How to Install Windows 10 from USB Drive without CD/DVD

=====================================================

Installing windows operating system directly onto a hard drive can be quite convenient especially when you do not have access to the original installation media such as cd/dvd. Here is how to go about it.

Requirements:

------------

- A blank usb flashdrive with at least 8gb of free space.

- Windows 10 iso file (64bit or 32 bit depending on your operating system).

- Rufus software downloaded from rufus.nvidia.com/downloads

- An internet connection for downloading the necessary files and updates.

Steps:

---

### Step 1: Download and Install Necessary Tools

Firstly, download and install the following tools onto a working windows machine:

* Rufus: This is a free tool that can be downloaded from r Rufus website.

* 'Download Here'(https://rufus.nvidia.com/)

### Step 2: Download Windows ISO File

Next up, you will need to download the Windows iso file. You may either use your original windows installation media (cd/dvd) or go for a legal copy from Microsoft's official website.

* 'Download Here'(https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/Windows-10-Evaluation-Terms)

### Step 3: Download and Install Rufus

Once you have downloaded the necessary tools, run the rufus setup file to start installation. Follow all instructions on your screen until it is fully installed.

### Step 4: Create Bootable USB Drive with Rufus

1. Open Rufus from your Start menu or search for it in the windows search bar.

2. Click on 'Create bootable disk' option at the top right corner of rufus interface and then click on 'ISO file' to select the iso file you downloaded earlier.

!''(https://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/create-bootable-usb-drive-with-rufus.jpg)

3. Make sure that quick format is selected to completely wipe your usb drive.

4. Click on 'Start' button at the bottom right corner of rufus interface.

### Step 5: Install Windows onto Your Hard Drive

1. Once Rufus has finished creating a bootable USB drive, insert it into another machine and power up that computer while holding down any key (F2 or Del depending on your motherboard) until you see the bios/uefi settings screen.

2. Use arrow keys to navigate through different sections in your bios interface until you find 'Boot' option. Select 'USB' as the first boot device from there and press Enter.

!''(https://www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/install-windows-10-from-usb-drive-without-cd-dvd-bootable-usb.jpg)

3. Save changes and exit from bios settings.

### Step 6: Complete Windows Installation

1. Your computer should now boot directly into the windows installation menu without asking for a cd/dvd.

2. Follow all instructions on your screen until you reach the 'I don't have an internet connection' page or any other error message related to activation/activation key.

!''(https:www.makeuseof.com/wp-content/uploads2026/05/install-windows-10-from-usb-drive-without-cd-dvd-enter-product-key.png)

3. Click on 'Next' to proceed with the installation process.

### Step 7: Activate Your Windows Operating System

1. Once you have successfully installed windows onto your hard drive, you will be prompted for a valid activation key or product code.

2. Enter any of these keys below depending on whether you are using a retail version (Retail) or an evaluation copy (Evaluation):

* Windows 10 Retail Keys

- KF8Q-V-HGFTB-CR7YM

- VKCRH-TNCBYM-MT9GH

* Windows 10 Evaluation Key

W3NMG-FJNTD-4HM6K-P2YVX-QCYRT

### Step 8: Finalize Your Windows Installation Process

1. Once you have entered your activation key or product code, click on 'Next' to proceed with the final stages of windows installation process.

And that's it! You should now be able to use your newly installed copy of windows operating system without ever needing a physical cd/dvd again.

Anytime upgrade windows 7 ultimate