Microsoft released the Windows 10 November 2019 Update (version 1909/19H2) on November 12, 2019. Some users wish to experience the new features of the Windows 10 1909, in which case you can upgrade your existing Windows 10 directly to 1909 or do a fresh install. If you are concerned about the stability of Windows 10 1909 but want to experience it without changing your existing system, we recommend installing and running it on a USB drive. The ability to run Windows from a USB drive is commonly known as Windows To Go, which allows you to use a full-featured Windows on a USB drive. This tutorial will detail how to use WinToUSB to install Windows 10 1909 on a USB drive as a Windows To Go.
Unlike major feature updates, Windows 10 version 1909 was released as a small enablement package. It shares the same core system files as version 1903, requiring only a small feature enablement update to activate new features - eliminating the need for a full OS reinstallation. Key improvements include faster wake times, the ability to create events directly from the taskbar calendar, and enhanced File Explorer search with inline integration via Windows Search. Although changes in this version are relatively minor, it marks Microsoft's shift toward a more reliable and less disruptive update mechanism, a trend that has continued in subsequent Windows versions.
Tutorial to Create Windows To Go with Windows 10 1909 (November 2019 Update) and WinToUSB
Step 1. Connect the USB drive to your computer, then download, install, and run Hasleo WinToUSB. Click the "Windows To Go USB" option.
Step 2. Click "Select installation source", then click "Browse image file". Then choose the Windows 10 1909 (November 2019 Update) installation ISO file from the dialog box as installation source. Alternatively, select a CD/DVD drive with a Windows 10 1909 (November 2019 Update) installation media.
Step 3. Hasleo WinToUSB will scan for and list the available Windows editions. Please select the edition you want to install.
Step 4. Click "Select destination drive", then choose the target drive from the pop-up list. If Hasleo WinToUSB fails to detect the drive, click the 
button to initiate drive recognition.
Step 5. Select your preferred partition scheme and installation mode. Optionally, you may specify additional drivers or enable BitLocker encryption for the Windows To Go drive, then click "Proceed".
* Tips:
- For detailed information about "Partition scheme", "Installation mode" and "Enable BitLocker", please refer to: How to Create Portable Windows 11/10/8/7 from ISO, WIM, ESD, SWM or VHD(X) or DBI Files?
- If you select "Keep the existing partition scheme" option, you need to manually prepare the USB drive partitions before this step. View guide: How to Manually Prepare Partitions for Windows To Go.
Step 6. After clicking "Proceed", a confirmation dialog will appear asking whether to continue formatting the drive. Click "Yes" if you accept the operation.
Step 7. After clicking "Yes", WinToUSB initiates Windows installation on the destination drive.
Step 8. The installation will take some time. After installation, restart the computer and enter UEFI/BIOS settings to boot from the USB drive.
Step 9. A standard Windows 10 1909 (November 2019 Update) installation requires completing all setup steps during the first boot. Afterward, you can install applications and copy files, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Yes, you can create Windows To Go with Windows 10 1909 (November 2019 Update) using WinToUSB. It supports all editions of Windows 10 1909, allowing you to run Windows 10 1909 from a USB drive as a portable system.
A: Windows 10 1909 (November 2019 Update) focused on performance improvements and reliability. Key features include faster wake from sleep, improved file explorer search, and better support for third-party voice assistants.
A: Yes, Windows 10 1909 fixed the boot compatibility issues that affected Windows 10 1809 To Go. WinToUSB supports creating Windows To Go with both versions, but Windows 10 1909 provides a more stable experience on USB drives.
A: Yes, you can upgrade an existing Windows 10 1809 To Go to Windows 10 1909 by booting from the USB drive and running the Windows 10 1909 update. Alternatively, you can create a fresh Windows 10 1909 To Go using WinToUSB.
A: WinToUSB free version supports creating Windows To Go from ISO files, including Windows 10 1909. You can create portable Windows 10 1909 on any USB drive.
Conclusion
As a professional Windows To Go creator, WinToUSB supports creating Windows To Go with any edition of Windows 10 1909 (November 2019 Update). While Windows 10 1909 offered a stable and refined experience for its time, we recommend using a supported Windows version for your Windows To Go drive to ensure ongoing security updates, driver compatibility, and access to the latest features. The step-by-step process documented in this guide applies equally to newer Windows versions when using WinToUSB, so you can apply the same skills to create portable Windows environments with the latest releases.
