If you want to install Windows 10 from scratch with the November update bits included, then you might be looking around the Web for ISOs. Microsoft has made it easier than that, however, by providing the Media Creation Tool that will download and create installation media (including an ISO file) for you. Here’s a quick overview of how to get it done.
Download the Media Creation Tool
First, you’ll want to go to the Software Download site. You’ll notice that there are really two options–upgrading an existing Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 machine, and creating a USB, DVD, or ISO file. If you’re on an older system, then by all means go ahead and upgrade it. That will skip some steps.
If you want to create media to upgrade or clean install a different system, then skip down the page and hit the “Download tool now” button. Once it finishes downloading, click the “Run” option in your browser or run the utility from your Downloads folder.
We want to create new media, so select the option “Create installation media for another PC” and click “Next”:
The tool will make some assumptions based on the machine it runs on, including the language, the Windows 10 edition, and the architecture (32-bt vs 64-bit). If you want to change anything, just uncheck “Use the recommended options for this PC” box and make your selections:
You can create a USB flash drive directly, or create an ISO file that you can then burn to a DVD at your leisure:
Creating an ISO file
If you choose to create an ISO file, then select the file location to save it to. Give it a name or accept the default, then click “Save” to continue:
The download might take a few minutes depending on your Internet speeds, so go get a cup of coffee or your favorite beverage:
Once the file is downloaded, the media will be created. That process also takes a few minutes depending on your system:
Once the file is created, the tool will provide some tips, an option to open the location where the ISO is now stored, and an option to open DVD burner:
If you click “Open DVD burner,” the Windows Disc Image Burner app should open and offer to burn the DVD:
If you get an error dialog instead:
Simply go to the download folder, right-click on the ISO file, and select “Burn disc image.” Otherwise, click “Finish” on the Windows 10 Setup window, and you’re done.
Creating a USB flash drive
First, grab a USB flash drive with sufficient storage space. An 8GB drive is sufficient. Format it as FAT32 to ensure that it works with both old-style BIOS systems and newer UEFI systems like Microsoft Surface Pro machines. Plug it in.
You’ll have followed the previous directions, only selecting “USB Flash Drive” as the media to be created. You’ll be presented with a choice of available USB flash drives. Make sure the right one is selected, and click “Next.”
As with the ISO download method, you’ll be presented with “Downloading Windows 10” and “Creating Windows 10 Media” screenshots. Once you’re done, the tool will let you know and indicate the new boot drive’s letter, and you can click “Finish.”
Have your media?
Once you have your media created, then follow the instructions for your machine to perform the installation. If you’re clean installing on a machine that hasn’t been previously upgraded to Windows 10, then you’ll need a valid Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 product key.
So, that’s all there is to it. Go get your Windows 10 November update media now!
