Want to take Windows with you, but don't want to lug a laptop around? Thanks to flash technology, you don't have to. USB and HDMI devices can run Windows, and they'll fit snugly in your pocket when you're done working.

Here's how you can take a portable copy of Windows 10 with you wherever you go.

Why Go Portable With Windows?

Perhaps you're heading on a trip somewhere and need a computer with you. Your laptop is too big; you have other luggage, and don't want to pay for the extra weight. Or maybe you're scheduled to give a presentation in a secure building and don't have time for the bag checks.

Carry Windows in your pocket on a USB stick

Whatever the reason, taking Windows with you is still an option. If you have access to a display, a keyboard, and a mouse, you can stay productive wherever you are.

Windows 10 has several portability options available, which we're going to look at below. While none is a complete replacement for your usual computer, they're ideal for cybercafes, for hot-desking, even in libraries.

Related: Best Portable Browsers For Your USB Drive

Method 1: Make Windows 10 Portable With Windows to Go

Windows to Go is a Microsoft feature that enables you to write a copy of Windows to a USB stick. This can then be inserted into any computer and used as the primary boot device.

The advantage of this is that Windows to Go will save your state. Anything you're in the middle of working on will be retained, ready to continue next time. Unfortunately, Windows to Go only works on Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education. If you're running Windows 10 Home, as most people are, or Windows 10 Pro, Windows to Go isn't for you.

Our guide to setting up Windows to Go will help you install a portable version of Windows 10 on your USB flash stick.

Method 2: Install Portable Windows 10 With EaseUs ToDo Backup

Backup utility software publisher EaseUs has provided an alternative to those users who want to use Windows to Go but cannot.

EaseUs ToDo Backup is a general backup tool with added functionality for creating a bootable operating system on USB. You can create a full clone of your existing Windows installation if your USB device is big enough---and take it with you.

EaseUs' solution will work on any version of Windows 7, 8, and 10.

You can find a free version of ToDo Backup on the EaseUs website, which can be used to create a portable Windows drive.

Download: ToDo Backup (Free)

Simply connect your drive to your computer and launch EaseUs ToDo Backup. Next, select System Clone, and select the destination disk (your USB device), ensuring it has enough storage.

Click Advanced options, then check the box labeled Create a Portable Windows USB Drive. Click OK, then Proceed.

Wait while the clone is created and written to your USB device. Safely remove the drive---it's ready to run on another computer!

Method 3: Create a Portable Windows Drive With WinToUSB

Another solution to create a portable, bootable version of Windows that you can carry anywhere, Hasleo WinToUSB supports Windows To Go and Windows PE. It's designed so that you can install and run Windows 10 on an external HDD or SSD, USB flash drive, or Thunderbolt drive.

Windows To Go can be created with WinToUSB from an ISO file, DVD drive, downloaded disk image, and even a virtual disk (VHD). It can also clone an existing Windows operating system as a Windows To Go Workspace.

Download: WinToUSB (Free, Premium version available)

To create a portable Windows 10 with WinToUSB, first insert a formatted USB disk into your computer. Ensure also that your chosen source media is accessible – this might be an optical disk, a disk image, etc. Next:

  1. Run WinToUSB
  2. With Image to USB selected (top-left button) select the Image File you want to use 
    Convert a Windows ISO file to portable USB
  3. Click Next
  4. Choose your destination device
  5. When prompted, select the preferred partition scheme
  6. Click Yes to confirm
  7. Wait while the USB device is formatted
  8. Select the System and Boot Partition 
    Make Windows portable with WinToUSB
  9. Choose the preferred Installation mode
  10. When you're ready, click Next and wait while Windows To Go is written to USB
  11. After completion, safely eject the device and stick Windows 10 in your pocket

To turn your existing Windows installation portable:

  1. Open Tools > Windows To Go Conversion 
    Create a portable Windows disk
  2. In the dropdown box select the destination disk
  3. Ensure Convert Local Disk to Windows to Go is selected 
    Windows to Go HDD conversion
  4. Click OK
  5. Wait while the process completes

As you can see, WinToUSB is a flexible alternative to Microsoft's own solution. Further, it offers extended features with Professional and Enterprise premium licenses, covering all possible uses.

Method 4: Go Portable With Intel Compute Stick and Clones

Make Windows portable with an Intel Compute HDMI stick

Rather than make your own portable PC on a stick, you can also buy one. Since 2015, Intel has been producing Compute sticks, small devices around the size of a Google Chromecast, or Amazon Fire TV Stick, but with a full version of Windows preinstalled.

All you need to do is insert the device into your display's HDMI port, and power it up. With a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard connected, you'll be ready to start work.

An Intel Compute stick comes with the same advantages of a USB device. It will store the data you create, ready to be accessed again later.

Although compact, these little computers feature Atom or Core M series processors, with prices for all budgets. Intel aren't the only producers of such devices, although they're certainly the most notable.

4 Great Ways to Keep Windows in Your Pocket

Having a computer with you always is a great idea for productivity and convenience. But it isn't always possible. With Windows 10 in your pocket, you have a great opportunity to just get started, and even pick up where you left off, without worrying about packing everything up when you're done.

To recap, here are the four ways to run portable versions of Windows 10.

  1. Keep it simple with Microsoft Windows to Go
  2. Use the EaseUs ToDo Backup
  3. Consider WinToUSB as a third option
  4. Keep an Intel Compute in your pocket

If all this seems too complicated, there is another lightweight, ultra-portable Windows 10 option – the Surface Laptop and Surface Tablet ranges.