Where to get Windows 10

Windows 10 comes from Microsoft directly. You can obtain it through the Microsoft Store website, through a retailer like Best Buy or Amazon, or sometimes pre-installed on a new computer you purchase. The version you need depends on whether you already own a Windows computer or are starting fresh.

If you own a Windows 7 or Windows 8 computer, you may be able to upgrade to Windows 10 without buying a new copy — Microsoft offered free upgrades for a limited time, though that period has ended. If you need to purchase a copy now, expect to pay around $120 for the standard Home edition or $200 for the Pro edition, though prices vary by retailer and region.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 is sold by Microsoft directly through their website, or through retailers like Best Buy and Amazon.
  • You need a product key (a 25-character code) to install Windows 10, which comes with your purchase or upgrade.
  • The installation file itself is free to obtain from Microsoft; you only pay for the product key that activates it.
  • You will need a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB of space, or a blank DVD, to create installation media on another computer.
  • After installation, Windows 10 requires internet access to activate and download updates, which can take several hours on a slower connection.

Getting the installation file from Microsoft

Microsoft offers a free tool called the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool that lets you obtain the Windows 10 installation file without paying anything upfront. You run this tool on a working computer (Windows or Mac), and it downloads the full Windows 10 file to a USB drive or DVD that you can then use to install on another computer.

Go to microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 on any working computer. Click "Create installation media for another PC" and follow the on-screen steps. The tool will ask you to choose your language, edition (Home or Pro), and whether you want 32-bit or 64-bit. Most modern computers use 64-bit. The download takes 20 minutes to an hour depending on your internet speed.

You will need either a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB of free space, or a blank DVD. The tool will erase whatever is on the drive or disc, so make sure it contains nothing you need to keep. Once the tool finishes, you have a bootable installation drive that works on any computer.

Installing Windows 10 on a new computer

Insert your installation USB drive or DVD into the computer where you want to install Windows 10. Restart the computer and watch for a message that says "Press any key to boot from USB" or "Press any key to boot from CD/DVD" — you usually have only a few seconds to press a key. If you miss it, restart again and watch more carefully.

The Windows 10 setup screen will appear. Choose your language and click Next. On the screen that asks "What type of installation do you want?", choose "Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)" if this is a new computer or if you want to erase everything on it. If you are upgrading from Windows 7 or 8 on the same computer, choose "Upgrade: Install Windows and keep files, settings, and applications."

If you chose Custom, the next screen shows your hard drives and partitions. Select the drive where you want to install Windows 10 — usually the largest one — and click Next. Windows will format that drive and begin copying files. This takes 10 to 20 minutes. The computer will restart several times; do not turn it off during this process.

Entering your product key

After the files finish copying, Windows 10 will ask you to enter your product key. This is a 25-character code that looks like XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX. If you purchased Windows 10, this code came in your email confirmation, on a card in the box, or on a sticker on the back of the computer.

Type or paste the product key exactly as it appears. Windows will verify it with Microsoft's servers, which requires an internet connection. If the key is valid, Windows will activate and you can proceed. If you do not have a product key yet, you can click "I don't have a product key" and continue with a temporary installation — you will have 30 days to enter a valid key before Windows stops working properly.

Completing setup and downloading updates

After activation, Windows 10 will ask you to choose your region, keyboard layout, and whether to use recommended settings or customize them. For most users, the recommended settings are fine. You will then create a user account with a password, or sign in with a Microsoft account if you have one.

Once you reach the desktop, Windows will automatically begin checking for and downloading updates. This can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how many updates are available and your internet speed. Do not turn off the computer during this time. You can use it while updates install, but it may run slowly. When updates finish, Windows will ask you to restart.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the computer does not boot from your USB drive or DVD, restart the computer and look for a message about pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc to enter the boot menu. The exact key varies by computer manufacturer. Once in the boot menu, select your USB drive or DVD as the first boot device and save. Restart again and the Windows setup should appear.

If Windows says your product key is invalid, double-check that you typed it correctly — product keys are case-insensitive, but they must be exact. If you are certain the key is correct and it still fails, contact Microsoft Support with your proof of purchase. If you are upgrading from Windows 7 or 8, make sure you are using a key for Windows 10, not your old key.

If the installation stops or fails partway through, restart the computer and try again from the beginning. If it fails multiple times, your USB drive or DVD may be corrupted. Create a new installation drive using the Media Creation Tool on a different USB drive or disc.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Windows 10 without a product key?

Yes. You can install and use Windows 10 without entering a product key, and it will work for 30 days. After 30 days, you will see a watermark on your desktop saying "Activate Windows" and some customization features will be disabled, but the operating system will continue to function. You can enter a valid product key at any time to remove these restrictions.

Do I need internet to install Windows 10?

You do not need internet during the installation itself, but you will need it afterward to activate your product key and download updates. If you do not have internet at home, you can install Windows 10 offline and then connect to the internet at a library or friend's house to activate and update.

What is the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows 10?

64-bit Windows 10 can use more than 4 GB of RAM and runs faster on modern computers. 32-bit is older and slower. Unless your computer is very old (before 2007) or has less than 2 GB of RAM, choose 64-bit. You can check which one your computer supports by looking at your current Windows version in Settings.

Can I use the same product key on multiple computers?

No. Each product key activates Windows on one computer at a time. If you try to use the same key on a second computer, the first one will deactivate. If you own multiple computers, you need a separate product key for each one.

How long does the whole process take?

Creating the installation media takes 20 minutes to an hour. The actual installation takes 10 to 20 minutes. Downloading and installing updates afterward takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on how many updates are available and your internet speed. Plan for at least two to three hours total, and longer if your internet is slow.