Run Windows 8 from a USB device with Windows To Go

Windows 8 - Portable Workspace

Microsoft has renamed Portable Workspace feature to Windows To Go in Windows 8.

Microsoft is targeting this new feature to enterprise IT pros and basically it allows to create a bootable USB device that contains a copy of Windows 8, along with their business applications, data, and settings. When the user is finished and log off, they will simply disconnect the USB device, leaving not data or information behind; besides that using Windows in this environment will not modify anything in the computer that is running, which it can be very useful an a variety of scenarios, like troubleshooting computers, access data securely, and just work more efficiently.

It is also important to note the Windows To Go USB devices can be secured with encryption using BitLocker technology, that way if your USB device “is misplaced”, the content within will stay safe.

“Windows To Go is a new feature in Windows 8 that enables enterprise administrators to create USB drives containing complete, managed Windows images that users can use to boot and run Windows on any Windows 7 or Windows 8 capable computer. Windows To Go makes it possible for employees to use a managed device whether they work from home, a client office or in a free seating environment. This session will discuss Windows To Go, its hardware requirements and building compatible and complementary software.”

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About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].