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I’ve recently upgraded six computers from Windows 7 to Windows 10, using a bootable USB memory key configured by going to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/. The first three were version 1903, but I reloaded the key with 1909 for the last three when that became available, hoping that would make the installation somewhat faster. In all cases, I retained the existing applications, accounts, and data files.
For the first upgrade, I initially booted from the memory key, but during the process I was instructed to start over, boot Windows 7 normally, and then execute setup.exe on the memory key. For all of the other upgrades, I did not even try booting from the key. In some of those cases, I had neglected to reset the BIOS to prevent booting from a USB device, and a subsequent reboot from it temporarily caused problems which I solved by removing the key.
It seems to me that, for the upgrade path I’m using, there is no advantage and there is some disadvantage to having the memory key be bootable. For future upgrades, I’m thinking of copying all of the visible installation files to a non-bootable key and using that instead. Does anyone have any experience working this way? Alternatively, has anyone found but not personally tried advice about this approach?
Frogrammer-Analyst
Posted 2019-12-16T14:06:27.287
Reputation: 11
Chances are, your “non-bootable” flash drive will be bootable anyway. But I guess this question is mostly about whether or not the extra effort is worth it. – Daniel B – 2019-12-16T14:12:24.453
1Windows 7 machines are getting old now, so you should upgrade BIOS, Chipset, Video, Network and all other drivers first. Then upgrade to Windows 10. It will not make a big difference whether the USB key is bootable or not. The system is not running Windows 10 so the upgrade has to start with the Windows 7 base and then authorize Windows 10 – John – 2019-12-16T14:16:35.560
@John: Windows 7 drivers may not be too useful in Windows 10. – harrymc – 2019-12-16T15:14:32.373
That may possibly be true, but it is good to start there so Windows 10 can do further driver updates – John – 2019-12-16T15:17:25.350
1It has never been possible to upgrade and/or perform an in-place repair from the WinPE. You have always had to boot to Windows to perform either of those functions. If you are running a previous version of Windows you should use the Media Creation Tool and start the installation from within Windows itself. If you are using Windows 10 then you should upgrade to the next version of Windows 10 through Windows Update. – Ramhound – 2019-12-16T15:23:20.973
Since @Ramhound's response was in the form of a comment, I can't accept it as the most useful answer, but I find it convincing. That makes me more comfortable about working from non-bootable Windows 10 installation media and avoiding the problem of accidentally trying to boot from it. I'll also have bootable rescue media, produced by my disk imaging software, available on a separate memory key, which is consistent with what harrymc suggests. – Frogrammer-Analyst – 2019-12-19T00:59:37.707
@Frogrammer-Analyst - My commentary was just that, commentary on how WinPE has worked, since the beginning of time. I certainly didn’t answer any of your questions – Ramhound – 2019-12-19T01:25:57.473