Are you still using Windows 10 and looking to perform a “clean install” of the operating system? Or perhaps you’re installing or upgrading to Windows 10 for the first time on an older PC? In either case, you’ll need a Windows 10 ISO file. Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to download it legally and for free so you can get started right away.
Downloading the ISO file from Microsoft
The best and most legitimate way to obtain a Windows 10 ISO file is directly from Microsoft. To get started, follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official Windows 10 download page
Head over to the official Windows 10 download page on Microsoft’s website. Once there, look for the section titled “Create Windows 10 installation media” and click on the “Download tool now” button.
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Step 2: Save and run the download tool
When prompted, save the downloaded file called “MediaCreationTool22H2.exe”. Once the download is complete, run the file. You’ll be presented with a screen displaying the terms of use. You need to accept the terms to proceed. Afterward, you’ll have to choose between upgrading your current PC or creating installation media for another PC.
Step 3: Select the desired options
Choose the “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC” option and click “Next”. Then, select your preferred language, architecture, and edition of Windows. It’s usually recommended to use the default options by checking the box labeled “Use the recommended options for this PC”. Once you’re ready, click “Next”.
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Step 4: Save the ISO file
On the next screen, if you’re planning to install Windows 10 on your PC, choose the “ISO file” option. This will save the ISO file to your chosen location. Once the download is complete, you’ll have the Windows 10 ISO file ready on your computer’s hard drive.
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Installing or updating to Windows 10 using the ISO file
Now that you have the Windows 10 ISO file, you can proceed with the installation or update process. The steps will vary depending on the version of Windows you’re currently running.
For Windows 8 users
If you’re currently using Windows 8, you can upgrade to Windows 10 by mounting the ISO file. Simply double-click on the ISO file, and Windows will treat it as a DVD drive. From there, you can open the Setup.exe file and follow the instructions to install Windows 10. Choose the option to install in place, which will preserve your files and programs. The installation process will transfer all the necessary data from the ISO file, and your computer will restart to complete the installation.
For Windows 7 or earlier users
Mounting ISO files directly is not supported in Windows 7 or earlier versions. However, you can use software like Virtual Clone Drive to mount ISO files and proceed with the installation. Alternatively, you can try using the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant available from Microsoft to upgrade from older versions of Windows 10. For a detailed guide on this process, refer to the official documentation.
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Create a bootable USB drive for installing on another PC
If you want to install Windows 10 on another PC, you can use the Windows 10 Media Creation tool to create a bootable USB drive. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation tool
Visit the Windows 10 download page on Microsoft’s website and click the “Download tool now” button under the “Create Windows 10 installation media” section to download the tool.
Step 2: Save and run the download tool
Once the download is complete, run the downloaded file. Accept the terms of use, and then choose the “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC” option.
Step 3: Customize your installation options
Select the preferred options for the PC you plan to install Windows 10 on, such as language and architecture. You can use the recommended options or customize them according to your needs.
Step 4: Select USB flash drive and create the installation media
Choose the USB flash drive option and select your desired drive from the list. The Windows 10 installer will download and write the necessary files to the USB drive. Once completed, you’ll see a message confirming that your USB flash drive is ready for use.
Step 5: Install Windows 10 on the target PC
If you’re installing Windows 10 on a different system, plug the USB drive into that system and boot it up. Depending on your PC, you’ll need to access the UEFI or BIOS settings by pressing the F12 or Delete key on your keyboard. Consult your PC manufacturer’s documentation if you’re unsure how to access these settings. Once you’ve booted into the USB drive, follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 on the target PC.
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Burn the Windows 10 ISO to a DVD
If your computer has a DVD burner and you have a writable DVD, you can burn the Windows 10 ISO file to a DVD and boot your computer from it to install Windows 10. Here’s how:
Step 1: Prepare the ISO file
Right-click on the previously downloaded Windows ISO file and go to Properties. Under the General tab, click on “Change” next to “Opens with”. Select “Windows Explorer” and click “Apply”.
Step 2: Burn the ISO file
Right-click on the Windows ISO file again and choose “Burn disc image”. The Windows Disc Image Burner will open and prompt you to select a drive. Choose the appropriate DVD drive.
Step 3: Start the burning process
When you’re ready, click “Burn” to start the burning process. Once complete, you’ll have a bootable DVD that you can use to install Microsoft Windows. If you prefer, you can also use third-party software to burn the ISO file to a DVD.
Step 4: Boot your PC from the DVD
After the burn process is finished, restart your PC. During the startup process, press the F12 or Delete key to access the boot options. Select the DVD drive as the temporary boot device. If you’re not familiar with this process, consult your PC manufacturer’s support documentation for guidance. Once your PC boots from the DVD, follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10.
Remember that the Windows Media Creation tool only works on computers running Windows 7, 8, or 10. If you’re using a different operating system, you can still download the Windows 10 ISO directly from Microsoft’s website. Visit the Windows 10 download page, and the website will detect that you’re not using a compatible OS. You’ll have the option to select your preferred Windows 10 version (32-bit or 64-bit) in your desired language. Copy the downloaded ISO file to a USB stick and proceed with the Windows installation on your Windows laptop or desktop.
FAQs about ISO files
Can you download the Windows 10 ISO for free?
Yes, Microsoft provides free downloads of Windows 10 ISO files. However, you’ll still need to purchase a Windows 10 license to activate the operating system after creating the installation media.
What’s the fastest way to download the Windows 10 ISO?
The quickest way to obtain the Windows 10 ISO file is by using Microsoft’s Windows 10 Media Creation tool.
Is the Windows 10 ISO the latest version of Windows 10?
Yes, the ISO files available for download from Microsoft’s website always include the latest version of Windows 10. As of now, it is the 22H2 Update.
