Want to reinstall Windows but don’t have a USB drive?
You can install or format Windows without using any external media — no USB pendrive, no DVD, nothing.
This method creates a virtual Windows installer directly inside your hard drive and boots into Windows Setup just like a normal USB installation.
It works for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
This guide is beginner-safe and uses official Microsoft files.
⚠ Important Warning
- Back up your important files first
- This process can erase your system partition
- Follow steps carefully
- Do not interrupt installation
📥 Required Downloads
Step 1 — Create a Virtual 10GB Installer Partition
This partition will act like a virtual USB installer.
- Right-click Start → Disk Management
- Right-click main drive (usually C:)
- Select Shrink Volume
- Enter 10240 MB (10GB)
- Click Shrink
You’ll see unallocated space.
- Right-click unallocated space
- Select New Simple Volume
- Finish using default options
A new 10GB drive is created.
Step 2 — Copy Windows Installation Files
- Right-click Windows ISO
- Select Mount
- Open mounted drive
- Copy all files
- Paste into 10GB partition
This partition now behaves like a bootable USB drive.
Step 3 — Install EasyBCD
Install EasyBCD normally.
Open it and select your language.
If asked about commercial usage, choose Home / Non-commercial.
If bootloader message appears → click OK.
Step 4 — Create Virtual Boot Installer
- Click Add New Entry
- Go to WinPE tab
- Select WIM Image (RAM Disk)
- Browse → 10GB partition → sources folder
- Select boot.wim
Name it:
Windows Installation
Click the + button.
Step 5 — Configure Boot Menu
- Go to Edit Boot Menu
- You’ll see two entries
- Uncheck timeout
- Select Wait for user selection
- Click Save Settings
This ensures the installer option appears every boot.
Step 6 — Boot into Windows Setup
Restart your PC.
Choose:
Windows Installation
Your PC boots into Windows Setup just like USB.
Step 7 — Install Windows Normally
Select the partition where old Windows is installed.
Click Next.
Installation begins.
PC will restart multiple times.
When boot menu appears, select the newly installed Windows.
Step 8 — Hide the Installer Partition (Optional)
After installation:
- Open Disk Management
- Right-click 10GB partition
- Remove drive letter
The partition becomes hidden.
What This Method Does
- Creates virtual USB installer
- Boots Windows Setup internally
- No external media needed
- Works like official USB install
Troubleshooting
- Boot option missing → re-add EasyBCD entry
- Installer not loading → wrong boot.wim selected
- Disk error → recreate 10GB partition
- Installation loops → select correct boot entry
FAQs
Does this damage Windows?
No.
Is it official?
Yes, Microsoft files.
Works on Windows 11?
Yes.
Can I delete partition later?
Yes.
Final Result
You installed Windows without using a USB pendrive.
This method behaves exactly like a real bootable USB installer.
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