Run windows from an external usb hard disk

Sometimes you need to have a portable Windows installation, to use on-the-go without having it installed on your laptop.
I use a Linux-based pc but some programs require Windows and performances under Wine aren't sufficient.

So, here a simple guide on how to install a copy of Windows in an usb disk and run it from anywhere.
1) Grab a copy of Windows 8; Windows 7 isn't so portable and you can have some big problems to run it on a different machine.
2) Get a USB drive! I tested a 2.0 drive and performances are ok. No big problems. Clearly, SSD and/or USB 3.0 perform better.
3) Download and install WinToUSB.

So, now, nothing easier.
Open WinToUSB, select the .iso file, select the external disk and launch the installation!
It will take probably more than 30 minutes, but it depends from hard disk performances.
So, get some coffee and be patient.

When it'll finish, ensure to select (from BIOS) the usb port as priority during boot, attach the external drive and have fun!