How to Download Windows 10 ISO File From Microsoft

Quick Insight

You download the Windows 10 ISO file by running the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft as an admin. You accept the license terms and then pick the option to create install media for another PC. The tool asks you to choose your language, edition, and 32-bit or 64-bit architecture. Next you select ISO file as the output type and pick a save folder on your drive. The tool then pulls every setup file from the server and builds a clean disk image. So you get an official and updated Windows source ready to burn to a USB.

Microsoft lets you easily download the Windows 10 operating system as an ISO file. To do this, use Microsoft’s Media Creation tool.

Download Windows 10 ISO

How to Get Windows 10 20H2 ISO 32/64 Bit File

The Windows 10 system you use can become unusable for any reason. If you cannot recover it, you need a clean install on your computer.

If you don’t have the ISO file, you need the Media Creation Tool (MCT). This tool downloads the original Windows ISO file from Microsoft.

You can download the ISO file to your computer via Microsoft MCT. Alternatively, burn it directly to a USB stick. This way, you create Windows installation media.

Also, the Media Creation Tool updates old operating systems to Windows 10 for free. For example, you can upgrade Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 to Windows 10.

If you are a system administrator, create a virtual machine with virtualization software. For example, use VMware or VirtualBox. Then, test your downloaded Windows 10 system without a license.

How to Use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool

The Media Creation Tool is straightforward to use. Microsoft designed this tool so anyone can use it easily. Now, follow the steps below in order.

Step 1

First of all, you need to download the original & official Windows 10 image file. The easiest way is the Media Creation Tool. This tool downloads the ISO directly to your PC.

Downloading the Media Creation Tool

Step 2

After you click the download tool button, the save file window opens. Next, select the location where you want to save the file. Then, click the Save button. After that, right-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file and select Run as Administrator.

Running Media Creation Tool as Administrator

Step 3

The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is getting a few things ready.

Getting a few things ready

Step 4

First, read the notice and license terms of the MCT tool. Then, click the Accept button.

Accepting the Notice and License Agreement

Step 5

You will download the Windows 10 ISO file to your computer. Also, you will create installation media with Flash memory. Therefore, check Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC. Then, click the Next button.

Create Installation Media

Step 6

In this step, select the Windows 10 system type, language, and architecture. Then, click the Next button.

Choosing the Operating System Language

Downloading the Windows 10 ISO and Creating Installation Media

Step 1

In this window, specify the type of media you want to use. To prepare installation media directly with a USB Flash Drive, select the option above. Also, your flash memory must hold at least 8 GB.

Our suggestion is to download the ISO file first. Then, burn it to a DVD or USB with the Rufus program. Finally, specify your media type and click the Next button.

Selecting the Media Type to Use

Step 2

Select the location for the Microsoft operating system ISO setup file. Then, click the Save button.

Downloading and Saving the Windows.iso

Step 3

The MCT tool is downloading the Windows ISO file from Microsoft.

Downloading Windows 10

Step 4

MCT downloads the Windows 10 installation files first. Then, the tool creates the image file.

Creating Windows 10 Media

Step 5

The ISO file is now ready for use! From this step, you can burn the Windows 10 image file to a DVD. Alternatively, use the Rufus program to burn it to your Flash memory.

Burn ISO File to a DVD

Step 6

The media tool removes temporary files from your computer before closing. Therefore, please wait until this process finishes.

Setup is cleaning up before it closes

Step 7

You can find the Windows.iso file in the location where you downloaded it. Also, you can rename this image file to avoid confusion.

Verifying the Location of the Windows.iso File

How to Install a System with Windows ISO ⇒ Video

You can watch the Windows 10 Pro 64-bit installation on VMware Workstation. Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Watch on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions About Windows Media

What is the Media Creation Tool for downloading ISO files, and what does it do?

The Media Creation Tool is Microsoft’s official utility. It lets you download the Windows 10 ISO directly to your PC. You can also create installation media on a USB drive with it.
In short, it’s ideal for updating your system or performing a clean installation. The tool guides you through each step. You don’t need any extra software for the basic process.

Is it safe to download an ISO using Microsoft’s tool?

Yes, this method is 100% safe. When you download the tool directly from Microsoft’s official site, you get original files that no one has tampered with. Using this official tool is the best approach instead of third-party sites.
This way you also protect yourself from malware. Microsoft signs every file with a digital certificate. You can verify the integrity before installation.

Can I do it directly through my browser?

Microsoft usually hides the direct ISO download link. So the easiest and surest way is to use the Media Creation Tool. After you run the tool, select ‘create installation media for another PC’.
The tool then offers you the option to save the ISO file in the next steps. You can choose the language, edition, and architecture. This method gives you full control over the download.

Can I upgrade my old Windows version for free?

Yes, you can upgrade your Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10 for free using the Media Creation Tool. Moreover, the tool recognizes your license during the upgrade. Run the tool and select ‘upgrade this PC now’.
This method still works, especially for licensed older versions. The tool keeps your files and settings intact. You don’t need to perform a clean installation unless you prefer it.

How many GB minimum do I need to create a Windows 10 installation media on a USB drive?

You should use at least an 8 GB USB drive. The Media Creation Tool can write installation files directly to your drive. Alternatively, you can download the ISO first and then write it to your USB using a tool like Rufus.
This method gives you more control. Rufus also offers advanced formatting options. However, the official tool works fine for most users.

Is the ISO media free, and is a license required for installation?

Yes, downloading the ISO file is completely free. However, you need a license key to continue using Windows after installation. But for testing in virtualization software, a license isn’t necessary.
Yet for permanent use on your main PC, don’t forget to activate the system. You can run Windows unactivated for a while, but you’ll see reminders. Eventually, you’ll need a valid product key to unlock all features.

Conclusion

Download this popular operating system from Microsoft and prepare your installation media. Then, you can install it on your PC. I would like to emphasize one point. Do not forget to activate your system after installing Windows 10!

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