Install Windows 8 from USB 3 port

[jlewitinn]

I am in the process of aquiring parts for my new computer build, Both the motherboard and case do NOT have a single USB 2 port, only USB 3 ports.

 

I know you can install WIndows 7&8 via a thumbdrive as that is my preferred method of installation, but I have only ever done it via USB 2 ports. When I tried (a long time ago) to install Windows 7 via a USB 3 it failed.

 

So my question is; can I install Windows 8 onto my new build through a USB 3 port via a USB 2 thumbdrive?

 

I hope this all makes sense and thanks in advance.

[Knightwolf20024]

yes it will work just fine usb 3 is backwards compatible with all usb 2 and 1 devices.

[articuno1au]

I think it bombs out if you use a USB 3 device (as opposed to port), but it might be device specific.

 

I guess just have a USB DVD drive lying about just in case :p

[jlewitinn]

Thanks guys, I have a external DVD drive, but hoping to not have to waste a DVD/time going that route. I dont have a USB thumbdrive yet so I cant try that. I will update with results once all of the parts are in later this week.

[neo1911]

If you install Windows 7 through USB3 port, it will never work. Why? Because Windows 7 doesn't have native USB3 chipset drivers. However, you can inject your downloaded USB3 drivers in BOTH boot.wim and install.wim files of Windows 7 setup to create a custom installation which runs fine when booted off a USB3 port.

Google "dism integrate windows 7 drivers" and follow the steps. You need to have basic commandline knowledge.

Windows 8 has built in drivers so it shouldn't be a problem.

[PGHammer]

If you install Windows 7 through USB3 port, it will never work. Why? Because Windows 7 doesn't have native USB3 chipset drivers. However, you can inject your downloaded USB3 drivers in BOTH boot.wim and install.wim files of Windows 7 setup to create a custom installation which runs fine when booted off a USB3 port.

Google "dism integrate windows 7 drivers" and follow the steps. You need to have basic commandline knowledge.

Windows 8 has built in drivers so it shouldn't be a problem.

 

Alternative - have your motherboard driver media in your optical drive, along with your Windows USB media in the USB3 drive.

Unlike Vista (but like Windows 7) Windows 8 supports USB-based installation while being able to access SATA-supporting optical drives at the same time.  Just make sure that your SATA ports are native (not third-party).

[Noir Angel]

As long as you enable USB legacy mode in your bios it should work fine

[theyarecomingforyou]

I couldn't install Windows 8 with a USB3 pendrive plugged into a USB3 port, despite changing various settings in EFI - when I plugged it into a USB2 port it worked without issue. However, I have no idea whether my problem is related to my specific motherboard or a general issue.

[cluberti]

If the USB3 ports are on a separate controller and not using native drivers (I had an HP 8540w that had this issue with it's USB3 ports - they were hanging off of an NEC/Renesas controller, rather than on the motherboard natively), then you will find it just doesn't work right.  I tried integrating the drivers, etc., but it just didn't want to work.  In the end I used the USB2 ports and made sure my next machine (a Lenovo T430s) had native USB3 ports.  It works fine on this machine from USB3.

[jlewitinn]

I just wanted to update everyone or to be used for future reference. I finally assembled the computer and installed the OS, Win 8 Pro. It was through the USB 3.0 front panel header via a USB 2.0 thumbdrive. Everything went smoothly with no hicups. I have a Corsair C70 case with a ASUS Z-87 Expert MoBo.

 

I appreciate all the input and help.

[Carbon Fiber]

Thanks for giving this update, not enough people do that and when others find this thread via Google, they are clueless as no real answer was given.

Cheers