Windows To Go: Run Windows 8 from a USB drive [Video]

Windows To Go - Windows 8

Windows 8 is packed with a lot of new features — 300+ to be more specific –. One of the great feature that the company is not talking too much is the ability to run Windows 8 from a USB drive on any computer. And this is not just a stripped down version, this is the real deal.

When we first heard about the new feature it was called Portable Workspace, now the company has re-named to Windows To Go and is targeted to enterprise customers. Here are some scenarios where this feature will be useful:

  • Work from a shared computer, from home or any other remote location
  • Contractors and vendors won’t have to spend many hours setting up computers

According to the software maker Windows To Go is going to work with either USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, and in the video demo down below shows that USB 2.0 works pretty well.

Microsoft also shared some technical details about Windows To Go:

  • If present, Windows 8 will boot right to Windows To Go
  • The feature is going to support USB 2.0 and USB 3.0
  • A pack with drivers will be included, but if a particular driver is needed it will be downloaded from Windows Update
  • Windows To Go will not support Hibernation
  • Legacy BIOS and UEFI firmware will be supported in Windows To Go
  • Crash and Dump will be available for Windows To Go instances

In this video you will see Steve Silverberg, Principal Lead Program Manager of Microsoft Corporation, demonstrate Windows To Go, technology that was created by him, his team and in collaboration with many others.

This video covers:

  • Windows To Go overview — how it works, how to use it, etc.
  • Key scenarios
  • Windows To Go in-depth

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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 14 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 20 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.