How to Install Windows 10/11 on Chromebook Without USB

Jerry updated on Oct 25, 2024 to Computer Instruction | How-to Articles

Learning how to install Windows on Chromebook without USB is an essential skill. This tutorial seeks to guide you on how to do that easily without USB. We'll start by outlining the preparation you need to make before getting started. Keep reading to learn more.

Are you wondering how to install Windows on Chromebook without USB? You should look no further since this tutorial from EaseUS has everything you need. We'll start by comparing the two computer models and outlining their differences. You'll then learn the preparation you need to make before moving a Windows OS to your Chromebook. The next phase will outline installing Windows without USB on your Chromebook.

How to Get Windows on Chromebook Without USB

You must make some key preparations before installing the operating system without USB. You also need to download some tools that will enable a successful Windows installation. Keep reading the next sections for further details. 

Preparation Before Installing Windows on Chromebook

A successful process requires the following:

  • Your Chromebook must support KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine). Those running on 11th-Gen or later Intel processors automatically come with this feature.  
  • A Chromebook that has 128GB ROM and 8GB RAM. Its processor should be AMD or a 64-bit Intel.
  • The Chromebook should also have Linux support.
  • Download a Windows 10/11 ISO file.
  • Back up your data to avoid any losses.

You can proceed to the next section once you've prepared everything.

Steps to Install Windows on Chrome OS Without USB

We'll break down this section into two stages.

Stage 1. Install QEMU and Virtual Machine Manager

You can follow the steps below to achieve this.

Step 1. Initiate Linux on your Chromebook. Allocate at least 35 GB of storage space to it.

Step 2. Next, open Terminal from the Linux apps folder. You can then run the following command to update packages and dependencies:

  • sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Step 3. You can then install QEMU and Virtual Machine using the following Linux commands.

  • sudo apt install qemu-kvm libvirt-clients libvirt-daemon-system bridge-utils virtinst libvirt-daemon virt-manager -y

Step 4. Next, open the App Launcher. Go to the "Linux apps folder" and launch "Virtual Machine Manager."

Step 5. Lastly, find the Windows ISO file downloaded on your Chromebook and move it to the "Linux files" section.

Stage 2. Install Windows

You can then use these steps to install the operating system on your Chromebook:

Step 1. Click on the "Create" button on Virtual Machine Manager. Select "Local Install" and click "Forward."

Step 2. To select your Windows ISO file, click "Browse" and then "Browse Local."

Step 3. Select your Windows ISO file and click "Open." Next, click "Forward."

Step 4. Once the next page shows up, set your "Memory" to "4096" and "CPUs" as "4." Click "Forward" to proceed. 

Step 5. Next, allocate at least 65 GB of storage space for your Windows OS. Click "Forward" and rename your virtual machine to "Win11" or "Win10," depending on your installation version. Click "Finish."

Step 6. Click "Yes" when the "Virtual Network is not active" popup displays.

Step 7. Windows will start booting on your Chromebook inside the Virtual Machine. You can proceed with the instructions to finish the installation like on your Windows PC. When done, you can start using the operating system on your Chromebook.  

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How to Install Windows on Chromebook With USB

The method mentioned in the previous section is long and tedious. It also requires a tech-savvy individual who is familiar with Linux commands. An easier option exists to install Windows on a Chromebook. This entails using a Windows OS To Go software. Try EaseUS OS2Go today to effortlessly install Windows on Chromebook via USB.

You can do this by making a bootable USB drive containing Windows 11/10. You can then plug in the portable drive and run the operating system on your Chromebook. The tool bypasses all the system requirements to install Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware. This means that you won't undergo any restrictions. 

This software is quite reliable since it allows you to create a portable USB drive and download Windows 11 24H2 in just a few steps. You can then carry the drive around and install Windows 11/10/8/7 on any computer. It makes your operating system accessible at any time.

Do you want to get started with this tool today? Ensure you download it now. The steps for using it are very straightforward.

Step 1. Install EaseUS OS2Go on your Windows computer. Plug in a USB drive or external hard drive that is large enough.

Step 2. Choose the third tab "Windows Install Drive Creator". First choose the Windows versions you want to install, EaseUS OS2Go supports creating Windows 11/10/8.1 installation media. You could also select a local ISO file. When all set, click "Create".

Step 3. Then you will see a safety warning message, telling you that all data on the selected disk will be deleted. Click "Continue" to proceed.

Step 4. Then EaseUS OS2Go will start to create the Windows Installation media. It usually takes a while to download a ISO file, the time it takes depend on your OS and Network condition. When the progress reaches 100%, the USB drive should be bootable now.

Step 5. Insert the Windows Installation media to your computer and start the installation process.

After creating a Windows bootable USB, you can use it to boot your Chromebook and follow the on-screen guide to installing Windows on a Chromebook.

Chromebook vs Windows: What Are the Main Differences

A Chromebook and a Windows PC differ in different aspects. Below are the main differences between these two computer models.

Operating System

Chromebooks use the Chrome OS. On the other hand, Windows PCs use the Windows operating system. The Chrome OS is easy to use since it's lightweight. The Windows OS, on the other hand, is considered complex, although it comes with plenty of advanced features and customizations.

Performance

Chromebooks offer fast startup times. Their performance is generally good since they have minimal lag. However, Windows PCs are thought to perform better due to their powerful processing capabilities. They also come with advanced graphic features. 

Portability

Since they are lightweight, you can carry a Chromebook anywhere. This is unlike most Windows PCs, which are slightly heavier and cumbersome to carry around. You'll need a backpack most of the time to make the Windows PC more portable. You can just carry a Chromebook in your hand.

Pricing

Chromebooks aren't that expensive. You just need about $300 to find one that has good features. This isn't the case with Windows PCs. Those with nice features start from around $500. You, therefore, won't need a lot of cash to own a Chromebook.

Software Availability

You can access a wider range of tools on your Windows PC than the Chromebook. This means that you can install and run different programs without any limitations. A Chromebook allows you to run only limited programs that the Chrome browser supports. 

Verdict

Based on the above comparison, it's evident that Windows PCs offer better:

  • Performance.
  • Software availability.
  • Advanced features.
  • Customizations.

Due to these features, you may want to switch to a Windows OS on your Chromebook. The next sections will outline how you can do that.

To Sum Up

This tutorial has outlined how to install Windows on Chromebook without USB. You can do this conveniently using QEMU and Virtual Machine Manager. To get started, you'll need to initiate Linux on your Chromebook. You must also have a Windows ISO file. Try EaseUS OS2Go to run Windows on your Chromebook seamlessly. It lets you create a portable USB drive to install your operating system. It won't require you to meet all the system requirements to proceed. Download this tool now to get started.

FAQs on Installing Windows on Chromebook Without USB

The common FAQs include:

1. Can You Install Windows on a Chromebook?

You can do this using an emulator like QEMU and Virtual Machine Manager. Another easier option is to use a third-party Windows OS To Go software (EaseUS OS2Go).

2. Can a Chromebook Run Windows Programs?

YES. You'll need to install a compatibility layer tool called "Wine." You can get started by installing Linux on your Chromebook. Next, install Wine. You can then download and run your programs without any restrictions.

3. What Is the Easiest Way to Load Windows 10 on a Chromebook?

You can create a bootable USB drive and then use it to install the operating system. Try EaseUS OS2Go to achieve this quickly. This Windows To Go creator is fast and easy to use.

4. Should I Install Windows on a Chromebook?

It depends on your situation. You may consider installing Windows if you want better performance and access to advanced Microsoft features on your Chromebook.