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The Ultimate Guide to Installing Windows 10 from a Downloaded Image
Installing Windows 10 from a downloaded image, also known as “from an ISO” or ” Rufus installation”, is a straightforward process that requires minimal technical expertise. It’s a great way to create a bootable USB drive with your preferred version of Windows, and install it on any Windows PC without having to physically insert the disc into the computer.
Preparation is Key
Before you start, make sure:
- You have a valid Windows 10 installation media (ISO file) downloaded for the specific version of Windows you want to install.
- Your computer meets the system requirements for Windows 10.
- You have enough free disk space on your USB drive or hard drive.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Insert the USB Drive: Connect the USB drive to your computer and ensure it’s recognized by the operating system. The drive should appear as a removable device in the Disk Management utility.
- Launch Rufus: Download and install Rufus on your computer if you haven’t already. A popular option is to use Rufus from the official website, which is available for Windows 10.
Rufus is a free tool that allows you to create bootable USB drives with various file formats (ISO, IMG, etc.). You can download it from the official website or search online for alternative options.
- Launch Rufus: Once installed, launch Rufus and select your downloaded ISO file as the source.
- Set Up the Drive: Choose a suitable drive letter on your computer to install Windows 10 on (e.g., E:). Click “Start” and set the drive size according to your needs.
The Installation Process
- Boot from USB Drive: Rufus will now boot from the USB drive you selected in step 3. You may see a warning message indicating that your computer should restart.
- Choose Language, Time Zone, and Keyboard Layout: Select your preferred language, time zone, and keyboard layout for Windows 10. Click “Next” to proceed.
- Select Partition Scheme and Disk Options: Choose how you’d like the drive partitions configured (e.g., single partition or dual-boot).
- Activate Windows 10: Enter the product key for your Windows 10 license if prompted. Click “Install Now”.
- Follow Installation Progress: Rufus will guide you through the installation process, which may take several minutes.
- Finish Installation: Once the installation is complete, select your preferred language and keyboard layout. You can then choose whether to install Windows 10 as a dual-boot operating system (allowing both Windows 7/8.x and Windows 10).
Troubleshooting Tips
- Make sure the ISO file is not corrupted or damaged.
- Check the drive size before installing Windows 10 to avoid running out of space during installation.
- If you encounter issues, try creating a new partition on the USB drive or restarting Rufus.
Final Steps
Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed Windows 10 from an downloaded image. Your computer should now have a bootable USB drive with your preferred version of Windows. Be sure to restart your computer and follow any prompts that may appear during the initial setup process.
Windows 10 installation is now complete, and you’re free to enjoy your new operating system on your USB drive!