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
    2018-04-19T21:21:07+00:00

    We understand your concern.

    You can send your feedback and suggestion to help Microsoft further improve its services. When you submit a feedback item we gather additional details and information about your issue that will help determine what’s causing it and address it. Feedback items regularly receive Microsoft responses on the submissions in the Feedback app so you can see what we are doing about your feedback. Please revisit frequently to see the status of your feedback items. For more information, see Send feedback to Microsoft with the Feedback Hub app.

    Let us know if you need further assistance.

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-04-18T18:56:53+00:00

    My HP STREAM notebook had 30 gbs of storage of which 25 gb was already used by pre-installed programs including windows 10. 

    There was no room after a few windows updates had been installed so I had to uni stall the games, Skype, and any other unnecessary items so that I could work on it. 

    The laptop was serviced by hp to the point that Windows 10 completely froze and then I had to spend 57.00 for HP to send me a USB to reinstall windows and other necessary programs for the laptop. 

    After spending over 300.00 for the notebook, USB reinstallation program and extended warranty and not still not being able to install the updates with external drive, I then had to turn around and buy a new laptop from Dell and over 600.00.

    I'm a 64 year old senior citizen on a fixed income but because I need a computer to make doctor appointments, order meds, etc. I need a computer. Thanks for nothing Microsoft

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  3. 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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  4. 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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