Windows 11might be the late version of Windows , but if you still use Windows 10 and need to " clean install " the operating system , or instal or upgrade to it for the first time on an older PC , you ’ll involve a Windows 10 ISO filing cabinet .
get a Windows 10 ISO download can also aid if you require to install Windows 10 on your Mac or set up Windows 10 in a virtual machine program .
In either case , the Windows 10 ISO file is the best elbow room to install Windows 10 . Here ’s how to download it for costless , so you may get start up .
Note : support for Windows 10 will end on October 14 , 2025.As such , you ’re likely estimable off using Windows 11 , as Microsoft is actively updating it for the foreseeable futurity . Windows 11 is also available for destitute in some fortune , so unless you demand to use some Windows 10 - only software , we recommend make water that upgrade .
But if you ’re still interested , here ’s how to download Windows 10 for free .
Easily download Windows 10 for free
You have several options to get Windows 10 for free , and they are all straight :
Each of these methods is covered in more depth below , along with steps for well installing Windows 10 on a personal computer or laptop .
Upgrade to Windows 10 with a Windows 7 or 8 license
If you own an older PC , upgrading to Windows 10 with a licence from an older version gives you the upgrade for free .
But where is the permit ? Can you find the ware cay it is unite to ?
When you buy Windows , it comes with a merchandise key fruit to unlock it . It ’s printed and included in the publicity , emailed to you , or salt away in the cloud , which is commonly the case for system constructor .
What is a digital license?
A digital license connects your installed Windows platform to a tonality embedded in prebuilt arrangement from Acer , Dell , HP , and so on . For a long time , these manufacturers publish product discover on label stuck on microcomputer or print and inserted them into ware publicity . Microsoft ’s product keys typically only exercise once , but hackers sometimes determine workarounds to utilize the same winder on multiple PCs .
That led Microsoft and manufacturers to introduce digital licenses in Windows 8 as an anti - piracy measure , so end users are n’t installing the weapons platform on extra machines . However , Microsoft also displace Windows 7 over to this method acting . This license becomes locked to your Microsoft account statement .
So , if you legitimately buy but no longer use these older operating systems , Microsoft ’s Windows 10 activation servers will take Windows 7 and Windows 8 ( and 8.1 ) keys on your personal computer .
What if I can’t find my key?
If you ca n’t find the key , try signing in to your Microsoft account and checking past downloads to see if your mathematical product key fruit is there . site like Amazon also keep a record of purchased downloads , but these rarely include the product key itself , though it may aid narrow down where it could be .
ultimately , you could download Windows 10 and execute a clean install . It will then pull out the valid Windows 8/8.1 license key from your prebuilt organisation ’s motherboard and move on . In all other guinea pig , you must ply an authentic , genuine Cartesian product headstone during the setup process , or after installation .
Upgrading from older Windows versions
Keep in judgement that this wo n’t work for honest-to-goodness Windows XP or Windows Vista , as these versions of Windows never qualified for the complimentary Windows 10 upgrade .
Upgrade from Windows 7
corrupt a written matter of Windows 10 from Microsoft . Please read ourguide on how to promote from Windows 7 to Windows 10 . take note that if you ’re a student , or work at a magnanimous organization , you might be eligible for free or discounted Windows . Microsoft has more on thatin a sustenance page .
Using the Windows 10 Media Creation tool
Before installing Windows 10 , assure you have backed up all of your user data .
Microsoft exert its Windows 10 Media Creation cock to check microcomputer owners whose computers are n’t ready for Windows 11 can have a authentic operating system . recall , without a valid digital license or merchandise Florida key to get a free rise , you will be need to devote for a new Windows 10 Home ware winder .
The Windows Media Creation tool only bring on computing machine run Windows 7 , 8 , or 10 . If you ’re not fly the coop one of those operating systems , you may still download the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft . Just head to the Windows 10 download page on Microsoft ’s website . If you are running a compatible operating organisation , you will be able to download it .
Get started by visiting theWindows 10 download Thomas Nelson Page . Under the header that says Create Windows 10 installation media , select theDownload peter nowbutton . Then , relieve " MediaCreationTool22H2.exe " to your computer and hold back as the Windows 10 installation package downloads .
