Both the straightforward Media Creation Tool procedure and a convenient workaround for downloading straight from your browser are covered in this article on how to formally download a Windows 10 ISO file.
Why Download the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft?
- Safety and Security: If you download from unapproved websites, you face the danger of contracting viruses, malware, and even corrupted operating systems. Microsoft's official download ensures that the ISO file is safe and malware-free.
- Authentic Product: You are given a legitimate copy of Windows 10, which ensures support, updates, and the right kind of licensing.
- Most Recent Version: The latest ISO file, which contains the most recent security updates and features, is often provided by Microsoft.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that you're dealing with a trustworthy provider allows you to install Windows 10 with confidence.
Method 1: Using the Media Creation Tool
- Visit the official Microsoft download page: Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10.
- To begin the Media Creation Tool download, click the "Download tool now" option.
- The Media Creation Tool can be opened by double-clicking the "MediaCreationToolxxxx.exe" file after it has been downloaded. Replace "xxxx" with the current version number.
- Accept the license's terms: Review the license's terms and accept them.
- Select "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC" before clicking "Next." Now you know what you want to do.
- Select your edition, language, and architecture: Choose your preferred Windows 10 edition (usually just "Windows 10"), language, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). If you are unsure about the architecture, choose "Both." Click "Next."
- Choose Your Media: Choose "ISO file" and press "Next."
- Select where the ISO should be saved: Choose the location on your computer where you wish to store the ISO file. Verify if there is enough space for you. Click "Save."
- The download begins: The Media Creation Tool will now download the Windows 10 ISO file. The duration of this process depends on your internet speed.
- Complete Download: Upon completion of the download, a Windows 10 ISO file will be accessible for use.
Method 2: Downloading Directly from Your Browser
- Open the Download Page in a New Tab: Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
- Open Developer Tools: This step varies slightly depending on your browser:
- Chrome: You can either right-click on any part of the page in Chrome or use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Shift + I, then select "Inspect."
- Firefox: The Firefox browser allows you to right-click on any area of the page and select "Inspect Element." Another option is to press Ctrl + Shift + I.
- Edge: Select "Inspect." with a right-click anywhere on the page. Another option is to hit F12.
- Toggle Device Emulation:
- In Chrome/Edge (DevTools), click the "Toggle device toolbar" button, which looks like a phone and a tablet.
- In Firefox (Inspector), click the "Responsive Design Mode" icon, which also looks like a tablet and a phone.
- Select a Device That Is Not Windows: Select a device, like "iPad" or "iPhone," from the device drop-down menu, which is frequently found at the top of the DevTools window.
- Refresh the Page: Refresh the browser window.
- Select Edition: You should now see a dropdown to select the Windows 10 edition. Choose the correct edition.
- Confirm Your Choice: Click "Confirm."
- Select Language: Choose your preferred language from the dropdown menu.
- Confirm Your Choice: Click "Confirm."
- Download the ISO: You will now be presented with download links for both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 10. Choose the one that's right for your needs. It's generally recommended to use the 64-bit version unless you have a very old or limited computer.
What to Do After Downloading the ISO File?
- Create a Bootable USB Drive: Use applications such as Rufus (which is recommended) or the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool to create a bootable USB drive from the ISO file. This is ideal for setting up Windows 10 on a new computer or performing a clean install.
- Mount the ISO File: Double-click the ISO file to mount it as a virtual disk in Windows 10. This will allow you to access the files within the ISO without burning them to a disc.
- Burn to a DVD: The ISO file can be burned to a DVD using a disc burning program.
Conclusion
Getting the Windows 10 ISO straight from Microsoft is the most reliable and secure way to get an official and
up-to-date installation file. Whether you choose to use the straightforward Media Creation Tool or the browser
workaround, following these steps ensures that you're setting yourself up for a smooth and secure Windows 10
experience. Enjoy the installation process!