Windows 10 Pro Media Creation Tool

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.

To mount the ISO file:

1. Go to the location where the ISO file is saved, right-click the ISO file and select Properties.
2. 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.
3. Right-click the ISO file and select Mount.
4. Double-click the ISO file to view the files within. Double-click setup.exe to start Windows 10 setup.

Windows 10 Pro: How to download, install and activate

Option 1: Performing a clean installation

Please proceed with this when you are currently using an older Windows version than Windows 10 or a PC without an operating system

1. Download Windows Media Creation tool directly from Microsoft:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

2. Run the Media Creation Tool

• Create installation media for another PC
• Select preferred language
• Select Edition: Windows 10 (it includes both, Pro and Home)
• Select architecture (64-bit or 32-bit)
• Select the media you want to create (USB flash drive or ISO file to create a DVD)

3. Perform a clean installation

• Boot from the USB flash drive or the DVD you have created
• Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences
• Enter product key provided by us 
• Installation type: Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)
• Remove all partitions and create a new one to install Windows
• Proceed and perfrom the installation

Option 2: Upgrading from Windows 10 Home to Pro

Please proceed with this when you are currently using Windows 10 Home and want to upgrade to Pro

1. Press the "Windows key" + "R", type "slui.exe" and hit "Enter"

2. Enter your Windows 10 Pro product key. If it's not accepted, apply the default product key: "VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T"

If error code "0x800f0805" appears after applying the default product key, please make sure that you have at least 20 GB of free disc space and that Windows is updated to it's latest version. If those two points apply to you, it is obvious that some important system files are missing. In that case it is necessary to perform a clean installation (see Option 1).

3. Go to "System" - "About" and "Change product key" (Click "Yes", if User Account Control comes up)

4. Enter your Windows 10 Pro product key and make sure all open applications are closed and your work is saved, then start the upgrade.

Wait while the upgrade process kicks off - your computer will be restarted several times throughout this process. The amount of time the upgrade takes will vary between systems. But in our experience, it only takes 5 to 10 minutes.

If you don't have a product key, get it here.

• Downloads
• Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows 10 Installation / Media Creation Tool

The media creation tool can be used to upgrade your current PC to Windows 10 or to create a USB or DVD and install Windows 10 on a different PC.

Use the media creation tool to download Windows. This tool provides the best download experience for customers running Windows 7, 8.1 and 10.

Here are a few useful guides we've written to guide you in the process of reinstalling Windows, all of these use the Media Creation Tool for different purposes:

• Reinstall Windows 10 Without Deleting Your Software, Files or Settings
• How to Find Your Original Windows 10 Product Key
• Windows To Go: How to Install and Run Windows 10 from a USB Drive
• How to Backup USB Drives and Restore Them, Bootable State and All

Why do I need the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool?

The Media Creation Tool allows you to create installation media (USB drive or DVD) to install a new copy of Windows 10, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows 10.

The tool will guide you through the process and present the options and files you might need to get the best installation experience. If you're not sure which files are required to install Windows 10, this tool is your best option.

Can I use the Microsoft Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to upgrade to Windows 10?

Yes, the Media Creation Tool can be used to install Windows 10 for the first time or upgrade from a previous Windows version. You will need a valid Windows 10 license to complete the process.

Can I use this tool to upgrade to Windows 11?

Microsoft offers a specific installation / media creation tool for Windows 11. You can download the Microsoft Windows 11 Installation / Media Creation Tool here.

This tool includes:

• File formats optimized for download speed.
• Built in media creation options for USBs and DVDs.
• Optional conversion to ISO file format.

Using the tool to upgrade this PC to Windows 10

Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) to install Windows 10 on a different 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 5 GB 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. For more information, check How to upgrade to Windows 10 on new devices that include Office 365.

This table will help you decide which edition of Windows 10 you'll choose:

Last updated:

December 30, 2022

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