Here’s when to use these instructions:

  • You bought Windows 10 and are upgrading this PC from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
  • You need to reinstall Windows 10 on a PC on which you’ve already successfully activated Windows 10.
If you are installing Windows 10 on a PC that runs Windows XP or Windows Vista, or if you need to create installation media to install Windows 10 on a different PC, see the section below entitled Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) to install Windows 10 on a different PC.
Note: Before you install Windows 10, check that your PC meets the system requirements for Windows 10. We also recommend going to the PC manufacturer's website for any additional info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility.

  1. Select Download tool, then select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
  2. On the Licence terms page, select Accept if you accept the licence terms.
  3. On the What do you want to do? page, select Upgrade this PC now and then select Next.
  4. The tool will start downloading and then installing Windows 10. This table shows which edition of Windows 10 will be installed on your PC. Windows 10 Enterprise isn’t available in the media creation tool. For more info, go to the Volume Licensing Service Centre.
    Your current edition of WindowsWindows 10 edition
    Note: If you have an N edition of Windows on your PC, choose the N equivalent of Windows 10 for creating installation media.
    Windows 7 Starter
    Windows 7 Home Basic
    Windows 7 Home Premium
    Windows 8/8.1
    Windows 8.1 with Bing
    Windows 10 Home    		Windows 10 Home
    Windows 7 Professional
    Windows 7 Ultimate
    Windows 8 Pro
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Windows 8/8.1 Professional with Media Centre
    Windows 10 Pro    		Windows 10 Pro
    Windows 8/8.1 Single Language
    Windows 8 Single Language with Bing    		Windows 10 Home Single Language
    Windows 8/8.1 Chinese Language Edition
    Windows 8 Chinese Language Edition with Bing    		Windows 10 Home China
    Windows 10 HomeWindows 10 Home
    Windows 10 ProWindows 10 Pro
  5. The tool will walk you through how to set up Windows 10 on your PC. During setup, you might be asked to enter a product key.
    • If you bought Windows 10 and are installing it for the first time, you’ll need to enter the Windows 10 product key you received in the confirmation email after your purchase. If you don’t have a product key and you’ve not previously upgraded to Windows 10, select I need to buy a Windows 10 product key.
    • If you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 on this PC and you’re reinstalling it, you don’t need to enter a product key. Your copy of Windows 10 will activate automatically later, using your digital licence.
  6. When Windows 10 is ready to install, you’ll see a recap of what you’ve chosen and what will be kept during the upgrade. Select Change what to keep to set whether you would like to Keep personal files and apps, or Keep personal files only, or choose to keep Nothing during the upgrade.
  7. Save and close any open apps and files you may be running and, when you’re ready, select Install.
  8. It might take some time to install Windows 10, and your PC will restart a few times. Make sure you don’t turn your PC off.