Windows 7: Windows 7 Installation from USB 3.0 drive

Hello everyone!

I currently install windows 7 from a usb 2.0 stick. And the installs go reasonably fast. But, I would like to begin to use a usb 3.0 stick to do the same job.

Would I have to load usb 3.0 drivers during the initial stage in windows setup where you would normally load raid or sata drivers? Or would I need to alter the installation media somehow?

Any help would be appreciated.

Unless the port on the computer is USB 3.0, nothing you can do will make any difference. It requires different hardware, end to end, to use USB 3.0.

Your USB 3.0 stick will work in a USB 2.0 port but will run as a USB 2.0 device.

Here is a brief write up on it: SuperSpeed USB 3.0 FAQ -- What is USB 3.0 -- What is SuperSpeed USB 3.0

Hello and thanks for your reply.

I already have USB 3.0 natively on the motherboard. I want to purchase a usb 3.0 stick and I'll prepare it as windows installation media straightaway. Then I will use this USB 3.0 stick to install windows 7 on new machines without windows on them also with USB 3.0 natively on their motherboards as well.

My goal is to gain usb 3.0 speed for the installation. I doubt I can reach 4.8 gig a second, but as close as possible.

Good question.

Never tried it.

Since setup will be copying files to the selected HD - you may need to install usb 3.0 drivers ( using dism ) to boot.wim

Give it a go and let us know how you get on.

Hello SIW2,

Now we're getting somewhere. Obvisouly you refer to Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). I've never used it or at least it has been a long time since I've tried.

I'll download it and give it a go.

As an aside, another neat way to install and reinstall is to take the install usb 2.0 stick and boot up into the command line interface. Then you create a 10 or 15 GB partition as well as an OS partition and any others you want using diskpart and subsequently xcopy all of your files from your installation stick to your small first partition. You then reboot and boot from the hard disk. The only option is the installation partition which starts up waaayy faster than a normal install would. You either create, format or just use the partitions there and it installs superfast.

The cool thing is when you are done the installation partition remains there and the bootmgr even creates a second option so you can select it at any time. This allow you to reinstall windows 7 in about 7 - 10 minutes or so.

It's pretty cool

You have dism already if you are on 7.

You can just mount the boot.wim and install the usb3.0 drivers.

They need to be .inf - so you may need to extract the nec/renesas installer first.


Yes, that seems a good idea.

I use a little .cmd file which applies any edition to the HD with imagex, allows choosing the o/s driveletter ( thanks to MS for the script to set drive letter). Also allows installing to usb HD. Windows setup.exe is not used at all. It's quicker and more flexible.

Is this script downloadable somewhere? I wouldn't mind tinkering with it when time allow.

I created a USB capable version of XP a year or so ago. It would let you install to an external drive, but of course if you moved the drive windows wasn't pleased...It was slow, but it was cool. More of a proof of concept than a usable item..+