Can I install Windows 8.1 (full version) on a 32 GB USB 2.0 flash drive?

Microsoft actually was the company who said it can be done. Thanks for reaffirming that you need to see both sides. I am not pirating software. I have every right to put my legal copy of Windows where I want it, on what device I want. You can close this post now.

Actually I just found out you CAN run Windows 8.1 or 10 from a USB 3.0 flash drive! I have been reading a lot about making a boot flash drive to run Windows, so why would they have hundreds of articles telling us we can, but you say you need the Enterprise version. Not so fast. You do NOT need the Enterprise version to do it. There is a program that allows you to install the full version using the DVD or .iso straight to the flash drive and make it bootable. They say you need USB 3.0 because USB 2.0 is way to slow and not recommended. Understandable since USB 2.0 is pretty much pointless anymore, especially with version 3.1 of USB released on the newer motherboards now.

The program is called AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition 6.0, and it is 100 percent free. My boss used it to install his full version copy of Windows 8.1 straight to the flash drive. He can take it and plug it in any computer at work without needing the IT or Enterprise edition. His computers at work only use Windows 7.  All he had to do was go into the BIOS of the computer and set it to first look for a bootable DVD or USB flash drive first BEFORE going to the main hard drive of the computer. Essentially all a flash drive is compares to a hard drive with the same operating system on it that boots. And he says it works!

Albeit, it may be somewhat slower than an SSD drive, but he says not by much and it is fast enough. He uses Internet Explorer, Chrome, signs in to his iwin.com game account and installs his games on it. He is not at all using the internal hard drive or Windows 7 of the work computer, just the work place internet when needed. It is like he is running strictly from the flash drive. So yes it can be done, and for free!

Use 3rd party programs at your own risk.

Actually I just found out you CAN run Windows 8.1 or 10 from a USB 3.0 flash drive! I have been reading a lot about making a boot flash drive to run Windows, so why would they have hundreds of articles telling us we can, but you say you need the Enterprise version. Not so fast. You do NOT need the Enterprise version to do it. There is a program that allows you to install the full version using the DVD or .iso straight to the flash drive and make it bootable. They say you need USB 3.0 because USB 2.0 is way to slow and not recommended. Understandable since USB 2.0 is pretty much pointless anymore, especially with version 3.1 of USB released on the newer motherboards now.

The program is called AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition 6.0, and it is 100 percent free. My boss used it to install his full version copy of Windows 8.1 straight to the flash drive. He can take it and plug it in any computer at work without needing the IT or Enterprise edition. His computers at work only use Windows 7.  All he had to do was go into the BIOS of the computer and set it to first look for a bootable DVD or USB flash drive first BEFORE going to the main hard drive of the computer. Essentially all a flash drive is compares to a hard drive with the same operating system on it that boots. And he says it works!

Albeit, it may be somewhat slower than an SSD drive, but he says not by much and it is fast enough. He uses Internet Explorer, Chrome, signs in to his iwin.com game account and installs his games on it. He is not at all using the internal hard drive or Windows 7 of the work computer, just the work place internet when needed. It is like he is running strictly from the flash drive. So yes it can be done, and for free!

Thank you so much for the information. I was told that you can use Windows DVD and copy the files and it will boot up and install from the flash. But I need it to install directly into the flash drive as Windows To Go does. Since I have already paid over 110 dollars for a full version of Windows 8.1 64-bit, can I download the Windows To Go for my flash Drive with the same key or have Microsoft supply me with a install key?

I also have the upgrade from Windows 10. Can I do this instead?

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=48127

I have a PNY brand USB 2.0 flash drive with 32 GB of space, all empty. I see Windows 8.1 only takes 20 GB of that leaving at least 9 GB free. Can I use this for a boot-up flash drive for when I go to work and want to boot to the USB flash drive instead with all my programs on it so I do not have to install or run my games on the work computer?

No, you can't.

It is called Windows To Go, but is only for Enterprise Editions.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh831833%28v=ws.11%29.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396

Windows To Go is an enterprise feature of Windows® 8and Windows 8.1that enables the creation of a Windows To Go workspace that can be booted from a USB-connected external drive on PCs that meet the Windows 7 or latercertification requirements, regardless of the operating system running on the PC. Windows To Go workspaces can use the same image enterprises use for their desktops and laptops and can be managed the same way. Windows To Go is not intended to replace desktops, laptops or supplant other mobility offerings. Rather, it provides support for efficient use of resources for alternative workplace scenarios

Cheers.