Win-to-go

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Windows To Go is convenient for portability, but several traditional Windows features are restricted.

Preface

Windows To Go has existed for many years, yet there are so few Chinese-language resources on it—one can’t help but worry about the state of domestic IT documentation. The author has limited experience but is exposed to plenty of English development docs and hopes to lay some groundwork for future readers; any mistakes pointed out will be welcomed. For those comfortable reading English, comprehensive official documentation is available at the links below:

This post covers the overview and some common questions—mostly translations with the occasional author note (indicated by [J] until the next full stop) to prevent misinformation.

Windows To Go Overview

Windows To Go is a feature of Windows Enterprise and Education editions; it is not available in the Home edition used by most general consumers. It allows you to create a portable Windows system on a USB drive or hard disk. Windows To Go is not intended to replace traditional installation methods; its main purpose is to let people who frequently switch workspaces do so more efficiently. Before using Windows To Go, you need to be aware of the following:

  • Differences between Windows To Go and traditional Windows installation
  • Using Windows To Go for mobile work
  • Preparing to install Windows To Go
  • Hardware requirements

Differences between Windows To Go and traditional Windows installation

Windows To Go behaves almost like a normal Windows environment except for these differences:

  • All internal drives except the USB device you’re running from are offline by default—invisible in File Explorer—to safeguard data. [J]You still have ways to bring those drives online and change their files.
  • The Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is unavailable. TPM is tied to an individual PC to protect business data. [J]Most consumer machines don’t have it, but if your corporate laptop is domain-joined, it’s best not to use Windows To Go on it; otherwise, freshen up your résumé first.
  • Hibernation is disabled by default in Windows To Go but can be re-enabled via Group Policy. [J]Many machines break USB connections during hibernation and cannot resume—Microsoft anticipated this and disabled it; there’s usually no reason to change that setting.
  • Windows Restore is disabled. If the OS breaks, you’ll need to reinstall.
  • Factory reset and Windows Reset are unavailable.
  • In-place upgrades are not supported. The OS stays at whatever version it was installed as—you cannot go from Windows 7 to 8 or from Windows 10 RS1 to RS2.

Using Windows To Go for mobile work

Windows To Go can boot on multiple machines; the OS will automatically determine the needed drivers. Apps tightly coupled to specific hardware may fail to run. [J]ThinkPad track-pad control apps or fingerprint utilities, for example.

Preparing to install Windows To Go

You can use System Center Configuration Manager or standard Windows deployment tools such as DiskPart and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). Consider:

  • Do you need to inject any drivers into the Windows To Go image?
  • How will you store and sync data when switching between machines?
  • 32-bit or 64-bit? [J]All new hardware supports 64-bit; 64-bit CPUs can run 32-bit OSes, but 32-bit CPUs cannot run 64-bit OSes. 64-bit systems also consume more disk and memory. If any target machine has a 32-bit CPU or less than 4 GB RAM, stick with 32-bit.
  • What resolution should you use when remoting in from external networks?

Hardware requirements

USB hard drive or flash drive

Windows To Go is specifically optimized for certified devices:

  • Optimizes USB devices for high random read/write, ensuring smooth daily use.
  • Can boot Windows 7 and later from certified devices.
  • Continues to enjoy OEM warranty support even while running Windows To Go. [J]The host PC’s warranty wasn’t mentioned.

Uncertified USB devices are not supported. [J]Try it and you’ll learn quickly why—it just won’t work. [J]Non-standard hacks (e.g., spoofing device IDs) are out there but outside scope.

Host computer (Host computer)

  • Certified for Windows 7 and later.
  • Windows RT systems are unsupported.
  • Apple Macs are unsupported. [J]Even though the web is full of success stories on using Windows To Go on a Mac, the official stance is clear: no support.

Minimum specs for a host computer:

Item Requirement
Boot capability Must support USB boot
Firmware USB-boot option enabled
Processor architecture Must match supported Windows To Go requirements
External USB hub Not supported. The Windows To Go device must be plugged directly into the host
Processor 1 GHz or faster
RAM 2 GB or more
Graphics DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.2
USB port USB 2.0 or later

Checking architecture compatibility between host PC and Windows To Go drive

Host PC Firmware Type Host PC Processor Architecture Compatible Windows To Go Image Architecture
Legacy BIOS 32-bit 32-bit only
Legacy BIOS 64-bit 32-bit and 64-bit
UEFI BIOS 32-bit 32-bit only
UEFI BIOS 64-bit 64-bit only

Common Windows To Go questions

Windows To Go: frequently asked questions