Windows 11 might be the latest version of Windows, but if you still use Windows 10 and need to "clean install" the operating system, or install or upgrade to it for the first time on an older PC, you'll need a Windows 10 ISO file.
Getting a Windows 10 ISO download can also help if you want to install Windows 10 on your Mac or set up Windows 10 in a virtual machine application.
In either case, the Windows 10 ISO file is the best way to install Windows 10. Here's how to download it for free, so you can get started.
Note: support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. As such, you're likely better off using Windows 11, as Microsoft is actively updating it for the foreseeable future. Windows 11 is also available for free in some circumstances, so unless you need to use some Windows 10-only software, we recommend making that upgrade.
But if you're still interested, here's how to download Windows 10 for free.
Easily download Windows 10 for free
You have several options to get Windows 10 for free, and they are all straightforward:
- Upgrade from Windows 7 or Windows 8
- Use Windows 10 free for 30 days without activating
- Buy a Windows 10 computer (the operating system is included – it originally retailed for between $100 and $200, depending on the version)
Each of these methods is covered in more depth below, along with steps for easily installing Windows 10 on a PC or laptop.
Upgrade to Windows 10 with a Windows 7 or 8 license
If you own an older PC, upgrading to Windows 10 with a license from an older version gives you the upgrade for free.
But where is the license? Can you find the product key it is linked to?
When you purchase Windows, it comes with a product key to unlock it. It’s printed and included in the packaging, emailed to you, or stored in the cloud, which is usually the case for system builders.
What is a digital license?
A digital license connects your installed Windows platform to a key embedded in prebuilt systems from Acer, Dell, HP, and so on. For a long time, these manufacturers printed product keys on labels stuck on PCs or printed and inserted them into product packaging. Microsoft’s product keys typically only work once, but hackers sometimes find workarounds to use the same key on multiple PCs.
That led Microsoft and manufacturers to introduce digital licenses in Windows 8 as an anti-piracy measure, so end users aren’t installing the platform on additional machines. However, Microsoft also moved Windows 7 over to this method. This license becomes locked to your Microsoft account.
So, if you legitimately purchased but no longer use these older operating systems, Microsoft’s Windows 10 activation servers will accept Windows 7 and Windows 8 (and 8.1) keys on your PC.
What if I can't find my key?
If you can’t find the key, try signing in to your Microsoft account and checking past downloads to see if your product key is there. Sites like Amazon also keep a record of purchased downloads, but these rarely include the product key itself, though it may help narrow down where it could be.
Finally, you can download Windows 10 and perform a clean install. It will then pull the valid Windows 8/8.1 license key from your prebuilt system’s motherboard and move on. In all other cases, you must supply an authentic, genuine product key during the setup process, or after installation.
Upgrading from older Windows versions
Keep in mind that this won’t work for older Windows XP or Windows Vista, as these versions of Windows never qualified for the free Windows 10 upgrade.
Upgrade from Windows 7
Buy a copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft. Please read our guide on how to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10. Note that if you're a student, or work at a large organization, you might be eligible for free or discounted Windows. Microsoft has more on that in a support page.
Using the Windows 10 Media Creation tool
Before installing Windows 10, ensure you have backed up all of your user data.
Microsoft maintains its Windows 10 Media Creation tool to ensure PC owners whose computers aren’t ready for Windows 11 can have a reliable operating system. Remember, without a valid digital license or product key to get a free upgrade, you will be required to pay for a new Windows 10 Home product key.
The Windows Media Creation tool only works on computers running Windows 7, 8, or 10. If you’re not running one of those operating systems, you can still download the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft. Just head to the Windows 10 download page on Microsoft’s website. If you are running a compatible operating system, you will be able to download it.
Get started by visiting the Windows 10 download page. Under the header that says Create Windows 10 installation media, select the Download tool now button. Then, save "MediaCreationTool22H2.exe" to your computer and wait as the Windows 10 installation software downloads.
You’re now ready to create any USB key into a bootable Windows 10 installer.
Step 1: Launch the Media Creation Tool.
Step 2: Once it is downloaded, open it, and Accept Microsoft’s terms.
You have two options: Upgrade the current PC, or create installation media that will either upgrade another PC or perform a clean install on the current PC. However, in both cases, the tool will temporarily download a disk image of Windows 10, so be sure you have enough space for the file — around 4GB, at least.
Step 3: Select the Upgrade this PC now option and follow the prompts. The tool will scan your computer to see if it’s compatible and may present a list of problematic programs or hardware that could stall the upgrade. If needed, uninstall programs to address the installer’s concerns.
Step 4: With all issues resolved, the installer will try to port over all the data it can. Keep in mind, however, the vast gap between Windows 7 and Windows 10 in terms of the software you use. If you’re ditching Windows 7 after using it for many years, you probably have a lot of data stored in files and apps. We can’t guarantee that all files and apps will be compatible with Windows 10, and some may stop working.
Step 5: As the installer progresses, your PC will restart a few times. As part of the process, it will pull your existing digital license from your hardware during the setup — you won’t need to activate it. If prompted for a valid product key, enter it now or do so later by visiting Settings > Update & security > Activation.
Note that you’ll receive the same flavor of Windows that first shipped with your PC — Home, Pro, Enterprise, or Education. If you’d rather use Windows 10 Pro instead of the Windows 10 Home update, you must purchase a new product key.
Use Windows 10 without activating
What if you need to use Windows 10 but don’t have a license? Well, there is a workaround, but it isn’t a long-term fix.
You can use Windows 10 without activating, but you will miss out on some personalization options. Additionally, some bug fixes might be skipped, and you’ll get plenty of reminders to activate with a full license.
A permanent “Activate Windows” watermark can also be seen in the bottom-right corner of the desktop.
As mentioned, activating requires you to enter a valid Windows 10 product key in Settings > Update & security > Activation.
Buy a Windows 10 computer
Admittedly this option requires spending money, but technically you’re buying a PC or laptop, rather than an actual copy of Windows 10.
Fully refurbished Windows 10 PCs with active licenses are available on eBay for under $50. If this is a possibility that might solve two problems for you, it is definitely worth considering. You typically won’t have to spend time installing the operating system either, as they usually come ready to use with Windows 10 preinstalled.
FAQs about ISO files
Can you download the Windows 10 ISO for free?
Yes. Microsoft offers ISO files for free on its website. You can legally download these for free, but you'll still need to buy a Windows 10 license once you create installation media to activate the operating system.
What's the fastest way to download the Windows 10 ISO?
You can grab the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft's Windows 10 Media Creation tool.
Is the Windows 10 ISO the latest version of Windows 10?
The latest version of Windows 10 is the 22H2 Update. Any ISO files you download from Microsoft will always be the latest version of Windows.
Can you burn the Windows 10 ISO to a DVD?
If your computer has an optical drive with DVD burning capability and you’ve got a writable DVD on hand, you can burn the Windows 10 ISO to a DVD and install Windows 10 by booting from it. Step 1: **Right-click on the Windows ISO file and select **Burn disc image. The Windows Disc Image Burner will open, so select the optical drive. Step 2: **With a blank disc inserted, select **Burn to start the process. When it’s complete, you’ll have a bootable DVD that you can use to install Microsoft Windows. With the DVD burned, you need to restart the PC to boot from the disc. Tap F12 or Delete as the computer reboots, and select the optical drive. If this doesn’t work, boot into the BIOS instead and set the optical drive as the first boot option. Once booted into the Windows 10 installer, follow the displayed steps to complete installation.
