Update Windows 10 using an external hard drive?

Anonymous
2017-10-20T15:56:25+00:00

So I was told that I can use the storage on an external hard drive to update Windows 10, which would make sense. I even saw on other Windows Community Forums that it is possible, however there aren't any tutorials or anything online that I could find. I've tried but the update page tells me I need more space, I really hope I didn't waste money on an external hard drive, it would have taken 3 weeks for an internal. So if it is possible to use the space on the hard drive to update Windows please guide me through.

Thank you.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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Anonymous
2017-10-21T06:12:09+00:00

Hi Adam,

There will be an option to use an external drive to temporarily extend the storage space of your computer while the update is being installed if your device doesn't have enough space for the update. We recommend that you check this article as a guide on how to use an external storage device to install updates for your Windows 10.

Let us know whenever you need further assistance.

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  1. Anonymous
    2018-04-18T05:31:53+00:00

    Hi Terry710

    As Microsoft continues to improve Windows 10, it also needs the device it is into, to be compatible for to it to work normally as intended.

    Some devices with either little free space available or smaller hard drives, like 32 GB storage PCs, may have little free space available after upgrading. An additional storage may be needed to complete the upgrade. 

    We'd like to confirm if you encountered the same issue with the new laptop that you acquired.

    We look forward to your response.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-04-16T22:03:30+00:00

    None of them worked. I don't know who is worse Microsoft or HP. 

    Did Microsoft inform HP that new updates would take up so much storage? 

    If so I can't imagine HP selling a laptop with less than 30 gbs of storage. 

    Now I'm in the hole for what I paid HP for the laptop, for service fees to try to get this worked out and the new Dell laptop I just had to buy. 

    I'm a senior citizen and I can't afford all these expenses. 

    And with all the money Microsoft has, Office 365 will be a flop. The average retired person won't pay to have MS Office, especially when there's a free service which is just as good

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-04-16T21:52:12+00:00

    Hi ValdaPetts,

    We're following your post and we noticed that it's been idle for more than 48 hours now. We'd like to know if the issue still persists and an assistance is still needed. If yes, we'd like to know if you've already tried the solution provided by Nataniel Mon on the above post. If so, may we know the results.

    We look forward to your response.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-04-14T05:30:13+00:00

    That article is of no use, it tells me to change the location of where new files and apps are stored, which I've done, but the Windows update still won't install due to lack of space.  I also don't get the "Step 2: Use external storage device" option.  How do I tell Windows to use my external hard drive for the update, please?

    my lenova ideipad 1101s needs  to upgrade windows 10 have no space in c drive so need to use external hard drive is this computer not able as I have tried always if there away could you please advise as it keeps telling me I have to upgrade and can use external hard drive  

    Platt Petts

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