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
    2018-03-20T16:10:47+00:00

    Hi Patricia,

    J Suen posted a screenshot of the window I was referring to. And yes, I do have an external device connected, with plenty of available space.

    Best,

    Mikael

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  2. Anonymous
    2018-03-20T18:24:13+00:00

    Hi Patricia,

    Me too!  I'm getting the same screen as J Suen and Mikael.  External HDD with >100GB and C: has ~3GB but without deleting MS office that's as big as it's getting.

    Thanks, Angela

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  3. Anonymous
    2018-03-22T13:36:45+00:00

    I am also having the exact same problem. No option for external hard drive, just keeps sending me to disk clean up. I have no photos or music on my computer, there is no possible way for me to create enough space for the update.

    Many people are obviously having the same issue, is there any way around it?

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  4. Anonymous
    2018-03-23T14:19:01+00:00

    Same story here. I found one option that involves two empty USB drives and a second laptop, but that's not convenient for me, so I'm hoping someone has a fix.

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