How to Boot Windows from USB Drive in VMware Workstation 15

Booting a computer from a USB flash drive enables starting backup, restore, or PE operating systems, etc. Most computers support USB flash drive startup, which is helpful during system crashes and rapid system installations. Similarly, booting a virtual machine from a USB flash drive is also allowed. This article guides you on how to boot Windows from a USB drive in VMware Workstation 15.

• Part 1. Add USB Drive as a Hard Disk
• Part 2. Set the Virtual Windows Machine to Boot from the USB Drive

Part 1. Add USB Drive as a Hard Disk

To enable the USB drive in the virtual machine, we need to add it as a hard disk first. Ensure the USB drive is inserted into the computer.

Step 1: After connecting the USB drive, run VMware Workstation, select the machine you want to boot from the USB drive, and click Edit virtual machine settings.

Step 2: Click Add to add a new device.

Step 3: Select Hard Disk and click Next to continue.

Step 4: Choose a Disk Type; we select SCSI by default and click Next.

Step 5: Select Use a physical disk to give the virtual machine direct access to the USB drive, and click Next.

Step 6: Select a Physical Disk. Generally, two drives are available. The first is your local computer's hard disk, and the second one is your USB flash drive, which should be selected. Then, select Use entire disk and click Next.

Step 7: Click Finish to complete the process.

Step 8: Back in the Virtual Machine Settings main interface, a new hard disk (the USB drive) is visible. Click OK to finalize.

Tips: You can confirm whether it's your USB drive by checking its capacity.

Part 2. Set the Virtual Windows Machine to Boot from the USB Drive

The USB drive has been added. Next, we'll guide you through two ways to boot from the USB drive in VMware Workstation 15.

Way 1

Step 1: In the main interface, right-click the virtual machine you want to boot from the USB drive, hover over Power, and click Power on to Firmware to enter BIOS.

Step 2: On the Boot Menu, highlight SCSI Hard Drive (1.0) (the USB drive you just added) using the ↓ or ↑ key, press Enter to confirm, and the virtual machine will boot from the USB drive.

Way 2

Step 1: Start or restart the virtual machine. When the VMware logo appears, press the Boot Menu key (ESC), and the Boot Menu will appear.

Step 2: On the Boot Menu, highlight SCSI Hard Drive (1.0) (the USB drive) using the ↓ or ↑ key, press Enter to confirm, and the virtual machine will boot from the USB drive.