Windows 10 is quickly becoming the most widespread desktop operating system version globally. Much of that is because the Windows 7 user base is shrinking. After all, extended support ends for this version in January 2020. But downloading Windows 10 for free has a lot more capabilities than earlier versions, supporting new technologies like virtual reality and more.
If you missed the free Windows 10 upgrade window and want to install Windows 10 on a new PC, don’t worry. There are still several ways to download Windows 10 ISO images and then create a Windows 10 USB for installation. This article shows you three ways to download the required ISO file for the version of Windows 10 that you want.
Windows 10 ISO Direct Download (Windows 10 Pro/Home/Edu)
Microsoft no longer offers direct download links to Windows to prevent the distribution of Windows 10 original ISO disc images. However, some third-party tools are available to give you the direct download link, such as Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool.
As the name suggests, Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool can be used to download not just Windows 10 but also other versions of Windows and various versions of Microsoft Office. It’s straightforward to use, and they’re genuine copies provided by Microsoft through their TechBench site. If you want both Windows 10 and the latest Office software, this is a great utility for you when you download Windows 10 for free.
Step 1: Download and install Microsoft Windows and Office ISO Download Tool on a PC and launch the application.
Step 2: On the top right of the software window, you will see several tabs. Click Windows 10 from the Windows tab. Then select Windows 10 versions and choose the language for installation.
Step 3: The download link will be shown on the screen a few seconds later, and click the link to download Windows 10 ISO. You can also copy the link and paste it into the browser or download manager if the download button fails to work.
As you can see, this way of downloading a Windows 10 ISO file is straightforward, and you don’t need any experience with disk images to use this tool.
Cons:
- Pop-up ads for 120 seconds during startup.
- Download link is only valid for 24 hours.
- Slow response to the mouse click.
Download Windows 10 ISO (Home Edition) with Media Creation Tool
The easiest way is to get the Windows 10 ISO file directly from Microsoft’s servers. It’s much easier if you’re on a Mac or Linux machine, but if Windows is all you have, you can still get it by first downloading the Media Creation Tool provided by Microsoft. However, only Windows 10 Home edition is available for download via this tool.
Step 1: First, go to the Windows 10 download page on Microsoft’s website.
Step 2: Download and run the Media Creation Tool on your PC. You’ll see the tool called Windows 10 Setup open in a new window.
Step 3: Accept the terms and conditions and, on the next page, select the option called Create Installation Media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC. Click Next.
Step 4: Next, select your language, edition, and architecture. Click Next and select ISO File as your option. Once you click on Next, the ISO file will be downloaded to your PC, and a bootable Windows 10 USB will be created automatically.
Cons:
- No download option for Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise.
- Windows 10 ISO is not visible for further usage. One-time usage only!
- The success rate is low on old computers with USB 2.0.
Download Windows 10 Pro Full Version from Other Websites
Many third-party sites offer Windows 10 ISO downloads, but many of them redirect you to the Microsoft official site. However, Softpedia offers ISO downloads for trial versions of Windows 10, and it even gives you options for various build numbers of the operating system. You can activate your copy of Windows 10 later on, depending on what type of license you have.
Step 1: Go to Softpedia.
Step 2: Click on the ISO file link on the left side of the window.
Step 3: You should be able to see a pop-up window with various download options. Clicking on one of them will automatically initiate a download of Windows 10.
Cons:
- Hard to find the actual download link.
- Additional software may be installed if using Softpedia Download Manager.
- Download speed is slower.
These are the 3 best ways to download Windows 10 ISO in 2019. Once you have the ISO file on your system, you can use disk-burning software to burn ISO to USB and create bootable media for Windows 10 installation. You can then boot up your target computer from this media and do an upgrade or clean install of Windows 10 and start enjoying the new features that Microsoft has introduced with this latest version of its operating system when you download Windows 10 for free.
Would you like to read more about Windows-related articles? If so, we invite you to take a look at our other tech topics before you leave!
