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
    2018-04-03T02:39:38+00:00

    please activate my widows

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-04-03T02:26:50+00:00

    How can a company as huge as microsoft so blatantly and negligently just ignore this issue?  Too busy feeding starving Africans?  FIX IT NOW!

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-04-02T17:40:44+00:00

    As Adam explained - There is no option to use an external device - I am experiencing the same issue. I have the option to, "free up disk space" but no choice to choose an external drive.

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-04-02T08:55:39+00:00

    Hi,

    I'm having the same problem. But here's the good news, I've found the "windows needs more space"-window.

    Sometimes when I start my laptop I get a blue screen with the urgent message that I need to update. This is the only screen that leads to "windows needs more space" and the option for an external hard drive.

    My only problem is that I'm waiting for the blue screen to pop up again...

    Good luck

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