No matter how careful you are, no matter how prepared, you will need a Windows 10 ISO file someday. This basic operating principle is particularly true for those of us operating in the unpredictable world of information technology and business systems.

Whether you are preparing for the infamous worst-case scenario or just want to have a backup on hand for testing purposes, creating a Windows 10 ISO file is a must. For more info, visit our Terms of Use page. This may influence how and where their products appear on our site, but vendors cannot pay to influence the content of our reviews. We may be compensated by vendors who appear on this page through methods such as affiliate links or sponsored partnerships. The free Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft grants you the power to create your own bootable Windows 10 backup, but you have to find and download it first.

Upgrading to Windows 10 on a PC that's has an OS already.How to Create an ISO File With Windows Media Creation Tool.

Installing Windows 10 on a Blank Hard drive.

Using your bootable USB Windows 10 media.

Step 8: Windows 10 media creation – USB Flash drive is complete.

Step 7: Creating Windows 10 media starts.

Step 5: Choose Media to use (either USB Flash Drive or ISO file).

Step 4: Choose Language, Windows Edition (Windows 10), 32bit or 64bit architecture.

Step 3: Choose 'Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD or ISO file) for another PC.

Step 2: Accept Microsoft Media creation tool license terms.

Step 1: You must be logged in as Administrator on the PC.

Using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.

Step 4: Run the downloaded Windows 10 media creation tool to create installation media for another PC.

Step 3: Check you meet Windows 10 media creation tool requirements.

Step 2: Choose Using the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive or DVD or ISO).Step 1: Download Windows 10 media creation tool.

Create Windows 10 installation media – USB flash disk.

Windows 10 download – Create Windows 10 installation media.

Create Windows 10 installation media – Navigation

Windows mediacreationtool