How to Create Windows To Go with Windows 10 2004 (May 2020 Update)?

Due to the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), Microsoft delayed the release of Windows 10 2004. The update was officially launched on May 28, 2020. Usually we refer to Windows 10 May 2020 Update as Windows 10 2004, including a fairly long list of improvements for users with special accessibility needs. Concerned about the stability of Windows 10 2004, if you want to try its new features but don't want to upgrade the currently running Windows 10 to version 2004, we recommend that you install Windows 10 2004 on a USB drive to experience it. The feature of installing Windows on a USB drive and running Windows from the drive is called Windows To Go. This allows you to experience Windows 10 2004 without modifying the existing OS on your internal disk. By default, Windows cannot be directly installed on a USB drive. Creating a Windows To Go workspace requires third-party tools like Hasleo WinToUSB. This tutorial details how to install Windows 10 2004 on a USB drive using WinToUSB as portable system.

 

Tutorial to Create Windows To Go with Windows 10 2004 (May 2020 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.

WinToUSB welcome screen with create option

Step 2. Click "Select installation source", then click "Browse image file". Then choose the Windows 10 2004 (May 2020 Update) installation ISO file from the dialog box as installation source. Alternatively, select a CD/DVD drive with Windows 10 2004 (May 2020 Update) installation media.

Select installation source for Windows To Go

Step 3. Hasleo WinToUSB will scan for and list the available Windows editions. Please select the edition you want to install.

Select Windows edition

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 Reload drive list refresh button button to initiate drive recognition.

Select destination drive

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".

Select partition scheme and installation mode

* Tips:

  1. 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, VHD(X) or DBI Files?
  2. 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.

The drive needs to be formatted prompt

Step 7. After clicking "Yes", WinToUSB initiates Windows installation on the destination drive.

installing Windows to USB

Step 8. The installation will take some time. After installation, restart the computer and enter UEFI/BIOS settings to boot from the USB drive.

Boot device selection menu

Step 9. A standard Windows 10 2004 (May 2020 Update) installation requires completing all steup steps during the first boot. Afterward, you can install applications and copy files, etc.

Windows normal installation

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I create Windows To Go with Windows 10 2004 (May 2020 Update)?

A: Yes, WinToUSB supports creating Windows To Go with Windows 10 2004 (May 2020 Update). You can install Windows 10 2004 on a USB drive and run it as a portable system without modifying your existing system.

Q: What are the main features of Windows 10 2004?

A: Windows 10 2004 (May 2020 Update) introduced several improvements including the new Cortana app, Windows Linux Subsystem (WSL) 2.0, and virtual desktop improvements. It also includes significant driver management improvements.

Q: Is Windows 10 2004 To Go better than Windows 10 1903 To Go?

A: Windows 10 2004 includes all features from 1903 plus additional improvements. It also has better driver compatibility and improved Windows Update experience. Both versions work well with WinToUSB.

Q: Why should I create Windows 10 2004 To Go instead of upgrading my system?

A: Creating Windows 10 2004 To Go allows you to test the new features without risking your existing system. If you encounter bugs or instability, you can simply unplug the USB drive and continue using your original Windows.

Q: What USB drive is recommended for Windows 10 2004 To Go?

A: We recommend using a USB 3.0 or faster drive with at least 64GB capacity for Windows 10 2004 To Go. External SSDs provide the best performance, while high-quality USB 3.1 flash drives can also work well.

 

Conclusion

As a professional Windows To Go creator, WinToUSB is the best software for creating Windows To Go workspaces with Windows 10 2004.