You can still create Windows 10 installation media with Microsoft’s official tools, but Windows 10 reached end of standard support on October 14, 2025. For a supported PC that can run Windows 11, Windows 11 is generally the better choice for a new installation.
Before You Create the USB
Use a blank USB flash drive with enough capacity for Microsoft’s installation media and copy off anything you need first. Creating installation media can erase the USB drive.
Create the Windows 10 Installation USB
- Go to Microsoft’s official Windows 10 download page.
- Use Microsoft’s current Windows 10 installation-media download option if it remains available for your intended repair, recovery, or legacy-system use.
- Run the tool as an administrator.
- Accept the license terms.
- Choose the option to create installation media for another PC.
- Select the appropriate language, edition, and architecture.
- Choose USB flash drive.
- Select the correct USB drive and allow the tool to create the media.
Boot from the USB
Connect the USB to the target PC and use that computer’s boot menu or UEFI/BIOS startup controls to boot from it. The exact key and menu vary by manufacturer.
Back Up Before Installing Windows
A clean installation can remove files, applications, and settings from the destination drive. Back up important data and confirm that you are selecting the correct disk and partition during setup.
Windows 10 Is Out of Standard Support
Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Eligible Windows 10 PCs can receive time-limited Extended Security Updates, but that does not restore normal feature support. Installation media can still be useful for repair, recovery, legacy systems, or other specific needs, but it should not imply that Windows 10 is the preferred operating system for a newly supported PC.
Summary
Use Microsoft’s official installation-media process and a blank USB drive, then boot the target PC from the USB. Consider Windows 11 instead when the hardware supports it.