Windows 10

Windows 10 gives your organization advanced security, deployment methods, compatibility tools, and productivity features.

About Windows 10

Windows 10 is the most secure Windows ever. Windows now includes a number of major security enhancements, including advanced biometrics 1 , advanced threat protection, malware protection, and trusted hardware. From devices to the cloud, Windows 10 helps to strengthen identity and protect data, with protocols and features designed to prevent malware from running on your device.

It’s familiar and easy to use. Windows 10 was built to bring the best of Windows 7 and 8.1 together in one natural user experience that dynamically adjusts to the way you work. With Tablet Mode 1 , whether you’re working on a tablet, laptop, or 2-in-1 device, you’ll see how Windows 10 offers a touch-friendly, mobile and desktop experience, all in one operating system.

Upgrade with confidence. With strong app and device compatibility, you can now perform an in-place upgrade 2 directly to Windows 10 with all your apps, settings, and devices. Purchasing new devices? You can quickly set up new devices out of the box with your corporate apps, data, and settings without having to create and manage images.

Simplify IT and save. Windows 10 is our last major Windows system release. With Windows as a service, we’re beginning the journey to simplify the delivery and management of Windows, while providing the most flexible management and deployment options today. With One Windows, we have one app platform, one security model, and one management approach that can reduce complexity and save costs.

1 _{Hardware dependent.}

2 _{Hardware/software requirements apply; feature availability may vary. Internet connection required. To check for compatibility and other important installation information, visit your device manufacturer’s website and Windows 10 Specifications and Systems Requirements. Additional requirements may apply over time for updates.}

Unique Software Assurance benefits

Software Assurance provides access to enterprise offerings and unique use rights to extend the Windows experience across your organization. Software Assurance benefits for Windows include a core set of technologies, services, and use rights to help improve productivity, streamline software deployments, and reduce costs in a variety of ways across devices.

Qualifying operating systems

Properly licensed Microsoft operating systems have either a full operating system license or the combination of an upgrade operating system license and a pre-existing, full operating system license. Upgrade licenses require a Qualifying Operating System license.

How to Buy

Windows 10 Enterprise

Windows 10 Enterprise is licensed as an upgrade license to Windows Pro. Windows 10 Enterprise may be licensed through the Windows Enterprise per device license, the Windows Enterprise E3 per user license, or the Windows Enterprise E5 per user license. Windows 10 Enterprise is also included in the Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 licenses. Users without Windows Pro devices to upgrade from may still license Windows Enterprise for remote virtualization scenarios with the Windows VDA E3 or E5 license.

Windows 10 Enterprise E3

Windows 10 Enterprise E3 provides access to Windows 10 Enterprise Edition, and includes advanced protection against modern security threats, a broad range of options for operating system deployments and updates, and comprehensive device and application management.

Windows 10 Enterprise E5

Windows 10 Enterprise E5 includes everything in E3 with the addition of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint—a security service that helps enterprises detect, investigate, and respond to advanced attacks on their networks.

Building on the existing security defenses in Windows 10, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides a post-breach layer of protection to the Windows 10 security stack. With a combination of client technology built into Windows 10 and a robust cloud service, it can help detect threats that have made it past other defenses, provide enterprises with information to investigate the breach across endpoints, and offer response recommendations.

Windows 10

Windows 10 gives your organization advanced security, deployment methods, compatibility tools, and productivity features.

About Windows 10

Windows 10 is the most secure Windows ever. Windows now includes a number of major security enhancements, including advanced biometrics 1 , advanced threat protection, malware protection, and trusted hardware. From devices to the cloud, Windows 10 helps to strengthen identity and protect data, with protocols and features designed to prevent malware from running on your device.

It’s familiar and easy to use. Windows 10 was built to bring the best of Windows 7 and 8.1 together in one natural user experience that dynamically adjusts to the way you work. With Tablet Mode 1 , whether you’re working on a tablet, laptop, or 2-in-1 device, you’ll see how Windows 10 offers a touch-friendly, mobile and desktop experience, all in one operating system.

Upgrade with confidence. With strong app and device compatibility, you can now perform an in-place upgrade 2 directly to Windows 10 with all your apps, settings, and devices. Purchasing new devices? You can quickly set up new devices out of the box with your corporate apps, data, and settings without having to create and manage images.

Simplify IT and save. Windows 10 is our last major Windows system release. With Windows as a service, we’re beginning the journey to simplify the delivery and management of Windows, while providing the most flexible management and deployment options today. With One Windows, we have one app platform, one security model, and one management approach that can reduce complexity and save costs.

1 _{Hardware dependent.}

2 _{Hardware/software requirements apply; feature availability may vary. Internet connection required. To check for compatibility and other important installation information, visit your device manufacturer’s website and Windows 10 Specifications and Systems Requirements. Additional requirements may apply over time for updates.}

Unique Software Assurance benefits

Software Assurance provides access to enterprise offerings and unique use rights to extend the Windows experience across your organization. Software Assurance benefits for Windows include a core set of technologies, services, and use rights to help improve productivity, streamline software deployments, and reduce costs in a variety of ways across devices.

Qualifying operating systems

Properly licensed Microsoft operating systems have either a full operating system license or the combination of an upgrade operating system license and a pre-existing, full operating system license. Upgrade licenses require a Qualifying Operating System license.

How to Buy

Windows 10 Enterprise

Windows 10 Enterprise is licensed as an upgrade license to Windows Pro. Windows 10 Enterprise may be licensed through the Windows Enterprise per device license, the Windows Enterprise E3 per user license, or the Windows Enterprise E5 per user license. Windows 10 Enterprise is also included in the Microsoft 365 E3 and E5 licenses. Users without Windows Pro devices to upgrade from may still license Windows Enterprise for remote virtualization scenarios with the Windows VDA E3 or E5 license.

Windows 10 Enterprise E3

Windows 10 Enterprise E3 provides access to Windows 10 Enterprise Edition, and includes advanced protection against modern security threats, a broad range of options for operating system deployments and updates, and comprehensive device and application management.

Windows 10 Enterprise E5

Windows 10 Enterprise E5 includes everything in E3 with the addition of Microsoft Defender for Endpoint—a security service that helps enterprises detect, investigate, and respond to advanced attacks on their networks.

Building on the existing security defenses in Windows 10, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint provides a post-breach layer of protection to the Windows 10 security stack. With a combination of client technology built into Windows 10 and a robust cloud service, it can help detect threats that have made it past other defenses, provide enterprises with information to investigate the breach across endpoints, and offer response recommendations.

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.