Here’s when to use these instructions:
You have a license to install Windows 10 and are upgrading this PC from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
You need to reinstall Windows 10 on a PC you’ve already successfully activated Windows 10.
If you are installing Windows 10 on a PC running Windows XP or Windows Vista, or if you need to create installation media to install Windows 10 on a different PC, see Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) to install Windows 10 on a different PC section below.
Note: Before you install Windows 10, check to make sure 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.
Select Download tool, and select Run. You need to be an administrator to run this tool.
On the License terms page, if you accept the license terms, select Accept.
On the What do you want to do? page, select Upgrade this PC now, and then select Next.
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 Center.
Your current edition of Windows Windows 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 Center
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 Home Windows 10 Home
Windows 10 Pro Windows 10 Pro
The tool will walk you through how to set up Windows 10 on your PC.
If you don’t have a license to install Windows 10 and you have not previously upgraded to Windows 10, you can purchase a copy of Windows 10, see https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/get-windows-10.
If you previously 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 automatically activate later using your digital license.
When Windows 10 is ready to install, you’ll see a recap of what you’ve chosen, and what will be kept through 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.
Save and close any open apps and files you may be running, and when you’re ready, select Install.
It might take some time to install Windows 10, and your PC will restart a few times. Make sure you don’t turn off your PC.
