You can install Windows 10 from a wide range of external media. Keeping a backup copy of Windows ten on a USB flash storage drive is useful. But what if yous need a copy of Windows ten when you lot're out and about?

In that instance, you lot could install Windows 10 direct from your Android smartphone via the DriveDroid app. Here'south how you fix up DriveDroid, and so install Windows ten from your smartphone.

What Is DriveDroid?

DriveDroid is an Android app that allows you to mountain an operating organization disc paradigm and brand it act as an installation media, such as a bootable USB flash bulldoze or CD/DVD-ROM.

You can use DriveDroid to install a wide range of operating systems. It is commonly associated with Linux distros, just yous can also employ it to install Windows ten.

Important: DriveDroid requires Android root access.

Rooting is a procedure that gives you privileged access to the device. It allows an app more control and admission than a standard app. Rooting is similar to jailbreaking an iOS device.

You lot tin inquire if rooting is still useful for Android devices. Still, as you'll run into from this tutorial, there is definitely some use!

If you lot want to root your Android smartphone, cheque out our guide on the all-time way to root your Android device. In my experience, Magisk is the easiest method to rooting your device—simply you lot'll demand to take a organisation backup before committing because the process potentially involves wiping your device.

How to Install Windows ten From Your Android Device with DriveDroid

If you don't have root access on your Android device, the rest of this tutorial will not piece of work properly. DriveDroid requires root admission on your device to mount the Windows 10 ISO properly. You lot'll also need root access if you want to install a different operating organization, such as 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, yous'll need a copy of Windows x. The Windows Media Cosmos Tool is the easiest way to download the latest version of Windows ten.

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

windows 10 media creation tool
  1. Open the Windows Media Creation Tool.
  2. Select Create installation media for some other PC, then create your Windows x ISO settings.
  3. If you're creating a backup ISO for the PC you're using, yous can Use the recommended options for this PC.
  4. Press Adjacent, and so let the process complete.

After the Windows ten ISO finishes downloading, yous need to re-create it onto your Android smartphone in an easily remembered folder. It is best to copy the files to your Android using a USB cablevision, every bit you volition as well require an active connection for the rest of the tutorial.

2. Download and Configure DriveDroid

Download and install DriveDroid.

Open DriveDroid. The app volition immediately request root access, which y'all should Grant.

Configure the Image Directory. The Image Directory is the folder where you shop your disc images (ISOs), such as the Windows 10 version you lot copied to your device.

During the DriveDroid initial setup, you volition select a default folder, just you can change this afterward.

Download: DriveDroid for Android (Free)

3. 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, assuasive it to mountain your Windows 10 ISO equally a bootable image.

Follow the steps with the aid of the screenshots below:

For near users, the Standard Android Kernel is the correct option. Select the first option, then printing Next . Expect for the DriveDroid test file to appear as a mountable drive.

If the device doesn't appear in your File Explorer, select Choose a Different USB System and endeavor once more.

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

Accommodate DriveDroid USB Options

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

Select the Gear icon in the tiptop-correct corner, then gyre down. Next, select USB Settings > Manually Change USB Manner > Mass Storage, so Confirm.

four. Mount Your Windows 10 ISO in DriveDroid

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

If non, select the Gear icon in the peak-right, then select Image 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 small disc icon should appear on the disc prototype, indicating it is mounted and prepare to go.

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

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

select boot menu options windows 10

When the boot menu loads, gyre down to find the DriveDroid option, named something similar to Linux File-CD Gadget. Printing Enter.

The Windows 10 installation screen will now load, and yous 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 have the Windows 10 ISO and DriveDroid setup on your Android device, you're expert to go. The only pregnant downside to the DriveDroid installation method is that your Windows 10 ISO will eventually become outdated.

When that happens, you'll have to download the latest version, so copy it beyond to your Android device to use with DriveDroid.

DriveDroid is a handy app to keep close by. You can apply the app to even kicking your PC directly over a USB cable using any ISO or IMG file stored on your phone.