this post was submitted on 11 Nov 2025
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Hi guys, basically as the title says I want to make external SSD drive with "Windows to Go" for the stuff that I really need Windows for unfortunately (proprietary CAD software) but there is no software for making this on Linux that I can find

Edit: typo

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[–] brickfrog@lemmy.dbzer0.com 13 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Windows To Go was discontinued back in 2019 so it's not really something that has been maintained or updated for a long time

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_To_Go#Discontinuation

Apps like Rufus (Windows only) are still able to create that sort of boot USB but it's sort of a non supported feature, wouldn't be surprised if it just stops working one day.

On Linux Ventoy is often used for this - it does have a persistence plugin but not for Windows https://www.ventoy.net/en/plugin_persistence.html

I haven't tested this idea, but maybe you can run a Windows VM within Linux, enable USB in it, download Rufus in it, then you can create your non-official Windows To Go boot disk that way? Could be something to try if you never find another solution.

Thanks Yes this is what I was thinking to try next if I run out of options