Troubleshooting Windows Installation from USB Drives

If you’re experiencing issues installing Windows on a new machine using a USB drive, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

Precautions:

  • Make sure you have a clean and unbooted system.

  • If your computer is not bootable, try using another device as a boot media or seeking professional assistance from Microsoft support.

Step 1: Ensure the USB Drive is Unbootable

  • Insert the USB drive into a free port on your system.

  • Restart your computer immediately after insertion.

  • The system should automatically boot from the USB drive if it’s still healthy.

  • If the system boots, check for any disk errors or issues by running the System File Checker (SFC) utility:

SFC /scannow

Step 2: Run the Windows Installation Media

  • Insert a new, blank USB drive into your computer.

  • Go to the Start menu and search for “Windows Setup”.

  • Click on “Update & Security” and then select “Get the latest updates now”.

  • This will download and install any necessary updates.

Step 3: Run the System Image Acceptor (SIA)

  • Insert a blank USB drive into your computer.

  • Go to Start > Settings > Update & Protection > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

  • Select “System Image Acceptor” and click Next.

  • Follow the on-screen instructions to scan for issues with the installed system image.

Step 4: Check System Files

  • Insert a blank USB drive into your computer.

  • Go to Start > File Explorer.

  • Navigate to the following folder: C:\Windows\System32\

  • Look for any corrupted or missing system files, and consider running the Windows Update Troubleshooter:

sfc /scannow

Step 5: Try a Different USB Drive

  • Insert a blank USB drive into your computer.

  • Go to Start > File Explorer.

  • Navigate to the following folder: C:\Windows\System32\

  • If you’re still having issues, try using another free port on your system.

Step 6: Seek Professional Assistance

If none of the above steps resolve the issue:

  • Contact Microsoft support for further assistance.

  • Visit a local repair center or authorized service provider.

  • Consider reinstalling Windows from an official media source (like Windows Media Creation Tool).

Remember, troubleshooting is a process that requires patience and persistence. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re unsure about any of the steps.

Additional Tips:

  • Use the built-in Windows Troubleshooter: Start > Settings > Update & Protection > Troubleshoot.

  • Keep your system software up-to-date to ensure compatibility with USB drives.

  • Be cautious when installing operating systems on external devices, as they may not be virus-free or stable.