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Prerequisites for installing Windows 7 on USB:
- Windows 7 installation file
- Windows OEM Preinstallation Kit library
- Virtual drive software such as: Iso, Ultraiso, VirtualDrive Pro, MagicISO, Virtual CloneDrive…
- USB 3.0 driver you want to install and use
- USB 3.0 with operating system inside
Guide: Installing Windows 7 on USB and Using USB 3.0
Step 1: Use virtual drive software to create a virtual drive. Then, mount the Windows 7 OS image file into it. Copy the Install.wim file to any folder on your computer. (Example: C:\test\)
Step 2: Launch the Deployment tools command prompt within the Microsoft Windows AIK with Administrator privileges (Start > All Programs > Microsoft Windows AIK > Deployment Tools Command Prompt).
Step 3:Open Command Prompt. Then enter “Dism /get-wiminfo /wimfile:c:\test\install.wim” and press Enter.
With this command, all information and indices of Windows 7 versions in the Install.wim file will be displayed. Just remember the Index number of the version you want to proceed with.
Step 4: Type the command “dism /mount-wim /wimfile:c:\test\install.wim /index:2 /mountdir:c:\test\edit”
Extract your USB 3.0 driver package to a memorable directory and remember the filename containing the .inf driver extension.
Step 5: Type the command “dism /image:c:\test\edit /add-driver\driver:c:\test\driver\usb3\filename.inf” and press Enter.
Due to some drivers being restricted by Windows authentication policies, you may need to force their usage by adding /Forceunsigned.
Example: “dism /image:d:\test\edit /add-driver:d:\test\driver\usb3\filename.inf /forceunsigned” and press Enter.
After completing the process, wait for a while to let Windows insert the driver into the computer. Then, type the command: “dism /unmount-wim /mountdir:d:\test\edit /commit” to finish the driver addition process.
So, with the above steps, you have successfully installed Windows 7 on USB and used it on USB 3.0 port. In fact, the method of installing Windows 7 on USB 3.0 is similar to 2.0. Moreover, this is an advanced method, so not everyone dares to take action. If you want it simpler, refer to how to create a Windows 7 installation USB drive for more details.
