentage. The time it takes to install
will depend on a number of factors, such as the speed of
the destination drive. It could be 15 minutes, or it could be
a couple of hours. You’ll be prompted when it’s done.
Boot into Windows
After the WinToGo process is complete, all you have to do
is boot into Windows. To do this, restart your computer
and boot from the external drive.
Unfortunately, the method for selecting which disk to
boot from after restart varies among computers. Often,
you just have to press F12 while the PC is booting to access
the BIOS, where you will make this change. Barring that,
pay attention to the motherboard-maker screen that
appears when your PC boots (prior to loading the OS)
– it will flash instructions for accessing the BIOS.
You should be presented with a selection of drives to
boot from. Pick the external drive (it’s usually labelled
‘EFI Boot’ by WinToGo, if that helps). Windows installation
should complete with a simple wizard from there.
Of course, you may have to download drivers and the
like – the usual extras that come with a new Windows
installation. But after a little legwork, you will have a fully
functional installation of Windows on your external hard drive. J
July 2017 www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to 93