this post was submitted on 13 Aug 2025
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You kind of can? If you want to have an OS that you will actually use (instead of just a backup to fix your actual os) on a thumb drive, buy a usb-c m.2 enclosure, put the cheapest ssd that meets your needs in there and just install windows there.
I didn't want to commit more than a cheap flash drive. However I tried what you said since I had a m.2 enclousure laying around. I did all of this through virt-manager by passing the external device through. The installer complained when I passed the device as a usb device. I solved it by just passing device path of the external drive to the vm and the installer didn't know any better.
I don't see any other reason why this would not work for any usb device. usb flash drives as well. I might try this at some point.
The problem with normal flash drives is longevity. The OS will probably wear it out pretty quickly. As an inexpensive and/or disposable solution I guess it's fine, but it's not reliable.