Get Windows 10 ISO via Direct Download, MCT, or Rufus

Microsoft software downloads page offers you the Media Creation Tool (MCT), which can be used to upgrade Windows 10, download Windows 10 ISO locally or create a USB installation drive. MCT is the officially recommended way to get a copy of the latest Windows 10 ISO.

Though MCT is the only advertised way to get the Windows 10 ISO, there are other ways to directly download the Windows 10 ISO. This post describes how.

Download Windows 10 ISO

Download Windows 10 ISO directly, without Media Creation Tool

There are three options discussed. The first option doesn’t involve any third-party tool. By changing the browser user-agent string, you can reveal the Microsoft site’s ISO direct download link.

The other methods involve the usage of 3rd party tools named Rufus or HeiDoc ISO downloader.

Direct download using your web browser

By changing your web browser’s user-agent string (to mimic a mobile or tablet), Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page can be made to reveal the direct download links for Windows 10 ISO for both x86 and x64 versions.

A web browser uses the user agent string to tell the website information about the browser and operating system. This allows the website to customize (dynamic) content for the capabilities of a particular device. For instance, a website may automatically render a mobile version of its pages if it detects the browsing from a mobile or tablet.

Change the “User-Agent” in (old) Edge or IE

1. Open Microsoft Edge (legacy) or IE and visit the following Microsoft link:
2. Press F12 to open the Developer Tools window.
3. Select the “Emulation” tab and change the “User agent string” to Apple Safari (iPad)

   Fig 1: Change User-agent string in Microsoft Edge

Change the User-agent in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge Chromium

If you’re a Google Chrome user, here is how to change the browser user agent. The instructions below also apply to Microsoft Edge Chromium.

1. Open Google Chrome, press F12 to open Developer Tools.
2. Click the ellipsis (button with three dots on the top-right of the Dev. Tools window)
3. Click “More tools” and select Network conditions.
4. Under “User agent,” uncheck the Select automatically option.
5. Select the Safari – iPad iOS xx from the User agent drop-down list.

Change the User-agent string in Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge Chromium

Windows 10 ISO Direct Download Link(s) is now revealed!

The current web page will refresh automatically, rendering content for the chosen user-agent or device (iPad). If it doesn’t automatically refresh, refresh the page manually. You’ll now see the “Select Edition” drop-down box.

1. Select Windows 10 from the drop-down, and click Confirm. The Windows 10 ISO will include both Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro.
2. Select the product language from the drop-down list, and click Confirm.
3. You’ll see the download button for Windows 10 64-bit as well as Windows 10 32-bit ISO. The download URLs will automatically expire after 24 hrs. Click on the link to download it, or if you want to share the URL with someone, right-click on the link and copy the target URL.

Windows 10 October 2020 (version 20H2) is the latest version, and here are the ISO file sizes.

Windows 10 October 2020 (version 20H2) ISO file sizes.

• 64-bit (x64) 20H2 Update ISO file size is 5.7 GB
• 32-bit (x86) 20H2 Update ISO file size is 4.2 GB
  

Using Rufus to Download Official Windows 10 ISO Images

As you’ve seen, the Windows 10 ISO files can be downloaded using the Media Creation Tool or by changing the browser user-agent and download it using your web browser.

There is another excellent way to download official Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 ISOs from Microsoft servers. This post explains how to use the 3rd party utility named Rufus to download the Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 ISO images.

Rufus is an excellent utility that helps you create bootable USB flash drives from an ISO image. We’ve covered Rufus earlier in the article Create Bootable USB Flash Drive from ISO Using Windows USB/DVD Download Tool or Rufus.

Rufus Version 3.5 (2019.03.28) and higher versions have the feature to download official retail Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 ISOs. Follow these steps to download the Windows 10 ISO files:

1. Download Rufus portable version and run it.
2. Click the down arrow next to the SELECT button, and choose DOWNLOAD

Note: If the DOWNLOAD option is missing, then open Rufus settings, and set the update check option to Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.

If it’s set to Disabled, the DOWNLOAD button would be missing.

If you want to download the ISO using your browser, enable the “Download using a browser” checkbox. The advantage of this option is that you’ll know the direct download URL of the ISO, and you can share the link with others.

If the “Download using a browser” checkbox is not chosen, the Rufus utility downloads the ISO and shows you the progress bar on the utility’s main screen.

Using Rufus, you can download any release of Windows 10, starting from version 1507 (Build 10240) to the latest build.

