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 licence 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Save and close any open apps and files you may be running, and when you’re ready, select Install.
7. 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.

Windows 10 Home (Download)

With Windows 10 at the heart of your computer you can do it all. • Built-in security features include antivirus, firewall, and internet protections • Scan your face or fingerprint with Windows Hello for a fast, secure, and password-free way to unlock your PC.* • Focus assist allows you to block notifications, sounds, and alerts for some distraction-free work time. • Your timeline provides a quick and easy way to scroll your most recent documents, apps, and websites • Microsoft Photos is a simple way to organize, search, edit, and share your photos and videos.** • Instantly stream live gameplay, take screen recordings, and control individual audio settings with Game bar. *Some features require specialized hardware and/or software. **Microsoft Photos works with pictures and videos stored on your PC and in OneDrive.

Need to connect to a corporate or school network?
Get Windows 10 Pro.
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Windows 10 Home

Parental controls

Ensure content is age-appropriate and monitor kids’ online activity with content filters, screen-time limits, weekly reports, geo-tracking and more.

Comprehensive, built-in, ongoing protection

The most secure Windows ever. Windows 10 provides comprehensive, built-in protection – at no extra cost. 1

Windows Hello. Passwords goodbye

With Windows Hello you can just be yourself. Sign-in more securely and three times faster 2 with your face, fingerprint or companion device 3 .

Always up to date

Windows 10 provides new feature and security updates on a regular cadence 1 and on your terms. Schedule it for later that night, next week or next month.

Always on defence

Windows 10 devices come with 360° of comprehensive security – from Internet defence against viruses, malware 4 and ransomware to tamper protection 5 .

What you need to get things done

From touch screen 6 support, to intuitive design, to features that help you focus and create – Windows 10 has the innovation to help you be productive.

Pick up where you left off

To access Timeline and view documents and activities in chronological order, click or tap the Task View icon in your taskbar or press Windows+Tab.

Secure and easy photo sharing

Connect Microsoft Photos with your OneDrive so photos and videos are synced and secured across your devices – even if your device is damaged or lost 7 .

Safer surfing all day long

Browse securely with Microsoft Defender SmartScreen and other built-in protections to prevent malware or phishing attacks and suspicious sites.

Your PC and phone, together

Now you can access your apps and notifications from your Android phone on your PC, 8 so you never miss a text or notification.

Most-popular PC gaming platform on the planet

There’s a reason the pros game on Windows 10: It has the power and innovation you need for graphics-intensive gaming. 9

Windows 10 for each of us

Whether you have a disability, a personal preference or a unique work style, Windows 10 adapts to you.

Need a larger screen? A brighter screen? A narrator to read text? Find out about accessibility tools and features for people who are blind, colour blind or have low vision.

For those who are hard of hearing, have hearing loss or are deaf, our specialised features can provide solutions including closed captioning, mono sound and live call transcription.

Innovative tools such as dictation and Windows Hello sign-in can make the digital world more accessible for those who live with dyslexia, seizures, autism or other cognitive differences.

Our applications for people living with learning disabilities can help increase focus, concentration and understanding – and include tools to improve reading and writing skills.

Our suite of products helps people living with arthritis, quadriplegia, spinal cord injuries and other mobility issues to navigate the digital world in non-traditional ways.

Make the most of your Microsoft 365 subscription

Premium Office apps, extra cloud storage, advanced security, and more, all in one convenient subscription.

Bring your ideas to life

Choose from thousands of curated stock images, icons and fonts to add your own flair quickly and beautifully.

Organise your time

Manage multiple calendars in one view, sort through emails quickly with Focused Inbox, and use Suggested Replies to instantly hit send and move on.

Accomplish more together

Share OneDrive documents from your PC or mobile device and let friends, classmates or family view, make suggestions, edit or collaborate in real time.

Protect what’s important

Get 1 TB of OneDrive cloud storage. That’s 300,000 photos, plus all your documents 10 that you can access, edit and share across all your devices – all while knowing your files are backed up and protected.

Find the right fit for your needs.

Check out our list of product offerings to see which Windows 10 version ticks all of your boxes.

See what’s new from Surface

This is a full version of Windows 10. We recommend you back up your files before installing. Updates are automatically enabled during the support period – additional storage and/or hardware requirements apply for updates over time. Apps and features may vary by market. Windows Media Centre is not supported. To check for compatibility, support period and other important information, visit your device manufacturer’s website and windows.com/windows10specs.

[1] For the supported lifetime of the device. Internet access fees may apply. Additional storage and/or hardware requirements may apply for updates over time. See https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-10-specifications for more details.
[2] Based on average time comparison between typing a password and detecting a face or fingerprint in order to successfully authenticate a user.
[3] Windows Hello requires specialised hardware, including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors and capable devices.
[4] Microsoft Defender version 4.12 & 4.18 scored 100% detection for protection against 0-day malware attacks, inclusive of web and email threats (Real-World Testing) by AV-Test, July and August, 2018.
[5] Security Providers page can be found in the Settings section of the Windows Security App.
[6] Hardware dependant.
[7] Secure storage, web and mobile access and sharing requires all devices to be synced with OneDrive. Free OneDrive accounts include 5 GB of total storage, or room for about 2,000 photos. Internet access required, fees may apply.
[8] Users must link their mobile phone to their PC through ‘Link to Windows’ on their mobile phone where available, or through ‘Your Phone app’ on their PC. Your Phone app comes preinstalled on PCs with the Windows 10 October 2018 Update or later and is downloadable for Windows 10 April 2018 Update or later versions. Requires a Microsoft Account and an Android 7.0+ phone.
Calls requires a minimum PC software version of Windows 10 May 2019 update or higher. Requires Windows 10 PC supporting Bluetooth radio.
[9] PC hardware requirements may vary for games on Windows 10. DirectX Raytracing available with supported games, graphics chips and requires Windows 10 April Update (or newer).
[10] Files may be made available for offline use. Otherwise an Internet connection is required. Fees may apply. Files Restore requires a Microsoft 365 subscription (sold separately). OneDrive files are restored to the state they were in before the attack occurred. File versions created up to 30 days in the past can be restored at any time for any reason. Assumes photos are 4 MB JPGs and documents are 0.8 MB Office files.

REQUIREMENTS

Required processor

1 GHz or faster compatible processor

Required memory

1 GB RAM for 32-bit; 2 GB for 64-bit

Required hard disk space

Up to 20 GB available hard disk space

Required video card

800 × 600 screen resolution or higher. DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver

Required connectivity

Internet access (fees may apply)

Other system requirements

Microsoft account required for some features. Watching DVDs requires separate playback software.

Additional system requirements