how to run an operating system on flash drive

Windows 8 takes about 20GB of storage space. Plus you need some space for user files. So a 32GB stick would be safe. Just make sure that it is a fast stick - access time 1ms or less. USB3 is a LOT better than USB2.

There are flash drives that are supposedly almost as fast as SSDs. Flash Voyager® GTX USB 3.0 128GB Flash Drive These are available in 128GB and 256GB. But you should only get it if you have the money to since the 128GB is $130.

There are a lot cheaper options - e.g. from Sandisk.

I use a SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 16GB flash drive to boot Windows 8.1 X86 from. Leaves about 3GB free.

Ztruker said:

I use a SanDisk Extreme USB 3.0 16GB flash drive to boot Windows 8.1 X86 from. Leaves about 3GB free.

That must be a bare bone 32bit system.

It's a install of 8.1 Pro X86 from the Microsoft Volume Licensing Service Center. Nothing removed or stripped out. I followed these instructions: [Tutorial]Windows 8 to Go without Enterprise Edition - Microsoft (Windows) Discussion & Support - Neowin Forums



Since it uses only the install.wim as input, maybe that is somehow stripped down, but I don't think so.

whs said:

There are a lot cheaper options - e.g. from Sandisk.

I agree that they are pretty expensive (by pretty I mean very) but if you really need it and think it is reasonable, you can get it. I think it is overkill for something used occasionally but it is useful when you transfer a lot of data that you need portable.
Also, be careful with Sandisk as there are many fakes in the market. If buying from online, always get it direct from the website not from another seller on it. For instance, Amazon has Fulfilled by Amazon which does not always mean Amazon trusts them, but they just ship it from their centers.

By the way, those aren't the largest consumer Flash Drives. Kingston has flash drives that are 1TB. Imagine having that much data in your pocket. But unfortunately it is a whopping $1K. But I guess someone could get it if they want to run all of his/her computers from one drive.

I am quite happy with my 64GB Sandisk and my 128GB PNY. They are both pretty fast. I installed Mint on them. The PNY cost $44 and the Sandisk was a bit more expensive.