Although Windows 11 is the most recent version, if you are still using Windows 10 and need to “clean install” the operating system or install and/or upgrade to it for the first time on an older PC, you will want an Windows 10 ISO File. A Windows 10 ISO file may also be used for various purposes. For example, you could install Windows 10 on your Mac or set up Windows 10 in a virtual machine app. The ISO file is the primary tool for installing Windows 10 in any circumstance. However, there may be some difficult steps to get and use it. But don’t be concerned. This guide will show you how to download a Windows 10 ISO file and use it to create installation media.
Download ISO File From Microsoft
Microsoft is the best place to download a Windows 10 ISO file. To begin, go to the Windows 10 download page. Then, choose the Download tool now option under the header Create Windows 10 installation media.
1 – A dialogue box will appear asking you to save a program named “MediaCreationTool21H2.exe.” Select Save file. This will save the file on your computer.
2 – Create your ISO file now. This ISO download tool, once downloaded, enables you to easily turn any USB key into a bootable Windows 10 installer and download the Windows 10 ISO file for future use. Run the tool after it has finished downloading. A screen with the terms of service will appear, and you must click Accept. You must next decide whether to upgrade your existing PC or create installation media for another PC.
3 – Choose to Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and then select Next. Select your preferred language, architecture, and Windows edition. It’s typically a good idea to check the option for using the choices advised for this PC. When you’re finished, click *Next *.
4 – On the next screen, choose the ISO file option if you want to install Windows on your PC. This will store a file in which you may subsequently upgrade your PC to Windows 10. The ISO file is the most secure solution for most individuals. After choosing ISO File, click Next and select a location for saving the ISO file. The ISO file will be saved to your computer’s hard drive when the download is finished.
Install Or Update To Windows 10 With The ISO File
If running Windows 8 or later, upgrade your PC or laptop to Windows 10 by double-clicking the ISO file you downloaded. Windows will treat the ISO as if it were a DVD drive.
1 – Install Windows 10 from this location. Run Setup.exe to launch the installer. Then select to install Windows 10 over your existing files and programs. The ISO will transfer all essential data to your computer, which will then restart to complete the installation.
2 – If you’re running Windows 7 or older, you can’t mount ISOs; instead, download Virtual Clone Drive and use that to install ISO files. The Windows 10 installer will open after the drive has been mounted. You may also use the Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant to upgrade from an earlier version of Windows 10.
Create A Bootable USB Drive To Install On Another PC
We’ve already discussed how to update an existing PC to Windows 10, but what if you want to update another PC using an ISO file? You may do so by using the Windows 10 Media Creation tool.
1 – Navigate to the Windows 10 download page. Choose the Download tool option under the header Create Windows 10 installation media.
2 – A dialogue box will appear asking you to save a program named “MediaCreationTool21H2.exe.” Select Save file. This will save the file on your computer.
3 – Once the tool has been downloaded, run it. A screen with the terms of service will appear, and you must click Accept.
4 – Choose to Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and then click Next. Select the use the recommended choices for this PC option. You may even personalize it by selecting a different language or architecture to fit the PC on which you want to install Windows 10.
5 – Select the USB flash drive choice and press Next. Select your USB drive from the list and select Next. The installer will download and install Windows 10 to your USB drive. When you see the message “Your USB flash drive is ready,” select Finish.
6 – When finished, exit Windows 10 Setup and turn off your computer. If installing it on a different system, insert the USB drive into it. Well, Boot it up and hold down the F12 or Delete key on your keyboard. To boot from the USB installer you produced, go to UEFI or BIOS. If you need help with accomplishing this, consult your PC manufacturer for assistance. Once you’ve booted into the USB drive, follow the on-screen steps to install Windows 10.
Burn Windows 10 ISO To DVD
Well, if your computer has a DVD burner and a readable DVD, you may burn the Windows 10 ISO on a DVD and boot from it to install Windows 10.
1 – Right-click the previously downloaded Windows ISO file, select Properties (under General), then Change > Windows Explorer > * Apply*.
2 – Right-click the Windows ISO file again and select Burn disc image. The Windows Disc Image Burner will launch, prompting you to open a drive.
3 – When you’re ready, click Burn to begin the procedure. When it’s finished, you’ll have a bootable DVD from which to install Microsoft Windows. You may burn your ISO with different software; however, the built-in software is easy to use.
4 – Once the CD is burned, you must boot your PC (or another PC) from the CD. Hold down the F12 or Delete key on your keyboard to do so. Next, you must boot and select the CD as the temporary boot device. To boot, you may need to go to UEFI or BIOS. If you need help with accomplishing this, consult your PC manufacturer for assistance.
5 – Follow the on-screen steps once you’ve booted into the Windows 10 installer.
It should be noted that the Windows Media Creation tool is only compatible with machines running Windows 7, 8, or 10. If you don’t have any of these operating systems, you can still get the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft. Go to Microsoft’s website’s Windows 10 download page, which will determine that you are not running a suitable operating system.
You may choose the version of Windows 10 to download — 32-bit or 64-bit ISO — in your preferred language from this website. The ISO file may then be copied to a USB stick and transferred to a Windows laptop or desktop to begin the Windows installation.
Well, if you need to upgrade to Windows 11 (or intend to do so soon), check our guide on installing Windows 11.
FAQs: ISO Files
Is The Windows 10 ISO File Available For Free Download?
Yes. Microsoft’s website provides free Windows 10 ISO Files. Although you may legally download them for free, you will still need to purchase a Windows 10 license after you create installation media to activate the operating system.
What Is The Quickest Method To Download The Windows 10 ISO?
The Windows 10 ISO file may be obtained through Microsoft’s Windows 10 Media Creation tool.
Is The Windows 10 ISO The Latest Version Of Windows 10?
The Windows 10 November 2021 Update is the latest version of Windows 10. Windows 10 21H2 is the code name for it. Therefore, any ISO files downloaded from Microsoft will always include the most recent version of Windows.
