windows 7 install from usb key

Right, so back in the depths of time I wrote a post about installing Windows Vista from a USB key in order to speed up the process.  I thought I had updated that for Windows 7, but apparently not.  So, as Windows is installing on my desktop machine right now, I decided to update that post for the new version.

When Microsoft released Windows 7 they also released a small tool to make installation from a USB key far easier than it was in the past.  This tool is called the “Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool”, and there are two pre-requisites to using it.  You must have access to a downloaded ISO of Windows 7.  You can’t use this method to burn a DVD to a USB key.  You can get the USB Download Tool from various places on Microsoft’s website including this page.  The second condition is that you need to have a PC whose BIOS is capable of booting from a USB key.  Most modern PCs can do this.

You need to obviously do this before you kill Windows on the target machine, or do it on another PC. (Interestingly I was going to suffix that sentence with “that has a USB port or DVD ROM, or an internet connection.  However what PC doesn’t have those these days?)  Download and install the Tool, and then run it to begin.  When it loads, you will see a screen like the one below.  Use the Browse button to navigate to your ISO of choice and select it.

You will then be asked whether you want to copy the files to a USB Key or DVD Rom.  Select USB Device.

The next step is to select the destination USB Key.  In this case I have actually two keys; One for my ReadyBoost data and one which I’ll use for the installation.  Make sure you choose the correct key if you have multiple USB devices.

When you click “Begin copying”, the program will do just that.  It can take a while depending on the speed of your PC and USB Key, but the cumulative time to image the key and install Windows is less than the time to install from a DVD, so its a worthwhile exercise.
 

When it has completed you will see this screen.  You can then remove your USB key (don’t forget to eject it) or restart your PC if you are installing on the same machine.