WinToUSB for Windows

WinToUSB, developed by Hasleo Software, is a free utility designed to create a portable version of Windows that runs directly from a USB flash drive or external hard drive. This tool allows users to carry a complete Windows environment on a removable drive and operate it on any compatible computer without repeated installations.

The software supports running a full Windows system live from the portable drive, differentiating itself from flashing tools like Rufus or UNetbootin. It offers a tiered licensing model, ranging from a basic version for personal use to advanced editions for organizations, broadening its applicability for both personal and professional contexts.

Flexible ways to create portable Windows environments

WinToUSB provides several effective methods to create portable Windows setups. The first method, Windows To Go Creator, installs Windows onto the USB drive from an ISO, WIM, or VHD image, making it suitable for fresh system setups. The second, Windows Portal, clones the entire current Windows system—including applications and user data—onto the portable drive for consistency across devices. Additionally, the software features a Windows PE Creator to help users build bootable WinPE USB drives for system recovery or deployment tasks.

Intuitive and secure setup workflow

The program guides users through a clear installation workflow starting with selecting an installation source, such as a disk image or an existing Windows setup. Users then choose the destination drive, with the ability to utilize BitLocker encryption to secure the data on the portable device. After configuring the system, WinToUSB manages the creation process to ensure a bootable and reliable external drive. This sequence supports both novices and advanced users in producing dependable portable Windows environments.

System compatibility and modern features

WinToUSB supports modern Windows versions from Windows 10 through Windows 11, including various Server editions, and operates on both BIOS and UEFI systems. It includes specialized options to bypass Windows 11 system requirements, such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, and can even skip the Microsoft account requirement during setup. While the tool is highly capable, it is important to note that certain advanced features, such as cloning the current OS or creating a portable Windows drive from an ISO, are reserved for the paid Professional and Enterprise versions.

A practical solution for mobile computing

WinToUSB delivers a practical solution for creating portable Windows environments with a focus on usability and flexibility. While the Free version is quite limited in its feature set—restricting users from cloning the current OS or using modern ISOs for creation—it remains a stable entry point for basic USB creation tasks. The clear workflow and range of options make it a suitable choice for casual users and IT professionals who need their operating system to be as mobile as they are.

• Fixed an issue where the failure to create temporary files caused the Windows To Go creation to fail 
• Fixed an issue where the program failed to start due to corruption of the disk's primary GPT header 
• Fixed other minor bugs