The best and quickest way to install the Windows operating system is using USB drive as installation media. Installing Windows from a USB drive method not only improves the installation time but also helps you load Windows on machines that don’t have CD/DVD drive.
Many Windows users prefer installing Windows from a USB flash drive. To be able to install Windows from USB, one needs to create a bootable USB drive first and then needs to make appropriate changes to the default BIOS settings.
A required CD/DVD device driver is missing
Free applications also available on the web that assist you to create bootable USB and then install Windows from USB flash drive. Check out our best free software to create bootable Windows 8 USB flash drive and 4 best free tools to install Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 from USB.
I have seen several users having difficulties while booting and installing from USB. The most common error that you receive during the installation is “A required CD/DVD device driver is missing,” which appears when you try to install Windows from a USB drive.
Users who are receiving the above-mentioned error can follow the instructions given below to continue the installation even after the error. The solution is quite simple and should work fine for all users.
Step 1: Connect your bootable USB flash drive to the computer. If you don’t have one, you can follow our how to install Windows 7 or Windows 8 from USB flash drive guide to create a bootable USB.
Step 2: Boot using the flash drive and begin installing Windows. When you receive “CD/DVD device driver is missing” error dialog, click on the Cancel button. This action should take you to the welcome screen.
Step 3: Now, remove your bootable USB flash drive and reconnect it to a different USB port. Windows installer should now detect the drive, and you should be able to continue the installation.
You might also like to know how to install Windows from USB flash drive even if your USB flash drive doesn’t support booting from USB.
