An additional customization menu will appear. You can check options to pre-create a local user account, disable data collection, or skip Windows 11 hardware checks. Click .
Look for the Image option dropdown menu. Change it from "Standard Windows installation" to Windows To Go .
Download the latest version of the flashing utility from the official Rufus Website.
Running a full operating system over a USB interface requires high read and write speeds. Using substandard hardware will result in extreme system lag and freezing. Hardware Type Suitability Performance Experience ❌ Unusable Boot times exceed 10 minutes; system constantly freezes. Standard USB 3.0/3.1 Drive ⚠️ Minimal windows 10 22h2 download iso portable
The official Windows To Go creator is no longer available in standard editions like Windows 10 Home or Pro. Microsoft removed this option primarily because of licensing abuse and because the feature couldn't keep up with modern hardware and security needs. The built-in tool was also restricted to using specific certified USB drives, which limited its usefulness.
By following these official and security-conscious methods, you can create a legitimate, fully functional portable Windows 10 environment that serves your needs—whether for system repair, software testing, or having a consistent workspace across multiple machines.
Microsoft previously included a feature called "Windows To Go" in Enterprise and Education editions of Windows, which allowed creating portable Windows installations directly through the operating system. However, Microsoft has since deprecated this feature, and it was removed entirely starting with Windows 10 version 2004 (the May 2020 Update). An additional customization menu will appear
First, a quick note about timing: Windows 10 Version 22H2 is the final feature update for the operating system, and it is approaching its end-of-support date, after which Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for most editions. While you can still download and use the ISO to create a portable Windows drive, you should plan your transition strategy accordingly.
To make the ISO "portable" (runnable from a USB on any PC), you need third-party software like Get a USB Drive:
This article explores how to download the official Windows 10 22H2 ISO, how to make it "portable" (bootable) on a USB drive, and how to use it effectively. What is a Portable Windows 10 22H2 ISO? Look for the Image option dropdown menu
Shut down the computer where you intend to run the portable OS. Insert the portable USB drive into a high-speed port.
Disclaimer: This guide uses techniques available as of mid-2026. Always ensure you are using the latest version of Rufus for optimal compatibility with 22H2.
Instead, you should look into builds. Tools like Hiren’s BootCD PE are built on top of the official Windows 10 22H2 kernel. They function as a lightweight, highly portable Windows environment packed with diagnostic tools that runs entirely inside your computer’s RAM. You can flash the Hiren's ISO to a USB drive using Rufus in standard installation mode. How to Boot Into Your Portable Windows 10 Drive
If you open the Microsoft download page in Chrome/Edge, you can use Developer Tools (F12)
Since Microsoft's built-in Windows To Go feature is no longer available, you'll need third-party software to create a portable Windows drive. Here are the most reliable options: