If you need to install or reinstall Windows 10, you can use the tools on this page to create your own installation media using either a USB flash drive or a DVD.
Before you begin
- Make sure you have:
- An Internet connection (Internet service provider fees may apply).
- Sufficient data storage available on a computer, USB or external drive for the download.
- A blank USB or DVD (and DVD burner) with at least 4 GB of space if you want to create media. We recommend using a blank USB or blank DVD, because any content on it will be deleted.
- Read the System Requirements.
- If you are installing the operating system for the first time, you will need your Windows product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx). For more information about product keys and when they are required, visit theFAQ page.
- For Enterprise editions please visit the Volume Licensing Service Center.
Use the media creation tool to download Windows. This tool provides the best download experience for customers running Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. Tool includes:
- File formats optimized for download speed.
- Built in media creation options for USBs and DVDs.
- Optional conversion to ISO file format.
*Your use of the media creation tools on this site is governed by the Microsoft Terms of Use for this website.
This article is about Windows 10 in general. For Windows 10 on smartphones and sub 8″ tablets, see Windows 10 Mobile.
"Windows 9" redirects here. For the series of Windows produced from 1995 to 2000, see Windows 9x.
| A version of the Windows NT operating system | |
 | |
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Screenshot of Windows 10, Showing the Start Menuand Action Center
| |
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Released to manufacturing | 15 July 2015 |
| General availability | 29 July 2015 |
| Latest release | 10 RTM (v10.0.10240) |
| Latest preview | 10.0.10525 / 18 August 2015[1] |
| Update method | Windows Update, Windows Store,Windows Server Update Services |
| Platforms | IA-32, x64 |
| Kernel type | Hybrid (Windows NT) |
| Preceded by | Windows 8.1 (2013) |
| Official website | www |
| Support status | |
| |
| Part of a series on |
| Windows 10 |
|---|
| Related |
Windows 10 (codenamed Threshold[3]) is an operating system developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. Officially unveiled in September 2014 following a brief demo at Build 2014, the operating system entered a public beta testing process in October 2014, leading up to and continuing through the consumer release of Windows 10 on 29 July 2015,[4] and its release to volume licensing on 1 August 2015. To encourage its adoption, Microsoft announced that during its first year of availability, Windows 10 would be made available free of charge to users of genuine copies of eligible editions of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
Windows 10 introduces what Microsoft described as a "universal" application architecture; expanding on Metro-style apps, these apps can be designed to run across multiple Microsoft product families with nearly identical code—including PCs,tablets, smartphones, embedded systems, Xbox One, Surface Hub and HoloLens. Windows 10's user interface was revised to handle transitions between a mouse-oriented interface and a touchscreen-optimized interface based on available input devices—particularly on laplets; both interfaces include an updated Start menu that comprises a design similar to Windows 7 with 8's tiles. Windows 10 also introduces Task View, a virtual desktop system, the Microsoft Edge web browser and other new or updated applications, integrated support for fingerprint and face recognition login, new security features for enterprise environments, DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0 to improve the operating system's graphics capabilities for games.
Microsoft described Windows 10 as an operating system as a service that would receive ongoing updates to its features and functionality, augmented with the ability for enterprise environments to receive non-critical updates at a slower pace, or use long-term support milestones that will only receive critical updates, such as security patches, over their five-year lifespan of mainstream support. Terry Myerson, executive vice president of Microsoft's Windows and Devices Group, argued that the goal of this model was to reduce fragmentation across the Windows platform, as Microsoft aimed to have Windows 10 installed on at least one billion devices in the two to three years following its release.[5]
Windows 10 received mostly positive reviews upon its original release in July 2015; critics praised Microsoft's decision to downplay user interface mechanics introduced by Windows 8 (including the full screen apps and Start screen) in non-touch environments to provide a desktop-oriented interface in line with previous versions of Windows, although Windows 10's touch-oriented user interface mode was panned for containing regressions upon the touch-oriented interface of Windows 8. Critics also praised the improvements to Windows 10's bundled software over 8.1, Xbox Live integration, as well as the functionality and capabilities of Cortana and the replacement of Internet Explorer with Edge—although the browser was criticized for being a work in progress that was not yet feature complete.
Criticism of Windows 10 was directed towards a belief that the operating system was more limiting in how users could control its operation; in particular, Windows Update installs all updates automatically, no longer allows users to selectively install updates, and only the Pro edition of Windows 10 can "defer" the installation of "upgrades" for the operating system. Privacyconcerns were also voiced by critics and advocates, as the operating system's default settings and certain features require the transmission of user data to Microsoft or its partners
What you can do as an Insider
For developers
Help shape the future of Windows
Be a part of the ongoing process of improving the features and functionality of Windows.
Build great apps
Download a preview build of the latest Windows SDK and Emulator, and explore what's new in building universal apps for Windows.
Be a part of the community
Connect with people who are as into technology as you are. Join the forums, swap advice, and learn about upcoming Insider-only events.
Get early access to releases
Download the Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview and get ready for the coming PC builds.
Build great hardware
Get preview builds of the hardware development kits and start creating universal drivers for Windows.
Build great devices
Install Windows IoT Core Insider Preview on supported IoT development boards and build amazing connected solutions using the Universal Windows Platform.
See the impact Insiders are having on the future of Windows, how their feedback is being implemented, and how it’s all helping create a more meaningful product.
What’s coming in Windows
In the video below on the left, watch Joe Belfiore, VP of Microsoft’s Operating Systems Group, talk about the new features in the Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview.
New Windows 10 Mobile Insider Preview
This preview includes Action Center with more quick actions and interactive notifications.
The best Windows yet is here
Windows 10 is now available to people around the world!
