This tutorial describes what Windows To Go is and how we are going to create Windows To Go after Microsoft stops continuing to develop it, covering the following key aspects:
Windows To Go is a useful feature that allows you to install a fully functional Windows 10/8.1/8 Enterprise operating system on an external hard drive or a USB flash drive, creating a portable Windows workspace. Then you can carry this portable drive anywhere and use it on any computer.
Besides, Windows To Go is an enterprise feature in Windows 8/8.1/10 Enterprise and Education editions. It allows creating Windows To Go workspaces that boot from USB-connected external drives on Windows 7-or-later-certified PCs, independent of the host PC's native operating system.
In fact, Windows To Go workspaces use the same system images that enterprises deploy on desktops and laptops, with identical management methods. They are not designed to replace desktops, laptops, or other mobility solutions, but to enable efficient resource use in alternative workplace scenarios.
The answer is yes. When a Windows To Go workspace first boots on a host computer, it detects all hardware and installs required drivers. On subsequent boots, the workspace automatically recognizes the host computer and loads the appropriate drivers.
However, applications intended for use in a Windows To Go workspace should be verified for roaming support. This is because certain applications bind to host computer hardware, which may cause compatibility issues when the workspace is used across multiple devices.
Windows To Go workspaces operate just like the standard installations of Windows with a few exceptions. These exceptions are:
By default, only Windows 10/8.1/8 Enterprise and Education editions can create Windows To Go workspaces using Microsoft's native Windows To Go Creator tool. Note that Microsoft announced on May 25, 2019: "Windows To Go is no longer under development. The feature doesn't support feature updates and therefore doesn't enable you to stay current. It also requires a specific type of USB that is no longer supported by many OEMs.". So is Windows To Go still supported in current Windows versions?
Fortunately, third-party Windows To Go creators like Hasleo WinToUSB remain functional, supporting workspace creation with any edition of Windows 11/10/8.1/8. Hasleo WinToUSB is the world's first third-party software for creating Windows To Go workspaces. It enables users to create Windows To Go workspaces on both certified and uncertified USB drives, supporting Windows To Go creation from ISO/WIM/VHD(X) files or by cloning a currently running Windows installation to a USB drive. Additionally, our other product Windows To Go Upgrader enables users to upgrade Windows To Go workspaces, ensuring the Windows system stays up-to-date.
Since 2014, Hasleo has empowered users to easily create Windows To Go workspaces (portable Windows). we remain committed to developing WinToUSB and Windows To Go Upgrader, ensuring workflow continuity.
This tutorial does not detail Windows To Go workspace creation using Hasleo WinToUSB. For step-by-step instructions, see How to Create a Portable Windows 11/10 USB drive.
This article details what Windows To Go is and how it differs from a conventional Windows installation. It also mentions how to create Windows To Go using third-party Windows To Go creation software like Hasleo WinToUSB in current Windows versions after Microsoft stopped the development of Windows To Go.