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How to Install and Use Google TV 13 on Your PC or USB Drive

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🖥️ GOOGLETV 13 PORTABLE: How to Install and Use Google TV 13 on Your PC or USB Drive

If you've ever wanted to transform your computer into a smart streaming device, or simply test the latest Google TV 13 without risking your Windows installation, you're in luck. The latest improved version of Google TV 13 comes with enhancements in sound, HDMI support, streaming apps, gaming compatibility, and even the ability to use your phone as a remote control.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll walk you through everything step by step: from the requirements to installation on a USB drive using Rufus, to configuring Wi-Fi, apps, and remote functionality.

📋 Table of Contents

⚡ Requirements Before You Begin

Before installing, let's cover the basics so you don't run into "It didn't work" issues later.

You'll need:

  • A USB drive (32GB or more) or external HDD/SSD
  • A SATA-to-USB adapter if using an internal HDD/SSD externally
  • Rufus (latest version)
  • The Google TV 13 ISO file (provided by community builds)
  • A Windows PC (Windows 10 or 11) to prepare the USB

💡 Tip: While mechanical hard drives (HDDs) work, performance will be slow. SSDs or USB 3.0 drives are highly recommended for smooth playback.

💾 Choosing the Right Storage Device

You have four main options:

  • Internal HDD/SSD → Works, but risky if not careful with partitions
  • External HDD/SSD → Best balance of performance and safety
  • USB Flash Drive (≥32GB) → Portable and easy to carry, but slower
  • External Enclosures → Useful for converting spare drives into portable ones

⚠️ Important: This method installs Google TV in portable mode—it won't overwrite your Windows installation, so your main OS remains safe.

📥 Downloading and Preparing Rufus

Rufus is the tool we'll use to create a bootable USB. It's lightweight, free, and doesn't require installation.

Steps:

  1. Visit the official Rufus website
  2. Download the latest version (choose 64-bit or 32-bit depending on your Windows)
  3. To check system type:
    • Press Windows + S → Type System Information
    • Look for System Type:
      • X64 = 64-bit
      • X86 or X32 = 32-bit

📂 Getting the Google TV 13 Files

You'll need two files:

  • Google TV 13 Enhanced ISO
  • Storage/Almacenamiento File (data storage support)

Typically, these files are shared via Mediafire or Google drives. Download both and place them on your Desktop for easier access.

Once done, extract the archive using WinRAR or 7-Zip. You should see two main folders:

  • Google TV 13 (system image)
  • Almacenamiento (storage configuration files)

🔧 Creating a Bootable USB with Rufus

Now comes the critical step: making your USB bootable with Google TV 13.

Steps:

  1. Open Rufus as Administrator
  2. Insert your USB (≥32GB)
  3. Under Device, select your USB
  4. Under Boot Selection, drag in the Google TV 13 ISO
  5. Set Persistent Partition Size to maximum (for saving data)
  6. Press Alt + E to enable dual BIOS mode (works on old and new PCs)
  7. Under Advanced Drive Properties, check Add fixes for old BIOS
  8. Change Volume Label → type BOOT
  9. Click Start → confirm erasing data

Once Rufus finishes, your USB will be bootable. But we're not done yet—we still need to manage partitions.

🗂️ Managing Partitions for Google TV 13

After Rufus creates the USB, only a small partition (≈2.7GB) is visible. The rest is hidden. To fix this:

  1. Right-click Start Menu → Disk Management
  2. Locate your USB (check size, e.g., 64GB)
  3. You'll see a small BOOT partition and a large unallocated one
  4. Right-click the unallocated space → New Simple Volume
  5. Assign a letter → format as NTFS → label it GTB 13

Now you'll have:

  • Partition 1: BOOT
  • Partition 2: GTB 13 (main storage)

📋 Copying System and Storage Files

This step ensures your data persists between reboots.

  1. From BOOT partition, cut the System file (≈2.3GB)
  2. Paste it into GTB 13
  3. Open the Almacenamiento folder
  4. Choose storage file based on your USB size:
    • 16GB USB → use 8GB file
    • 32GB USB → use 16GB file
    • 64GB USB → use 32GB file
  5. Extract the chosen file into GTB 13
  6. You should now see a Data folder—this is your persistent storage

This process can take 30–45 minutes, so be patient.

🚀 Booting Into Google TV 13

Now that your USB is ready, it's time to boot.

Steps:

  1. Reboot your PC
  2. Enter Boot Menu (keys vary by brand: F8, F9, F10, F12)
  3. Select your USB
  4. You'll see boot options for Google TV 13 (Kernel 6.1, etc.)
  5. Pick one and press Enter

Congratulations—you're inside Google TV 13!

⚙️ Initial Setup (Language, Wi-Fi, Play Store)

On first boot:

  1. Choose your Language
  2. Skip phone setup if prompted
  3. Configure Wi-Fi or skip initially to test performance
  4. Choose a device name (e.g., "Living Room TV")
  5. Access Settings → Wi-Fi to connect later
  6. Log into Google Play Store with your Google account

Now you can install apps directly or sideload APKs.

📱 Installing Apps and APKs

Google TV 13 supports:

  • Google Play Store → Official apps
  • Alternative APK stores (like Aptoide)

💡 Example: Netflix may not appear in Play Store, but you can sideload via Aptoide.

You can also install sound enhancers like Viper4Android for better audio.

🔧 Common Issues and Fixes

Even though this build is stable, you may encounter problems. Here's how to solve them:

  • Black Screen After Logo → Press Windows key to return to menu
  • HDMI Not Detected → Update drivers or use HDMI-VGA adapters. For older PCs, check community scripts
  • No Wi-Fi Option → Use USB tethering from your phone
  • Storage Not Saving → Ensure the Data folder was extracted properly

📱 Using Your Phone as a Remote Control

One of the coolest features: using your phone as a remote.

Steps:

  1. Install DroidMote Server on Google TV
  2. Enable it under Settings → Accessibility
  3. Install DroidMote Client on your Android phone
  4. Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi
  5. Select your Google TV device in the app

Now your phone's arrows, home, and back buttons work like a smart TV remote!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ Can I install Google TV 13 directly on my PC hard drive?
It's possible but not recommended—risk of overwriting Windows. USB portable mode is safer.

❓ Will this work on old PCs?
Yes, thanks to dual BIOS boot mode. Even legacy systems can boot.

❓ Does Netflix work?
Not directly from Play Store, but you can sideload via Aptoide.

❓ How much space do I need?
At least 32GB USB. For smoother use, 64GB+ is recommended.

🎯 Final Thoughts

Setting up Google TV 13 on a portable USB drive is an excellent way to transform any PC into a smart streaming center without affecting your main operating system. The process might seem technical at first, but by following this step-by-step guide, you'll have a fully functional Google TV system that you can carry anywhere.

Remember to always back up your data before starting and choose quality storage devices for the best performance. Happy streaming!

Tags: android tv pc, bootable usb google tv, google tv 13 installation, google tv usb setup, rufus tutorial, run android tv on pc, streaming apps pc

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