Whereas the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool always downloads the latest available ISO, and the user has no option to choose previous releases/builds.

If you use the browser user-agent method to download the ISO images, you may see only the last two Windows 10 releases/builds.

Rufus is an easy way to download the required Windows 10 ISO release from Microsoft’s servers. And, using Rufus, you can create a bootable USB flash drive from ISO too!

Using the HeiDoc’s ISO Download Tool

The Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool from Heidoc.net allows an easy and comfortable way to download genuine Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10 disk images (ISO) directly from Microsoft’s servers, as well as Office 2010, Office 2013, Office 2016, Office 2019, Expression Studio and Office for Mac.

“In the past, Microsoft provided disk images for many of their products through their subcontractor “Digital River.” These downloads were pulled in early 2014. Afterward, Microsoft made a limited selection of downloads available on their TechBench site. This tool is based on TechBench, and makes a range of hidden products available for download.”

Download Windows-ISO-Downloader.exe (a digitally signed executable) from Heidoc.net, and run it.

This software can download any version of Windows 10 or Office. In addition, you can download* the following ISOs as well:

• Windows 10 Insider builds.
• Dell OEM image for any model from any Dell Desktop and laptop series.
• Developer tools (WDK, SDK)
• Windows Admin Center
• Windows 7
• Windows 7 (Aug 2018)
• Windows 8.1
• Windows Preinstallation Environment

*Note that the ISO images are hosted at the respective manufacturer’s (Microsoft, Dell, etc.) servers. HeiDoc.net doesn’t host them.

For each item listed, you can pick the particular version you need from the list of releases.

Also, I could download the OEM images for my Dell Vostro 3470 using this excellent tool.

HeiDoc’s ISO downloader tool has become my favorite ISO downloader. Rufus comes next; the excellent Rufus utility was originally meant for a different purpose anyway.

That’s how you download the Windows 10 ISO directly without using the Media Creation Tool.

Download Windows 10

Before updating, please refer to the Windows release information status for known issues to confirm your device is not impacted.

Windows 10 October 2020 Update

The Update Assistant can help you update to the latest version of Windows 10. To get started, click Update now.

Create Windows 10 installation media

To get started, you will first need to have a license to install Windows 10. You can then download and run the media creation tool. For more information on how to use the tool, see the instructions below.

Here’s when to use these instructions:

• You have a license to install Windows 10 and are upgrading this PC from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
• You need to reinstall Windows 10 on a PC you’ve already successfully activated Windows 10.

If you are installing Windows 10 on a PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista, or if you need to create installation media to install Windows 10 on a different PC, see Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) to install Windows 10 on a different PC section below.

Note: Before you install Windows 10, check to make sure your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 10. We also recommend going to the PC manufacturer’s website for any additional info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.

1. Select Download tool, and select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
2. On the License terms page, if you accept the license terms, select Accept.
3. On the What do you want to do? page, select Upgrade this PC now, and then select Next.

After downloading and installing, the tool will walk you through how to set up Windows 10 on your PC. All Windows 10 editions are available when you select Windows 10, except for Enterprise edition. For more information on Enterprise edition, go to the Volume Licensing Service Center.

• If you don’t have a license to install Windows 10 and have not yet previously upgraded to it, you can purchase a copy here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-windows-10.
• If you previously upgraded to Windows 10 on this PC and you’re reinstalling it, you don’t need to enter a product key. Your copy of Windows 10 will automatically activate later using your digital license.

When Windows 10 is ready to install, you’ll see a recap of what you’ve chosen, and what will be kept through the upgrade. Select Change what to keep to set whether you would like to Keep personal files and apps, or Keep personal files only, or choose to keep Nothing during the upgrade.

Save and close any open apps and files you may be running, and when you’re ready, select Install.

It might take some time to install Windows 10, and your PC will restart a few times. Make sure you don’t turn off your PC.

Follow these steps to create installation media (USB flash drive or DVD) you can use to install a new copy of Windows 10, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows 10.

Before you download the tool make sure you have:

• An internet connection (internet service provider fees may apply).
• Sufficient data storage available on a computer, USB or external drive for the download.
• A blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space or blank DVD (and DVD burner) if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted.
• When burning a DVD from an ISO file, if you are told the disc image file is too large you will need to use Dual Layer (DL) DVD Media.

