Or alternatively, make sure lilo is installed (but do not run the liloconfig step on your local box if e.g. Install ms-sys - if it is not in your repositories, get it here. This works with the Windows 7 retail version. Basically, the missing step was to write a proper boot sector to the USB stick, which can be done from Linux with ms-sys or lilo -M. Split the Windows image file into smaller files, and put the smaller files onto the USB drive: Dism /Split-Image /ImageFile:D:\sources\install.wim /SWMFile:E:\sources\install.OK, after unsuccessfully trying all methods mentioned here, I finally got it working. If your image is larger than the filesize limit:Ĭopy everything except the Windows image file (sources\install.wim) to the USB drive (either drag and drop, or use this command, where D: is the mounted ISO and E: is the USB flash drive.) robocopy D: E: /s /max:3800000000 Windows USB install drives are formatted as FAT32, which has a 4GB filesize limit. Follow the instructions to install Windows. Select the option that boots the PC from the USB flash drive. Turn on the PC and press the key that opens the boot-device selection menu for the computer, such as the Esc/F10/F12 keys. For more information, see Automate Windows Setup. Optional: add an unattend file to automate the installation process. Use File Explorer to copy and paste the entire contents of the Windows product DVD or ISO to the USB flash drive. Step 2 - Copy Windows Setup to the USB flash drive If Mark Partition as Active isn't available, you can instead use diskpart to select the partition and mark it active.