Y'all can install Windows ten from a wide range of external media. Keeping a backup copy of Windows x on a USB flash storage drive is useful. Just what if you lot need a re-create of Windows 10 when y'all're out and about?

In that instance, you lot could install Windows x direct from your Android smartphone via the DriveDroid app. Here's how you fix DriveDroid, and so install Windows x from your smartphone.

What Is DriveDroid?

DriveDroid is an Android app that allows you lot to mount an operating system disc prototype and make information technology act as an installation media, such equally a bootable USB flash drive or CD/DVD-ROM.

Y'all can use DriveDroid to install a broad range of operating systems. It is ordinarily associated with Linux distros, merely you lot tin also apply it to install Windows 10.

Important: DriveDroid requires Android root access.

Rooting is a process that gives you privileged access to the device. Information technology allows an app more control and access than a standard app. Rooting is like to jailbreaking an iOS device.

You tin ask if rooting is still useful for Android devices. However, as you'll see from this tutorial, there is definitely some use!

If you desire to root your Android smartphone, check out our guide on the best style to root your Android device. In my experience, Magisk is the easiest method to rooting your device—merely you'll need to take a organization backup before committing considering the process potentially involves wiping your device.

How to Install Windows 10 From Your Android Device with DriveDroid

If y'all don't have root access on your Android device, the rest of this tutorial volition not work properly. DriveDroid requires root access on your device to mount the Windows x ISO properly. Yous'll too need root access if y'all want to install a different operating system, such every bit a Linux distro.

From here on in, this tutorial assumes your Android device has root access.

1. Download the Latest Version of Windows x

To install Windows 10 from your Android device, you'll need a re-create of Windows 10. The Windows Media Creation Tool is the easiest way to download the latest version of Windows x.

Head to the Windows x software download page and select the Download tool now.

windows 10 media creation tool
  1. Open the Windows Media Creation Tool.
  2. Select Create installation media for another PC, then create your Windows x ISO settings.
  3. If you're creating a backup ISO for the PC you lot're using, yous can Utilize the recommended options for this PC.
  4. Printing Next, and so allow the process complete.

Later the Windows 10 ISO finishes downloading, you need to copy it onto your Android smartphone in an easily remembered folder. It is all-time to re-create the files to your Android using a USB cablevision, as y'all will too require an active connection for the rest of the tutorial.

2. Download and Configure DriveDroid

Download and install DriveDroid.

Open DriveDroid. The app will immediately request root access, which you lot should Grant.

Configure the Image Directory. The Prototype Directory is the folder where you store your disc images (ISOs), such as the Windows ten version you copied to your device.

During the DriveDroid initial setup, yous will select a default folder, but you can change this later on.

Download: DriveDroid for Android (Free)

iii. Test Your DriveDroid USB Settings

DriveDroid will now test the USB connection settings for your Android device. DriveDroid needs to handle the USB connection as a mass storage device, allowing it to mount your Windows 10 ISO as a bootable image.

Follow the steps with the help of the screenshots beneath:

For most users, the Standard Android Kernel is the correct selection. Select the get-go option, then press Next. Await for the DriveDroid exam file to announced as a mountable bulldoze.

If the device doesn't appear in your File Explorer, select Choose a Different USB System and try over again.

When you cycle through the three basic USB settings and the DriveDroid examination file does non appear, don't worry.

Adjust DriveDroid USB Options

You can modify the DriveDroid USB options from the main folio.

Select the Gear icon in the top-right corner, then scroll down. Adjacent, select USB Settings > Manually Modify USB Mode > Mass Storage, then Confirm.

four. Mount Your Windows 10 ISO in DriveDroid

Now, you demand to mount the Windows 10 epitome. Depending on the default image binder option, the Windows 10 ISO might already feature on the DriveDroid main page.

If not, select the Gear icon in the top-right, and so select Paradigm Directories.

Press the red icon in the bottom corner. Now, browse to the folder containing your disc images and provide access when requested.

Select the correct directory from the Image Directory, then head back to the DriveDroid homepage.

Next, select the Windows 10 ISO, then Host image using CD-ROM. A pocket-sized disc icon should announced on the disc epitome, indicating it is mounted and set to go.

Using a USB cablevision, you demand to connect your Android device to the PC you want to install Windows on. The PC should be switched off, to begin with. Connect the USB cable and your Android device to the figurer.

When you switch it on, yous need to enter the boot menu using the dedicated shortcut. For nigh PCs, the boot card shortcut is F8, F11, or DEL, although information technology does vary between manufacturers.

select boot menu options windows 10

When the boot carte loads, curl down to find the DriveDroid option, named something similar to Linux File-CD Gadget. Press Enter.

The Windows 10 installation screen volition now load, and you tin can install a clean version of Windows 10 on your computer.

Install Windows 10 From Your Android Smartphone on Any Computer

In one case you lot have the Windows 10 ISO and DriveDroid setup on your Android device, you're good to go. The only significant downside to the DriveDroid installation method is that your Windows x ISO will eventually get outdated.

When that happens, you'll accept to download the latest version, and so re-create information technology across to your Android device to use with DriveDroid.

DriveDroid is a handy app to go along close by. You lot tin utilize the app to fifty-fifty boot your PC directly over a USB cable using any ISO or IMG file stored on your phone.

How to Recover Your PC Using an Android Device

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Nearly The Author

Gavin Phillips (1047 Articles Published)

Gavin is the Junior Editor for Technology Explained, a regular correspondent to the Really Useful Podcast, and a frequent product reviewer. He has a degree in Contemporary Writing pillaged from the hills of Devon, and more than than a decade of professional writing experience. He enjoys copious amounts of tea, board games, and football.

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