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Create a Windows 10 USB Installer: Official Download and Steps

Use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to make a Windows 10 USB installer. You’ll need a blank 8 GB-or-larger drive, and the process erases its contents.
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To download Windows 10 for a USB drive, get Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool from its official Windows 10 download page. The tool creates installation media on a USB flash drive; it does not grant a Windows license. Use a blank drive with at least 8 GB of capacity, because the process erases its contents.

Important: Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10, though PCs running it continue to work. Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11.

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What you need before creating the USB

  • A PC with a stable internet connection. Download time varies with connection speed.
  • A blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of capacity. Creating the installer deletes files already on the drive, so copy anything you need elsewhere first.
  • The destination PC’s language, Windows edition, and processor architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). Choose settings that match that PC. Check its system requirements and manufacturer guidance for compatibility details and additional drivers.

Microsoft’s download page identifies the available release as Windows 10 2022 Update, version 22H2.

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Download Windows 10 to a USB flash drive

  1. Open Microsoft’s Download Windows 10 page and download the Media Creation Tool.
  2. Run the tool as an administrator and accept the license terms.
  3. Select Create installation media for another PC.
  4. Choose the language, edition, and 32-bit or 64-bit architecture for the destination PC.
  5. Select USB flash drive, connect the blank drive, and choose it when prompted. Confirm the correct drive before proceeding: its existing contents will be erased.
  6. Let the tool download and create the installation media. When it finishes, the USB can be used to install, clean-install, or reinstall Windows on a PC.

Back up important files on the destination PC before installing or reinstalling Windows.

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USB drive or ISO file?

Media choice Use it for What you need
USB flash drive Portable installation media for a PC Blank USB drive with at least 8 GB; its contents are erased during creation.
ISO file Installation in a virtual machine or creation of DVD installation media No USB is needed for a virtual machine. DVD installation requires suitable blank media and a DVD burner.

License and activation: what to expect

You need a Windows license to install Windows 10; downloading the Media Creation Tool does not provide one. Depending on the license and device, setup may ask for a 25-character product key. A digital license may not require manual key entry. Some PCs have a product key embedded in firmware, which can be applied automatically if it matches the Windows version and edition being installed.

If Windows 10 was previously upgraded and you are reinstalling it on the same PC, Microsoft says you do not need to enter a key again; the digital license can reactivate Windows. The consumer Media Creation Tool does not offer the Enterprise edition.

Windows 10 support has ended

Microsoft’s stated support end date for Windows 10 was October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft says it no longer provides free software updates through Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Creating a USB installer remains useful for installation or reinstallation, but it does not change the operating system’s support status.

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For Microsoft’s detailed instructions, see Create installation media for Windows.

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