Save $20 on Ultimate Help Desk service for Win10 transitions. MSRP $99.99
Of course, if you do choose to install Windows 10 from the disk image, you will be performing a clean install, meaning your files and apps won’t immediately transfer over. Instead, they’ll be stored in a folder called Windows.old. If that’s fine by you, make sure you meet the prerequisites.
You’ll need:
- An Internet connection.
- Ample storage space cleared on your PC or tablet (an external USB drive will suffice).
- A blank USB drive or DVD and DVD burner to create media.
- Read the official system requirements.
- A Windows product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx) if you’re installing for the first time. More info on product keys can be found on Microsoft’ FAQ page.
As an option, you can install Windows 10 using the media creation tool from Microsoft. This tool integrates media creation options, optimized download speeds, and other installation benefits that aren’t available elsewhere.
Microsoft’s earlier detailed its plan to release Windows 10 “in waves, scaling up slowly after July 29th” to people who reserved copies ahead of its launch. Perhaps unsurprisingly, many Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 users are reporting that the update isn’t available to them yet. This ISO thereby alleviates the inconvenience of waiting, if you’re willing to compromise the easy transference of your old files.
You can read our review of Windows 10, which calls the OS “more flexible” than Mac OS X, and declares “it’ll restore faith in those worried Microsoft was giving the cold shoulder to its most important platform; the traditional PC.” You really should upgrade, and the .ISO ensures you can do it sooner rather than later.
Editors' Recommendations
- Not ready for Windows 11? The Windows 10 November 2021 update is coming
- The next big update to Windows 10 just launched. Here’s how to install it
- 7 things you didn’t know you could do in Windows 10
- The Windows 10 File Explorer is about to look very different
- How to zip a file in Windows 10