Check a few things on the PC where you want to install Windows 10:

• 64-bit or 32-bit processor (CPU). You’ll create either a 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 10. To check this on your PC, go to PC info in PC settings or System in Control Panel, and look for System type.
• System requirements. Make sure the PC meets the system requirements for Windows 10. We also recommend going to the PC manufacturer’s website for additional info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.
• Language in Windows. You’ll need to choose the same language when you install Windows 10. To see what language you’re currently using, go to Time and language in PC settings or Region in Control Panel.
• Edition of Windows. You should also choose the same edition of Windows. To check what edition you’re currently running, go to PC info in PC settings or System in Control Panel, and look for Windows edition. Windows 10 Enterprise isn’t available in the media creation tool. For more info, go to the Volume Licensing Service Center.
• Microsoft Office products. If you just purchased a new device that includes Office 365, we recommend redeeming (installing) Office before upgrading to Windows 10. To redeem your copy of Office, please see Download and install Office 365 Home, Personal, or University on your PC. For more information, check How to upgrade to Windows 10 on new devices that include Office 365.

If you have Office 2010 or earlier and choose to perform a clean install of Windows 10, you will need to locate your Office product key. For tips on locating your product key, check Find your Office 2010 product key or Enter the product key for your Office 2007 program.

Using the tool to create installation media:

1. Select Download tool now, and select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
2. If you agree to the license terms, select Accept.
3. On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next.

Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10. This table will help you decide which edition of Windows 10 you’ll choose:

Your current edition of Windows	Windows 10 edition
Windows 7 Starter Windows 7 Home Basic Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Ultimate Windows 8/8.1 Windows 8.1 with Bing Windows 8 Pro Windows 8.1 Pro Windows 8/8.1 Professional with Media Center Windows 8/8.1 Single Language Windows 8 Single Language with Bing Windows 10 Home Windows 10 Pro	Windows 10
Windows 8/8.1 Chinese Language Edition Windows 8 Chinese Language Edition with Bing	Windows 10 Home China​

Select which media you want to use:

• USB flash drive. Attach a blank USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space. Any content on the flash drive will be deleted.
• ISO file. Save an ISO file to your PC, which you can use to create a DVD. After the file is downloaded, you can go to location where the file is saved, or select Open DVD burner, and follow the instructions to burn the file to a DVD. For more info about using an ISO file, see Additional methods for using the ISO file to install Windows 10 section below.

After the installation media is created, follow the steps below to use it.

After completing the steps to install Windows 10, please check that you have all the necessary device drivers installed. To check for updates now, select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and select Check for updates. You may also wish to visit your device manufacturer’s support site for any additional drivers that may be needed.

Note: Drivers for Surface devices may be found on the Download drivers and firmware for Surface page.

Before you install Windows 10, it’s a good idea to save any work and back up your PC before you start. If you used the media creation tool to download an ISO file for Windows 10, you’ll need to burn it to a DVD before following these steps.

1. Attach the USB flash drive or insert the DVD on the PC where you want to install Windows 10.
2. Restart your PC.

If your PC does not automatically boot to the USB or DVD media, you might have to open a boot menu or change the boot order in your PC’s BIOS or UEFI settings. To open a boot menu or change the boot order, you’ll typically need to press a key (such as F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) immediately after you turn on your PC. For instructions on accessing the boot menu or changing the boot order for your PC, check the documentation that came with your PC or go to the manufacturer’s website. If you do not see the USB or DVD media device listed within the boot options, you may need to reach out to the PC manufacturer for instructions for temporarily disabling Secure Boot in your BIOS settings.

If changing the boot menu or order doesn’t work, and your PC immediately boots into the OS you want to replace, it is possible the PC had not fully shut down. To ensure the PC fully shuts down, select the power button on the sign-in screen or on the Start menu and select Shut down.

On the Install Windows page, select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, and then select Next.

Select Install Windows.

If you downloaded an ISO file for Windows 10, the file is saved locally at the location you selected. If you have a third-party DVD burning program installed on your computer that you prefer to use for creating the installation DVD, that program might open by going to the location where the file is saved and double-clicking the ISO file, or right-click the ISO file, select Open with and choose your preferred DVD burning software.

If you want to use the Windows Disk Image Burner to create an installation DVD, go to the location where the ISO file is saved. Right-click the ISO file and select Properties. On the General tab, click Change and select Windows Explorer for the program you would like to use to open ISO files and select Apply. Then right-click the ISO file and select Burn disc image.

If you want to install Windows 10 directly from the ISO file without using a DVD or flash drive, you can do so by mounting the ISO file. This will perform an upgrade of your current operating system to Windows 10.