Can I install windows on an external drive?

Black_Mac · Black_Mac #1 (**permalink**)

12-17-2010, 05:50 PM

can I install windows on an external drive and have the choice boot from it when I need to do something windows specific, by selecting it as a start up disk? I don't want it on my machine at all times, but there is a time I'd need it and I don't want it to take up space on my internal hd.
if it's possible how is it done? I have a windows vista disk, and an external HD ready to go.
Thanks.

chscag · chscag #2 (**permalink**)

12-17-2010, 10:49 PM

In short, no. MS has restricted the installation of its Windows operating systems to internal hard drives only.

6string · 6string #3 (**permalink**)

12-17-2010, 11:10 PM

Running it on Boot Camp, you aren't looking at taking up much HD space anyway.

See here for different Windows OSs
Boot Camp: System requirements for Microsoft Windows

chscag #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 23, 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 31,970 Mac Specs: 21.5" iMac 2.5 GHz i5, iPad 3rd Gen., 3 iPods	12-17-2010, 10:49 PM In short, no. MS has restricted the installation of its Windows operating systems to internal hard drives only. Community Guidelines
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Can I install windows on an external drive?

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Black_Mac #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Aug 29, 2010 Posts: 13	12-17-2010, 05:50 PM can I install windows on an external drive and have the choice boot from it when I need to do something windows specific, by selecting it as a start up disk? I don't want it on my machine at all times, but there is a time I'd need it and I don't want it to take up space on my internal hd. if it's possible how is it done? I have a windows vista disk, and an external HD ready to go. Thanks.
	QUOTE Thanks

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