You can still download Windows 10 for free from Microsoft, whether you want to reinstall it, repair a PC, or make a bootable USB drive. The safest way is Microsoft’s own download page, which offers the Media Creation Tool on Windows PCs and a direct ISO file on other devices. This guide walks through both options and what to do after downloading.
Know before you download: Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Consumer PCs enrolled in Extended Security Updates (ESU) get security patches only until October 12, 2027, after which Windows 10 receives no further security fixes. If your PC meets the requirements, installing Windows 11 is the safer long-term choice. You’ll also need a valid license: a PC that previously ran activated Windows 10 or 11 usually reactivates automatically.
Quick Answer
Go to Microsoft’s Download Windows 10 page. On a Windows PC, click Download tool now, run the Media Creation Tool, and choose Create installation media for another PC to make a USB drive or ISO. On a Mac, Linux, or phone, the same page offers the Windows 10 ISO directly.
What You Need
- A stable internet connection (the download is about 5 to 6 GB).
- A blank USB flash drive of 8 GB or more if you want bootable media. Everything on it will be erased.
- Enough free disk space for the ISO if you save it instead.
- A Windows 10 license or a digital license tied to your PC.
Option 1: Media Creation Tool (on a Windows PC)
- Open Microsoft’s Download Windows 10 page (search “download Windows 10 Microsoft” and make sure the address is on microsoft.com).
- Under Create Windows 10 installation media, click Download tool now.
- Run MediaCreationTool and click Yes at the permission prompt. Accept the license terms.
- Choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and click Next.
- Pick the language, edition (Windows 10 covers Home and Pro), and 64-bit (x64) architecture. Uncheck Use the recommended options for this PC if you’re making media for a different computer.
- Choose USB flash drive (then select your drive) or ISO file (then choose where to save it).
- Wait for the download and verification to finish, then click Finish.
To upgrade or repair the PC you’re using without a USB drive, choose Upgrade this PC now in step 4 and keep your files and apps when prompted.
Option 2: Download the ISO Directly
Microsoft only shows the direct ISO download when you visit from a device that isn’t running Windows, such as a Mac, Linux PC, Chromebook, or phone.
- Open the Download Windows 10 page on a non-Windows device.
- Under Select edition, choose Windows 10 (multi-edition ISO) and click Confirm.
- Select your language and click Confirm.
- Click 64-bit Download. The link is valid for 24 hours.
Advanced users on Windows can get the same page by switching the browser’s user agent to a mobile device in developer tools, but using a second device is simpler.
After Downloading
- Install on another PC: plug in the USB drive, restart, and open the boot menu (often F12, F9, F11, or Esc) to boot from it.
- Make a USB from an ISO: use the Media Creation Tool, or a trusted tool such as Rufus, to write the ISO to a flash drive.
- Use it in a virtual machine: point Hyper-V, VirtualBox, or VMware at the ISO file.
- Mount it: on Windows 10 or 11, double-click the ISO to open it like a disc and run setup.exe.
Troubleshooting
- Media Creation Tool closes or errors (such as 0x80042405): run it from the PC’s internal drive rather than the USB, temporarily disable third-party antivirus, and make sure the USB drive is at least 8 GB.
- Download is slow or stalls: use a wired connection, or download the ISO from a non-Windows device.
- USB drive not listed: unplug other USB storage, try a different port, and format the drive first.
- Unofficial download sites: avoid them. Modified ISOs can include malware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is downloading Windows 10 free?
Yes, the download is free. Activation requires a valid license or an existing digital license on the PC.
Can I still install Windows 10 after support ended?
Yes, it installs and runs, but without ongoing security updates once ESU coverage ends, which makes it riskier to use online.
Which version does the download include?
The final release, Windows 10 version 22H2, with Home, Pro, and Education editions in one ISO.
Summary
- Open Microsoft’s official Download Windows 10 page.
- On Windows, use Download tool now and create a USB drive or ISO.
- On a Mac or phone, download the ISO directly.
- Remember Windows 10 is past end of support; consider Windows 11 if your PC qualifies.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.