Windows 10 download differences?

[AstroBenny]

I currently have Windows 10 installed after upgrading from Windows 7 but I would like to do a fresh install via a USB stick. Which link do I download Windows 10 from?

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

​or 

 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

What's the difference?

[X1XNobleX1X]

I currently have Windows 10 installed after upgrading from Windows 7 but I would like to do a fresh install via a USB stick. Which link do I download Windows 10 from?

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

​or 

 

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO

What's the difference?

Both links, you posted, direct to the same page.

 

Just download either the 32bit or 64bit installer, and follow the prompts.

[AstroBenny]

Both links, you posted, direct to the same page.

 

Just download either the 32bit or 64bit installer, and follow the prompts.

 

I know what you mean. When I click on the links using my PC they direct me to the same page but when I look on my phone they are actually different things..

[FizzyFantom]

As @X1XNobleX1X said those links actually go to the same page.

 

You will need to download one of those executables onto a working PC in order to donwload the ISO. When run the program will give you two options: "Upgrade to Windows 10" or "Donwload Windows 10". You will want to download it, after which it will ask what version you want to download. You will need to select the right edition (Most likely Home or Pro) and the 64bit version. Then wait for it to download.

 

Once it's downloaded put it on a DVD or USB drive and boot the computer from it. As long as that computer has been upgraded to Windows 10 you won't need to put in a Windows licence as it will licence against your hardware.

 

Then simply complete the clean install, activate the licence and install your drivers

[AstroBenny]

Thanks.

 

As @X1XNobleX1X said those links actually go to the same page.

 

You will need to download one of those executables onto a working PC in order to donwload the ISO. When run the program will give you two options: "Upgrade to Windows 10" or "Donwload Windows 10". You will want to download it, after which it will ask what version you want to download. You will need to select the right edition (Most likely Home or Pro) and the 64bit version. Then wait for it to download.

 

Once it's downloaded put it on a DVD or USB drive and boot the computer from it. As long as that computer has been upgraded to Windows 10 you won't need to put in a Windows licence as it will licence against your hardware.

 

Then simply complete the clean install, activate the licence and install your drivers

Thanks! And since I'm doing a clean install I need to install all the chipset/audio/lan drivers etc?

[AstroBenny]

Will purrinf

 

As @X1XNobleX1X said those links actually go to the same page.

 

You will need to download one of those executables onto a working PC in order to donwload the ISO. When run the program will give you two options: "Upgrade to Windows 10" or "Donwload Windows 10". You will want to download it, after which it will ask what version you want to download. You will need to select the right edition (Most likely Home or Pro) and the 64bit version. Then wait for it to download.

 

Once it's downloaded put it on a DVD or USB drive and boot the computer from it. As long as that computer has been upgraded to Windows 10 you won't need to put in a Windows licence as it will licence against your hardware.

 

Then simply complete the clean install, activate the licence and install your drivers

 

And can I put it on to a usb hard drive instead of USB stick? Will it still work?

[FizzyFantom]

Thanks.

 

Thanks! And since I'm doing a clean install I need to install all the chipset/audio/lan drivers etc?

You will do. Windows comes with some drivers, but pretty much nothing will work right on a clean install. You should download the latest drivers from the manufacturers website and install them. Some things need Windows 10 drivers such as printers and graphics cards, but some other things will work with 8.1 drivers if you really can't find them.

 

Will purrinf

 

 

And can I put it on to a usb hard drive instead of USB stick? Will it still work?

Of course. Just remember that putting it on the drive will format it, so you will lose the data that's already on it. I suggest you use Rufus for this:

https://rufus.akeo.ie/

[Speedbird]

I know what you mean. When I click on the links using my PC they direct me to the same page but when I look on my phone they are actually different things..

The website looks at the User Agent of the browser to determine if you are using Windows. If you are using Windows, it will direct you to the first page where you can download the Media Creation Tool, which creates ESD based ISO files. These files take less time to download, but only contain one edition, take more time to install and cannot be verified.

If you are not on Windows, it you will remain on the 2nd page and get to download the WIM based ISO file directly. These files are larger, but they contain both the Home and Pro edition, take less time to install, and can be verified with the SHA1 hash.

I would suggest the first option for beginners.