You can download and install Windows 10 or Windows 11 directly from Microsoft's official website. This is the recommended and safer approach because Windows installation files obtained from unofficial third-party websites may be modified and could contain malware or other unwanted software.
There are several ways to install Windows 10 or Windows 11:
Upgrade an Existing Windows Installation
Upgrade from Windows 10 or an earlier supported version of Windows 11 while keeping your files, applications, and settings where supported.Create a Bootable USB Flash Drive
Create bootable installation media that can be used to perform a clean installation or, depending on the installation method, an upgrade.You can use Microsoft's Media Creation Tool or a third-party utility such as Rufus to create a bootable USB installer from the official Windows ISO.
Rufus: Download Rufus
Download the ISO File
Download the official Windows ISO file and either create installation media, burn it to a DVD where supported, or keep the ISO for future use.
What if I don't have my Windows License or Product Key?
In many cases, you may not need to manually enter a Product Key.
When upgrading an already activated Windows installation, the activation information can be carried over to the new installation. On many modern PCs and laptops from major manufacturers (OEMs), the Windows license is embedded in the device's firmware or associated with the device's hardware, allowing Windows to activate automatically after installation.
For a clean installation, make sure the edition you install—such as Home or Pro—matches the license associated with the device.
Windows 11
Windows 11 Download Page — Microsoft
Windows 11 Installation Assistant — Used to upgrade a compatible existing Windows 10 installation or an earlier supported version of Windows 11.
Create Windows 11 Installation Media — Used to create a bootable USB flash drive or download the Windows 11 ISO for installation.
Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) — Allows you to download the official Windows 11 ISO file directly from Microsoft for creating installation media or future use.
Windows 10
Windows 10 Download Page — Microsoft
Windows 10 Update Assistant — Used to upgrade an existing compatible Windows installation to Windows 10.
Create Windows 10 Installation Media — Allows you to create a bootable USB flash drive or download the Windows 10 ISO file.
Installing Windows 11 on Older Hardware
If your PC does not meet some of the official Windows 11 hardware requirements, there are installation methods that can bypass certain compatibility checks. These methods are intended for unsupported hardware and should be used with caution, as Microsoft does not guarantee support or updates for unsupported configurations.
For additional instructions on retrieving your Windows Product Key and working with Windows installations on older hardware, see:
Windows Installation and Product Key Guide: Tech&Ed — How to Retrieve Windows 10 Product Key
Note: Windows 10 reached the end of Microsoft's standard support lifecycle on October 14, 2025. For supported hardware, Windows 11 is the current Windows release to consider for a new installation.
Updated as of September 2026.
