That file can be mounted directly in File Explorer (see 'Windows 10 tip: Mount and unmount any ISO file instantly' for instructions) an ISO file can also be used to create a bootable USB flash drive, a bootable DVD, or a virtual DVD drive mounted in a virtual machine.Īfter running the Media Creation Tool, choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC. This free download allows you to create a bootable USB flash drive directly.Īs an alternative, I recommend that you download an ISO file instead. If you already have a Windows 10 product key or you are planning to reinstall Windows 10 on a machine that already has a digital license (more on that later), visit the Download Windows 10page and download the Media Creation Tool. Windows 10 tips: Setup and configuration: Don't settle for default settings | Performance and troubleshooting | Productivity | Networking and security Depending on how you purchase, you'll receive installation media (DVD or USB key) or a product key and instructions for downloading installation media. Prices from third-party sellers, including Amazon, are typically lower. Windows 10 Home costs $120 from Microsoft, and Windows 10 Pro costs $200.

If you've built a new PC or you're installing Windows 10 in a virtual machine on a Mac, you can purchase a license from third-party sellers or from Microsoft itself, via the Microsoft Store. Where can I get installation files for Windows 10? PCs that have a license to run Windows XP or Windows Vista are not eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10. For details, see 'Here's how you can still get a free Windows 10 upgrade.'Īs of late May 2020, readers have confirmed to me that this procedure still works. You'll need to download the installation files and run the Setup program from within Windows or use the Upgrade Assistant available from Microsoft's accessibility page. The good news is that you can still upgrade to Windows 10 on a device that has a license for Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. With the end of the free upgrade offer, the Get Windows 10 app is no longer available, and you cannot upgrade from an older Windows version using Windows Update. Is it still possible to upgrade a PC to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1?įor the first year after the release of Windows 10, Microsoft offered free upgrades using the Get Windows 10 app, which appeared in the taskbar as a notification icon and in Windows Update. This article, updated to reflect Windows 10 version 2004 (aka May 2020 Update), covers the most common scenarios you're likely to encounter when installing, reinstalling, and activating Windows 10.

Here's how you can still get a free Windows 10 upgrade.

With rollout of 21H2, Microsoft moves Windows 10 to annual updates.

Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11: Step-by-step.

Windows 10 is a security disaster waiting to happen.

Windows 10 upgrade asks for product key