This article discusses issues that occur when Windows 8 is improperly identified as a Windows To Go installation.
Applies to: Windows 8
Original KB number: 2778881
Symptoms
Consider the following scenario:
- You have a computer that is running Windows 8.
- The Windows may report that it's running as a Windows To Go (WTG) installation, while it's not.
- Running or configuring certain Windows components may fail since the OS is reported as Windows to Go. Since these components aren't expected to work and shouldn't work when running Windows To Go installations.
In this scenario, you may notice the following issues:
Refresh your PC fails reporting:
Your PC can't be refreshed because it's running Windows To Go
The Windows To Go control panel reports:
Can't change startup options when you're in a Windows To Go Workspace
Microsoft Store fails with error
Microsoft Store isn't available on Windows To Go Workspaces
Cause
Certain functionality may be blocked from working on Windows To Go Installations as the user experience may not work as desired or expected.
Resolution
To resolve this problem, change the PortableOperatingSystem registry by editing the Windows registry.
To check if the installation is running WTG, Open the Disk Management (diskmgmt.msc) and ensure the Hard Drive the OS is installed to isn't seen as a Removable Drive, which may indicate to the OS that it's running in a Windows To Go scenario.
Prerequisites
Install the following update and then perform the steps mentioned below:
2795944 Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 cumulative update: February 2013
To change the PortableOperatingSystem registry, follow these steps:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\ControlYou can also use the command-line option to make the change. Run the below command from an elevated command prompt:
reg add HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control /v PortableOperatingSystem /t REG_DWORD /d 0