My SSD isn't recognized by my laptop anymore, and I need some time before I can afford to fix it. I want to know if it's safe to run my computer using a USB stick for about two weeks and whether this would harm the USB or the laptop. I'm using a Windows laptop.
4 Answers
Yes, it's generally safe to boot from a USB, but it depends on your setup. If you’re going with Windows, just make sure you have the right ISO to create a bootable drive. Linux options are popular too because they can run from a USB with persistent storage, allowing you to save changes easily. Just check some tutorials to guide you through the process.
Just a heads-up, Microsoft isn’t a big fan of running Windows off a USB. You could try using a virtual machine as a workaround. Otherwise, Linux is a great option with easy USB setups!
Your laptop should be fine. Just be mindful of the type of USB stick you use. If it’s a good quality SSD on a USB interface, you shouldn't have issues. Otherwise, a standard USB stick may wear out quicker under the demands of running an OS. You can create a Windows To Go drive using a Windows ISO from Microsoft or try a Linux distro with tools like BalenaEtcher.
If you want Linux, definitely check out how to create a persistent USB drive. It’s super handy! Plus, if you plan to dual boot later, install Windows first on the main SSD and allocate space properly for Linux.
Yeah, and for Linux, consider making a persistent USB. It’s awesome because it keeps your changes even after a reboot! Mint is a solid choice if you're used to Windows.