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 have to give a presentation in a secure building and don’t have time for the bag checks.
Whatever the reason, taking Windows with you is still an option. As long as you have access to a display, a keyboard, and a mouse, you’ll be able to stay productive wherever you are.
Windows 10 has several portability options available, which we’re going to look at below. While none of these is a complete replacement for your desktop or laptop, they’re ideal for use in cybercafes, for hot-desking, or even in libraries.
Method 1: Windows to Go
First, it’s a good idea to look at what is available from Microsoft. Windows to Go is a 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, so any data you’re in the middle of working on will be retained. Unfortunately, Windows to Go only works on Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education. If you’re running Windows 10 Home, or as most people are, or Windows 10 Pro, this won’t work for you.
Method 2: 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.
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: Continuum for Windows 10 Mobile
If you use a Windows 10 Mobile device, are happy to swap, and don’t want to flash an operating system to a USB flash device, the Continuum feature is ideal.
It’s essentially a system that changes the output of your phone’s display, depending on what it’s connected to. With Windows 10 Mobile phones, you have two options: the phone, and a display.
Once connected, your phone becomes a PC, with a standard Windows desktop, and access to all your apps and data. Better still, the phone still takes and receives calls!
Method 4: Intel Compute Stick and Clones
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 isn’t the only producer of such devices, although they’re certainly the most notable.
