Will it be safe to do it? What do I do?

Running Windows 11 from a USB Pendrive: A Safe Guide for Linux Mint Users

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to run Windows applications while predominantly using Linux Mint, you’re not alone. Windows applications, such as Unstop Smarthire, often have specific requirements that make them incompatible with Linux environments. This article will guide you through the safe process of running Windows 11 from a USB pendrive, specifically tailored for your needs.

Safety Considerations

First and foremost, let’s address the elephant in the room: safety. Running Windows from a USB pendrive is generally safe as long as you are cautious. Ensure you have backups of all your important data on the Linux system before you start this process, as there’s always a potential risk when modifying system settings or files.

Benefits of Live USB Booting

Creating a live USB that allows you to boot into Windows offers several advantages. It separates the Windows environment from your primary OS, reduces the risk of compromising your Linux system, and lets you use Windows without making any permanent changes to your hard drive. This approach is especially beneficial when using applications that require extensive system permissions, like Unstop Smarthire, which may monitor your camera and microphone.

Creating a Bootable USB Drive

To create a bootable USB drive for Windows 11, you’ll need a few key components:

1. USB Pendrive: Look for a USB drive with at least 16 GB of storage capacity. While 8 GB might work for installation purposes, having 16 GB or more ensures that you have enough space for the operating system and your application.
2. USB Type: Opt for a USB 3.0 pendrive, as these are significantly faster than their 2.0 counterparts. This will help in speeding up the installation and performance of Windows 11.
3. Windows 11 ISO File: Download the Windows 11 ISO from the official Microsoft website. Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements to run Windows 11.
4. Rufus or BalenaEtcher: For creating the bootable USB, you can use software like Rufus (for Windows) or BalenaEtcher (cross-platform) to flash the ISO to your USB pendrive. If you’re unable to access a Windows system to use Rufus, you can use BalenaEtcher directly from your Linux Mint environment.

Booting from USB

Once the USB is ready, you can restart your machine. Access your BIOS/UEFI firmware settings to change the boot order, placing the USB drive as the first boot device. This process varies by manufacturer; you may need to press a specific key (like F2, F10, DEL, or ESC) right when your machine starts.

Using the App

After booting into Windows, you will have access to Unstop Smarthire and can run it as required. Be mindful to enable the camera and microphone permissions for the application. Since you’re running Windows natively from the USB, it will operate without detecting that you’re using a Linux system or a VM.

Conclusion

Running Windows 11 from a USB pendrive is a feasible and safe solution for Linux Mint users needing access to specific Windows applications. By choosing the right pendrive and following proper procedures, you can seamlessly switch between the two operating systems without extensive risks to your Linux environment. Just remember, always back up your files and proceed with caution!