You ’re now ready to make any USB cay into a bootable Windows 10 installer .
Step 1 : Launch the Media Creation Tool .
Step 2 : Once it is download , receptive it , andAcceptMicrosoft ’s terms .
You have two options : Upgrade the current PC , or create instalment media that will either promote another PC or perform a white install on the current microcomputer . However , in both cases , the puppet will temporarily download a magnetic disc image of Windows 10 , so be certain you have enough distance for the file — around 4 GB , at least .
Step 3 : Select theUpgrade this PCnow option and follow the prompts . The tool will scan your figurer to see if it ’s compatible and may present a list of debatable programs or computer hardware that could dilly-dally the climb . If needed , uninstall programs to address the installer ’s concerns .
Step 4 : With all issues resolved , the installer will seek to port over all the data it can . Keep in thinker , however , the vast gap between Windows 7 and Windows 10 in terms of the computer software you utilize . If you ’re ditch Windows 7 after using it for many years , you probably have a sight of data stored in files and apps . We ca n’t guarantee that all file cabinet and apps will be compatible with Windows 10 , and some may halt working .
Step 5 : As the installer progresses , your microcomputer will re-start a few time . As part of the process , it will commit your existing digital license from your computer hardware during the apparatus — you wo n’t want to spark off it . If prompted for a valid merchandise keystone , enter it now or do so subsequently by visitingSettings > Update & surety > Activation .
remark that you ’ll receive the same flavor of Windows that first shipped with your microcomputer — Home , Pro , endeavour , or Education . If you ’d rather use Windows 10 Pro instead of the Windows 10 Home update , you must purchase a new product key .
Use Windows 10 without activating
What if you want to practice Windows 10 but do n’t have a permission ? Well , there is a workaround , but it is n’t a foresightful - term fix .
you’re able to use Windows 10 without activating , but you will miss out on some personalization options . to boot , some hemipteron repair might be skip , and you ’ll get plenty of reminders to actuate with a full licence .
A lasting “ Activate Windows ” watermark can also be seen in the bottom - right corner of the desktop .
As mentioned , activating requires you to enter a valid Windows 10 product key inSettings > Update & security > Activation .
Buy a Windows 10 computer
Admittedly this option take pass money , but technically you ’re buying a PC or laptop , rather than an actual copy of Windows 10 .
Fully refurbished Windows 10 personal computer with active licence are available on eBay for under $ 50 . If this is a possibility that might work out two problems for you , it is emphatically deserving considering . You typically wo n’t have to spend clip installing the operating arrangement either , as they normally come ready to use with Windows 10 preinstalled .
FAQs about ISO files
Can you download the Windows 10 ISO for free?
Yes . Microsoft put up ISO files for costless on its web site . you may legally download these for barren , but you ’ll still demand to buy a Windows 10 licence once you create installation medium to activate the operating system .
What’s the fastest way to download the Windows 10 ISO?
you may seize the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft ’s Windows 10 Media Creation tool .
Is the Windows 10 ISO the latest version of Windows 10?
The latest adaptation of Windows 10 is the 22H2 Update . Any ISO file you download from Microsoft will always be the latest version of Windows .
Can you burn the Windows 10 ISO to a DVD?
If your computer has an optical cause with DVD burning capability and you ’ve got a writable DVD on helping hand , you could sting the Windows 10 ISO to a DVD and instal Windows 10 by bring up from it . footfall 1 : * * Right - select the Windows ISO file and choose * * Burn disc paradigm . The Windows Disc Image Burner will open , so select the optic thrust . Step 2 : * * With a blank disc inserted , select * * Burnto start the process . When it ’s consummate , you ’ll have a bootable videodisk that you may use to install Microsoft Windows . With the DVD burned , you require to restart the personal computer to boot from the record . TapF12orDeleteas the computer reboots , and pick out the optical drive . If this does n’t work , boot into the BIOS instead and set the optic drive as the first charge alternative . Once boot into the Windows 10 installer , follow the displayed footstep to discharge installment .
