Tutorial: Windows 10 RTM Installation

In this step-by-step tutorial, I will cover Microsoft’s Windows 10 installation, using a downloadable installation image. The installation of 32-bit and 64-bit are the same as this guide. I will try to explain certain options and provide helpful hints along the way, so rather than just following the guide, you can understand the reasoning behind the decisions.

If there are any mistakes, please draw my attention to them and I will correct as needed. I have tried to make this as simple as possible, whilst covering the vast majority of scenarios users will come across whilst installing this operating system.

 

Step 1:

You can download the correct Windows 10 installation image for your computer using several methods. The recommended route is to use Microsoft’s Windows 10 Download Tool, by navigating to their website and following the instructions provided. Alternatively, you can navigate to this Microsoft website and directly download the correct ISO for your computer.

 

Step 2:

Begin by selecting the correct edition for your computer, then click confirm. The webpage will then validate the request and reload, prompting you to select the correct language.

Once validated a second time, the webpage will reload, providing you with the 32-bit and 64-bit download links, as below:

 

Step 3:

Once you have finished downloading the relevant ISO image, burn it to a DVD using your preferred disc burning software.

 

Step 4:

Before you go any further, ensure all important data is backed up in case of data loss on your drives. This guide assumes you have media backups of your hard drives and you are safe to proceed.

Warning: Installing another operating system without first ensuring you have backups of your current files and operating system is a big risk. If you have no data to lose or you’ve backed up important data, you’re ready to proceed. YOU are responsible if you lose data. It goes without saying, that I accept no liability or responsibility for any errors or damages made to your computer during, or after installing this operating system. It is up to the user to ensure proper backups are made of important documents and files.

Ensure you have a network cable connected, restart your computer, and boot from the DVD drive.

 

Step 5:

The DVD will begin to load up and begin the Windows 10 installation. You will be presented with the following screen as the installer starts.

Windows 10 operating system installation

Choose the correct installation language, time and currency format and keyboard language then click on next to continue.

 

Step 6:

Once loaded you will see the following screen.

Windows 10 operating system installation

Click “Install now” to continue with the Windows 10 installation.

 

Step 7

You’ll then be asked to provide the product key to activate Windows.

Windows 10 operating system installation

Type in your product key and click next or “I don’t have a product key” to continue to the next step.

Windows 10 automatically activates once an internet connection has been established. Those reinstalling Windows will be able to click “I don’t have a product key” and Windows will activate once the computer is online again. Those with eligible versions of Windows 7 and 8/8.1 can also enter their product key before continuing with the installation.

 

Step 8

At this screen, you select the relevant version of Windows for your computer.

Windows 10 operating system installation

Highlight the correct option and choose next to continue.

 

Step 9

Before you can proceed with the Windows 10 installation any further you’re required to accept Microsoft’s license terms, as below.

Windows 10 operating system installation

Read the terms, and once you’re happy, tick the “I accept the license terms” box, and click “next” to continue to the next step.

 

Step 10

You will be greeted with the following screen.

Windows 10 operating system installation

For the purposes of this guide, we’ll assume you are performing a fresh Windows 10 installation. Therefore, this tutorial covers the “Custom” option which will install a fresh copy of Windows 10 onto a clean hard drive, without backing up and/or restoring any existing files or settings.

The first option, “upgrade” will allow those running previous versions of Windows to upgrade to Windows 10 whilst keeping all files, settings and applications during the setup of the new operating system.

 

Step 11

The setup will then continue and start the disk manager as below.

Windows 10 operating system installation

Select the correct drive to use for the installation of Windows 10, and click “next” to continue. For those trying this in a Virtual Machine, 30GB of hard drive space should be more than adequate.

This step is the last point in which you can abort the Windows 10 installation without permanent data loss to drives. Please ensure you have working backups before making any partition changes.

 

Step 12

Windows setup will then begin to install Windows 10 to the hard drive, and will work through several stages as detailed below.

Windows 10 operating system installation

 

Step 13

The next screen you see asks you to confirm further Windows settings. You also have the option to choose “use express settings”.

Windows 10 operating system installation

Once you have chosen your default settings, you will be greeted with the following screen.

 

Step 14

Windows 10 operating system installation

To link Windows 10 to your Microsoft account, fill in the boxes above and click sign in. Alternatively, to sign in using a local account, click “skip this step” to move onto the next window.

Windows 10 operating system installation

At this point, you can specify the name of your local account, enter a password and provide a hint before click next to proceed further.

 

Step 15

Windows will now finish the post-installation configuration and prepare the environment for the first usage.

Windows 10 operating system installation

 

Step 16

Windows 10 will then reboot and load the login screen (if a password is required). If no password is set, the desktop will load automatically, as below:

Windows 10 operating system installation

Installation is now complete, and you can enjoy your new OS and begin exploring its features.

Feedback and comments are always welcome. If you feel something is missing or you would like to see something in particular covered in future tutorials let us know in the comments section, or contact me directly.



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