Can you create installation media for Windows 10 safely with external hard drive?

Sofie E 30 Reputation points
2023-12-26T20:10:24.19+00:00

I have tried to install and run the media creation tool so I can upgrade from Win 7 to Win 10.
It has not been working, and I've tried methods reccomended here.

Then someone said they used an external device to do it, and that it worked, so I want to try it out. But I have one question. I don't have a CD or USB with enough space to install it, but they also say you can use an external hard drive, so that's the plan. However this worries me because of one point in the requirements of Windows 10 installation that says:

  • A blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space or blank DVD (and DVD burner) if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted.

This last part is the issue. It says it will delete any content on USB or DVD, so will it delete any content on the external hard drive? I have many files there I cannot lose.

Thanks!

Windows 10
Windows 10
A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
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Windows 10 Setup
Windows 10 Setup
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Setup: The procedures involved in preparing a software program or application to operate within a computer or mobile device.
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Accepted answer
  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2023-12-26T20:15:31.0566667+00:00

    Yes, the removable media will be formatted as a part of preparation. You could buy a small USB stick for this purpose.

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

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    1 person found this answer helpful.

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  2. Thameur-BOURBITA 32,586 Reputation points
    2023-12-26T20:30:08.2866667+00:00

    Hi @Sofie E •

    Yes it will delete all data in external disk.

    So I recommend you to save all data in another disk before create installation media.

    When you start the creation of installation media , you will get a message to inform you that all data in the disk will be deleted.

    Another thread talking about the same subject :

    Installation Media erased my external hard drive?

    Please don't forget to accept helpful answer

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