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How to Install Windows on an SD Card and Make it Bootable
Making a bootable SD card is easier than you may think
4 min. read
Published onAugust 8, 2024
published onAugust 8, 2024
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Installing Windows on an SD card can be a game-changer, especially if you have a readily available slot on your laptop. Make sure that you have an SD card with a reasonable IOPS value. In other words, it has to have a decent read/write speed. Of course, it also need to have the right necessary storage space for the OS you choose (at least 16 GB, 32 GB recommended).
How do I install a bootable Windows on an SD card?
1. Format the SD card
Formatting the SD card ensures it is ready for the Windows installation process.
2. Download Windows Installation Media
The Media Creation Tool will prepare the necessary files to install Windows. The example is for Windows 11, but you can alsoget the one for Windows 10.
3. Create the bootable SD card and change the boot order in BIOS
Changing the boot order ensures the computer boots from the SD card first.
4. Install Windows
Your computer will restart and boot from the SD card, starting the Windows installation process. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Windows installation.
This step-by-step guide helps you turn your SD card into a bootable device and install Windows on it, making it a portable operating system you can use on various computers.
Basically, there is no notable difference from making a bootable SD card or abootable USB flash drive.
After installing Windows on your system, don’t forget to change back the boot order in BIOS.
Using a third-party tool to install Windows on an SD card
There are lot of tools out there such as EaseUS OS2Go, AOMEI Partition Assistant, or Rufus that can help you create a bootable Windows SD card. They guide you through the whole process a bit easier, but you still need to enter BIOS and change the boot order by yourself.
We also have a list of thebest tools to create multi-boot drivesand install multiple OSes.
How do I install Windows on a MicroSD card for Steam Deck?
Following these steps, you can successfully install and run Windows on your Steam Deck via a microSD card. This method lets you easily switch between SteamOS and Windows on your Steam Deck, providing flexibility for gaming and other tasks. We also have a complete guide onhow to install Windows on Steam Deckif you need more information.
Troubleshooting common issues
By following these steps, you can address common problems and ensure a smooth installation process for Windows on an SD card.
Each solution offers a detailed, user-friendly approach to installing Windows on an SD card, catering to different needs and technical proficiencies. To avoid future issues, always ensure your SD card is compatible with your device and keep your BIOS updated.
More about the topics:boot,SD card,windows 10,Windows 11
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
