How to Download a Windows 10 ISO Safely from Microsoft

Download a Windows 10 ISO only from Microsoft. The ISO can install Windows in a virtual machine, create bootable media, or support a repair installation. Before proceeding, note that standard Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025; use Windows 11 on compatible hardware or an applicable Extended Security Updates path when continued Windows 10 use is necessary.

Before downloading

• Back up important files.
• Confirm the PC's Windows edition, language, and 64-bit or 32-bit architecture.
• Make sure you have enough disk space for the ISO and any installation media.
• Locate the activation information. Reinstalling the same licensed edition on the same hardware usually uses its digital license, but an ISO does not include a license.

Download with Microsoft's Media Creation Tool

1. Open Microsoft's official Windows 10 download page.
2. Download the Media Creation Tool and verify that the publisher shown by Windows is Microsoft Corporation.
3. Run the tool, review the license terms, and choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
4. Select the required language, edition, and architecture. Clear the recommended-options box only when creating media for a different computer.
5. Choose ISO file, select a save location, and wait for verification to complete.

The “Upgrade this PC now” option starts an upgrade; it is not the correct choice when your goal is simply to keep an ISO file.

Download an ISO directly

Depending on the device and Microsoft's current page design, the official site may present a direct edition selector instead of the Media Creation Tool. Select the edition, confirm the product language, and choose the correct architecture. Microsoft can change these options and link-expiration times, so do not rely on browser user-agent tricks or unofficial mirrors.

Verify the file

Confirm that the download came from a Microsoft domain and that its size is plausible for a Windows installation image. For higher-assurance or managed deployments, compare the file's SHA-256 hash with a value provided by your organization or Microsoft subscription portal. In PowerShell:

Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 "C:pathWindows10.iso"

A hash proves a file matches a known value only when the reference value is trusted.

Use the ISO in a virtual machine

1. Create a VM that meets Windows 10's processor, memory, storage, and firmware requirements.
2. Attach the ISO as its virtual DVD drive.
3. Start the VM and follow Windows Setup.
4. Install the virtualization platform's guest tools after setup.

Check the Windows license terms for your edition and scenario; a host license does not automatically license every virtual machine.

Create bootable installation media

The Media Creation Tool can write a supported USB drive directly. This erases the selected drive, so verify its identity and back up its contents. If using another trusted imaging utility, choose the correct firmware and partition scheme for the target PC. See how to create Windows installation USB media.

Install or repair Windows safely

Mounting the ISO inside a running Windows installation and launching Setup can support an in-place repair or upgrade, while booting from the media can perform a clean installation. These paths affect apps and data differently. Review this clean-install checklist and save the BitLocker recovery key before changing partitions or boot settings.

Support status matters

Windows 10 still runs after end of support, but ordinary editions no longer receive standard free security fixes. Microsoft explains the available upgrade and ESU options in its Windows 10 end-of-support guidance. An ISO does not restore support or make an outdated installation safe by itself.