How does windows 10 download work?

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? Your copy of Windows 10 will automatically activate later using your digital license.

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. It might take some time to install Windows 10, and your PC will restart a few times. Before you download the tool 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.

System requirements. Make sure the PC meets the system requirements for Windows We also recommend going to the PC manufacturer's website for additional info about updated drivers and hardware compatibility. Language in Windows. You'll need to choose the same language when you install Windows Edition of Windows.

You should also choose the same edition of Windows. For more info, go to the Volume Licensing Service Center. Do nothing, or dismiss the notification. If the download is expected and all's well, let the notification go away on its own after the download completes.

Or, select the arrow in the upper right of the notification to move it to action center. Cancel the download. To put the brakes on a download that's already started, select Cancel download , then select Cancel download again to confirm. Block the app. Don't want the app to download online-only files? Blocking apps could make them unstable.

If you trust an app and open online-only files with it frequently, don't block it. Learn how to create limited-privilege guest accounts , password-protected folders and more. Find extra space on your hard drive or SSD by making Windows as small as possible , installing apps on an SD card and deleting the unnecessary Windows. Make the most of Microsoft's OneDrive cloud backup service by controlling which folders you sync , mapping your account as a network drive and more. Every time you browse through your hard drive, copy files over from a USB Flash drive or organize your photos folder, you're using File Explorer.

Make this most of this important utility by taking advantage of all its features and customizing the UI. Laptop Mag. There are plenty of other uses for a Windows 10 ISO file. For example, you may want to install Windows 10 on your Mac or set up Windows 10 in a virtual machine application. In either case, the ISO file is the preferred tool for installing Windows You will need a valid Windows 10 product key to install Windows You can upgrade in place, and Windows 10 will detect your previous license.

Failing that, you can use the product key on your device — look for a sticker. Mac users, custom PC builders, and anyone installing on a virtual machine will need a product key to install Windows 10 legally. The Windows 10 Download Tool only works on computers running Windows 7, 8, or