How to Install Windows 10

There are a number of options when it comes to the installation of Windows 10. Some very straightforward others more involved, even complex. Much depends on the context of the installation environment. By context I mean, will it be a clean install or upgrade, or is the installation being performed on a VHD?

Install using win update:

Step 1: Head to Microsoft's Windows 10 download page and click on the link for the 64-bit version. Only use 32-bit if your computer doesn't have a 64-bit processor. There's no need to save the file - just choose the Run option.

Step 2: You will see two options: Upgrade now, or create installation media. Assuming you're trying to upgrade the PC you're running the tool on, choose Upgrade this PC now. The reason for this is that you can't do a clean install straight away as part of the free update

Step 3: Now Windows 10 will start downloading from scratch. We've just tried this on a laptop and there doesn't appear to be any delay from Microsoft's servers, even on launch day.

Step 3: If you would rather create a bootable USB or DVD to install Windows 10 on another computer, or multiple PCs, choose that option. This is a new and easier way to install Windows than dealing with ISO images, as the download tool is an all-in-one utility that will do everything for you. All you need is at least a 4GB USB drive (or single-layer writable DVD). It can also convert the downloaded files to an ISO if that's what you want. You can choose the language, and even to create a bootable drive or disc with both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. What's important is that you choose the right Edition.

Step 4: Accept the license terms when prompted, and the installer will then check your PC for compatibility with Windows 10, that it has enough free space and will download updates. You will not need an activation key for Windows 10 if you are upgrading from an eligible version of Windows 7 or 8.1.

Step 5: When prompted, click to install Windows 10 and your machine will reboot. You'll see a Windows logo, followed by a language selection - UK English should be selected. Windows 10 will then install automatically, keeping all your programs (apart from antivirus), files and settings. However, as we said at the start, it's worth backing up anything you can't afford to lose first.

Step 6: When you finally get to the Windows 10 desktop, allow a bit of time for Windows 10 search for drivers for your hardware. Initially on our test laptop, it seemed as though the graphics card drivers hadn't been found and installed. However, after a few minutes this was all done in the background and the correct resolution set.

From ISO:

• Step 1: Download the Windows 10 ISO image from Microsoft’s web site. Alternatively you can download the web installer from the same page and just choose to upgrade your PC, which is the easiest option.
• Step 2: If you are installing on a regular PC with Windows already on it, you’ll be prompted immediately to start the upgrade process. Alternatively, you can burn it to an optical disk or create a bootable USB flash drive. Otherwise, just attach the ISO image using the virtual machine software of your choice (assuming your virtual machine already has Windows 7 or 8 installed).
• Step 3: Install it mostly by clicking the Next button, making sure to choose Upgrade when prompted. If you want to clean install, follow our clean install instructions instead.
• Note: Now that Windows 10 is released, you’re going to need a valid Windows license key for 7, 8, or 8.1 in order to perform the upgrade.

Install to VHD:

If you install any latest Microsoft OS in a VHD-Boot environment, you’re on your own to upgrade to latest OS. You have to first take the VHD offline and attach it to a VM and do the upgrade and re-attaching it as VHD-Boot. 

Step 1: Create a VHD

You can do this with any VM generator (vmware workstation, oracle vm virtual box, hyper-v)

Step 2: Install Windows on the VHD

Just go through the regular installation process

Step 3: Deploy the VHD with Native boot capabilities

Use the BCDboot tool, located in the \System32 directory of the Windows 7 VHD or in a Windows® 7 Windows PE media, to copy the boot-environment files from the \Windows directory in the VHD to the system partition

Step 4: Boot to the Repair Console to boot to Windows 10

Clean install:

The Windows 10 upgrade process drags old files, settings, and programs from your previous Windows system to your new one. If you want a completely fresh system, though, you have a couple options.

Previously, Microsoft forced users to upgrade to Windows 10 before they could start fresh and do a clean install–which was annoyingly complicated and time-consuming. Now, things are much easier, since you can activate Windows 10 with a Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 key.

Download the Windows 10 media creation tool from Microsoft. This tool will download the correct Windows 10 installation files for your system, and help you create an installation DVD or flash drive. Start it up and select the “Create installation media for another PC” option to create installation media.

Install Windows 10 from the installation media like you would any other operating system. Restart your computer with the USB drive or DVD inserted, and boot from that device. This may require you change a setting in the BIOS, access a boot menu, or use the “Use a device” option in the advanced startup options on a modern Windows 8 or 10 device that includes UEFI firmware instead of the traditional BIOS. Select “Install Now” once the Windows installer starts.

Next, you’ll see the activation screen. What you do here depends on your situation:

• If you’ve never installed and activated Windows 10 on this computer before, you’ll see the activation screen. Enter your Windows 10 key here. If you don’t have one, but you have a valid 7, 8, or 8.1 key, enter it here instead.
• If you’ve ever installed and activated Windows 10 on this computer before, click “I don’t have a product key”. Windows will automatically activate once it’s installed. To ensure it activated correctly, open the Start menu and click on Settings. Click the Update & Security button, and go to the “Activation” tab.