Yet another new feature for Microsoft"s Windows 8 operating system was shown off on Thursday during the BUILD Conference. Computerworld.com reports that Microsoft demonstrated Windows To Go, which allows a person to copy their entire Windows 8 installation onto a USB drive. That drive can then be plugged into any PC or laptop which will then boot up Windows 8, with all of the person"s files intact. The person can resume working on their own files and applications.
This service is apparently targeting enterprise users rather than consumers. One possible use is that a person"s work PC could travel, via the USB drive, to a remote PC where it could be used instead of traveling with a heavy laptop. Windows To Go can allow the USB drive to boot up to Windows 8 even on a Windows 7 PC. While pricing has yet to be confirmed by Microsoft, the report claims that it could charge $50 per seat.
Techie Buzz has more info on Windows To Go, claiming that it can use both USB 2.0 and 3.0 with a large 32 GB USB stick recommended. However, a PC that"s running off the Windows To Go USB drive won"t be able to hibernate. If someone decides to pull out the USB drive from the PC when Windows To Go is running, it will freeze for 60 seconds. If the USB drive is put back in before the 60 seconds is up, the PC will pick up when it left off. If the USB Drive isn"t put back within 60 seconds, the Windows To Go version of Windows 8 will shut down. You can check out the Windows To Go feature in the video below.