How-toWindowsWindows 10

Windows 10: how to install or upgrade

Check your PC against Microsoft's requirements, back up your files, then install or update Windows 10 using Microsoft's own download tools.

  • Updated
  • 40 min
  • Intermediate
Applies to
  • Windows 10

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Put Windows 10 on a PC, or bring an existing Windows 10 PC up to the final version, 22H2. Only Microsoft's own download page and tools are used, and the steps are written for people who want to keep Windows 10 for now.

Windows 10 no longer gets free security updates

Microsoft ended free updates, technical support and security fixes for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, and recommends Windows 11. A fresh install gives you a working system, but it will not receive free security fixes. Keep it away from banking and sensitive email where you can, and read Windows 10 end of support: what it means and what to do to plan your next step.

Installing Windows 10 in four stages4 numbered steps, one under the other. The full text follows the picture.Installing Windows 10 in fourstages1CheckMake sure the PC meets therequirements2Back upCopy your files to an externaldrive or OneDrive3ChooseUpdate this PC, or makeinstallation media4InstallFollow the screens; the PCrestarts several times
Do the first two stages before you download anything.
Text version of this diagram
  1. Check: Make sure the PC meets the requirements
  2. Back up: Copy your files to an external drive or OneDrive
  3. Choose: Update this PC, or make installation media
  4. Install: Follow the screens; the PC restarts several times

What you need

Microsoft lists these minimum requirements for Windows 10. Most PCs from the last ten years exceed them by a wide margin.

Windows 10 minimum requirements
PartMinimum
Processor1 GHz or faster processor or system on a chip
Memory (RAM)1 GB for 32-bit, 2 GB for 64-bit
Storage32 GB or larger
GraphicsDirectX 9 or later with a WDDM 1.0 driver
Display800 x 600

You also need a reliable internet connection. To make installation media for another PC, add a blank USB drive of at least 8 GB. Microsoft's page also lists Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update as the starting point for an upgrade, so older versions need updating first.

Back up first

Installing or reinstalling Windows can go wrong, and some methods erase the drive. Copy your photos, documents and other files to an external drive or OneDrive first. See how to back up your files and make a restore point.

Choose your method

Ways to get Windows 10
MethodKeeps files and apps?Use it when
Windows UpdateYesYour PC already runs Windows 10 and you only need the latest version
Update Assistant ("Update now")YesWindows Update has not offered version 22H2
Media Creation Tool, upgrade this PCYes, if you choose to keep themYou want to reinstall over the top and keep your things
Installation media (USB), clean installNo, it erases the drive you chooseYou want a fresh start. See the clean install guide

Official sources only

Download Windows only from microsoft.com. Never use activators, unofficial ISO files or cheap keys from unknown sellers: these are a common way for malware to reach a PC.

Update an existing Windows 10 PC

Option A: Windows Update

  1. Plug in a laptop's charger and close your programs.
  2. Open Settings then Update & Security then Windows Update.
  3. Select Check for updates, install what is offered, and restart when asked.
  4. Repeat until the page says you are up to date.

Option B: the Update Assistant

  1. Open Microsoft's Windows 10 download page.
  2. Select Update now. This downloads the Update Assistant, which upgrades the PC you are using to the latest Windows 10 version, 22H2.
  3. Run the downloaded file and follow the prompts. Keep the PC on and plugged in; it restarts several times.

Install or reinstall with the Media Creation Tool

  1. On Microsoft's Windows 10 download page, under Create Windows 10 installation media, select Download now.
  2. Right-click the downloaded MediaCreationTool file, select Run as administrator, and accept the license terms.
  3. Choose what to do. To change this PC, select Upgrade this PC now. To prepare another PC, select Create installation media for another PC.
  4. For media, choose the language, edition and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit). Match the PC it is for. Microsoft's page says to match the processor type, language and edition of the Windows already on it.
  5. Choose USB flash drive and select the drive. Everything on the drive is deleted.
  6. Wait for the tool to finish. The tool downloads Windows, so this can take a while.

To install from the USB drive, follow the clean install guide. If you chose Upgrade this PC now, the tool shows a summary before it installs. Select Change what to keep to check what will be kept, and back up first.

Check that it worked

  1. Open Settings then System then About. Under Windows specifications, the version should read 22H2.
  2. Open Settings then Update & Security then Activation. It should say Windows is activated.
  3. Open Windows Update, select Check for updates, and install everything offered. Windows Update can find many missing drivers; if something still does not work, use the PC maker's support site.
  4. To bring back programs, see how to install software and apps on Windows 10.

If something goes wrong

Activation

A 25-character product key may be needed, but not for a digital license. Many PCs store a key in their firmware, and Windows applies it if it matches the edition you install. If Setup asks for a key on a PC that was activated before, you can often choose the option saying you do not have one.

The PC does not start from the USB drive

Restart and open the boot menu, Microsoft's page lists F2, F12, Delete or Esc, pressed right after you switch the PC on. The key depends on the maker, so read the first screen or your PC's manual.

You would rather move to Windows 11

If your PC qualifies, Windows 11 is the supported choice. See Windows 11 system requirements: can your PC upgrade? and how to install Windows 11.

Frequently asked questions

Will an update delete my files?

Updating through Windows Update or the Update Assistant normally keeps your files and apps. A backup is still sensible.

Is Windows 10 still free to download?

Microsoft's download page still offers the tools and the ISO file. Whether you need a license depends on your PC; a PC that already had an activated Windows 10 normally keeps its digital license.

Should I install Windows 10 on a new PC?

Not if you can avoid it. It no longer receives free security updates. Microsoft's paid and free Extended Security Updates option covers eligible Windows 10 22H2 PCs until October 12, 2027, but Windows 11 is the long-term choice.

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Official resources used

Pages consulted while preparing this guide. Check them for the latest details.

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