If I Copy a Bootable USB Drive to Another USB, Will It Create a Duplicate Bootable Drive?

I think it's a dumb question but a search with Google seems to indicate that it is not even possible to copy or paste data on a bootable drive to another USB. But even if we were able to copy it, why should it not work? Please tell me what you know, thanks!

Best Answered by

Melissa Lee· Answered on Feb 27, 2023

In fact, the question is not about whether it will create a duplicate bootable drive or not, but simply copying the files will not make a bootable drive. You have to copy the parts that actually make it a bootable drive (such as the bootloader, etc.).

Normally, there is no reason this should not work. But if you still can't do it yourself, you may try EaseUS OS2Go. It is designed for users to create a portable Windows USB drive, with support from Windows XP to the latest Windows 11. With this tool, you can put your own OS on a tiny USB stick and then use it on any device you want. Download it now!

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For Windows 11/10/8/7

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More things it can do:

  • Copy Windows installation without formatting the USB hard drive
  • Install the personalized Windows OS on your computer
  • Boot Windows OS from the drive on any computer
  • Help run the Windows OS in the office on a personal computer

Make a bootable USB drive with EaseUS OS2Go:

Step 1. Install EaseUS OS2Go on your Windows computer. Plug in a USB drive that is larger than the system drive used space. Choose the target USB drive and click Next to continue.

Step 2. Make sure that you have backed up all the important data. Then click the Continue button to proceed.

Step 3. Adjust and edit the disk layout based on your needs. Tick the option if you're using a Solid State Drive as the Windows bootable drive and click Proceed. Wait for EaseUS OS2Go to create the portable USB drive.

Step 4. After that, you can insert the portable Windows USB and start your computer. Press the required key (F2, DEL, F10...) to access BIOS. Choose to boot from the USB disk. You need to also make sure that the boot mode (UEFI or Legacy) of the portable USB and your target computer are the same.

Related article: Create Bootable USB Without Any Software Using CMD

Download the all-compatible Windows To Go creator.

Use EaseUS OS2Go to create portable Windows USB drive, and use your customized Windows serttings on any other PC or Mac .

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For Windows 11/10/8/7