How to Install Windows 10 from a Downloaded ISO: A Step-by-Step Guide
Installing Windows 10 can be a straightforward process, but it requires some technical knowledge and the right tools. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Windows 10 from a downloaded ISO using the popular tool Rufus.
What is Rufus?
Rufus is a free and open-source tool that allows you to create and manage bootable USB drives or DVDs. It’s widely used for various purposes, including data recovery, system image backup, and even installing operating systems like Windows 10.
Why Use Rufus to Install Windows 10 from an ISO?
There are several reasons why you might want to use Rufus to install Windows 10 from a downloaded ISO:
Convenience: With Rufus, you can quickly create a bootable USB drive or DVD from your ISO file and install Windows 10 without having to download the operating system first.
Easy Backup: Rufus makes it easy to backup your important files and settings before reinstalling Windows 10, ensuring that nothing gets lost in the process.
Streamlined Installation: By using Rufus, you can skip the steps involved in downloading and installing Windows 10, making the installation process faster and more efficient.
System Requirements for Rufus
Before you start using Rufus to install Windows 10 from an ISO, make sure your computer meets the following system requirements:
Operating System: Rufus supports Windows Vista/7/8/8.1/10, Linux, and macOS.
USB Drive or DVD: You need a USB drive or DVD drive with at least 4GB of free space to create a bootable media.
Administrator Privileges: Rufus requires administrator privileges to access the system’s settings.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Installing Windows 10 from an ISO using Rufus
Now that you’ve got your system requirements met and Rufus installed, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for installing Windows 10 from a downloaded ISO:
Download the Windows 10 ISO: Download the latest version of Windows 10 from Microsoft’s official website.
Extract the ISO File: Extract the contents of the ISO file to a folder on your computer (e.g., C:\Windows) or an external drive with enough space.
Run Rufus: Launch Rufus and select the extracted ISO file as the source.
Choose the Boot Order: Select “USB Drive” or “DVD” from the drop-down menu, depending on whether you want to create a bootable media using your USB drive or DVD drive.
Specify the USB Drive/Virtual Machine Settings: Make sure the USB drive/virtual machine settings are set to match your system’s hardware configuration (e.g., SATA, IDE, etc.).
Choose the Install Location: Select the desired installation location for Windows 10 (e.g., C:\Windows, D:\Windows, etc.).
Click “Start”: Click “Start” to start the installation process.
Follow the Installation Wizard: Follow the wizard to complete the installation of Windows 10.
Post-Installation Tasks
After installing Windows 10 from an ISO using Rufus, you may need to perform some post-installation tasks, such as:
Installing Drivers: Install drivers for your hardware components (e.g., graphics card, sound card, etc.).
Configuring Network Settings: Configure network settings, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet connections.
Setting Up User Accounts: Create a user account with administrator privileges.
Conclusion
Installing Windows 10 from an ISO using Rufus is a straightforward process that requires minimal technical knowledge. By following these step-by-step instructions, you can quickly and easily install Windows 10 on your computer without having to download the operating system first. Remember to follow post-installation tasks to ensure a smooth and secure installation experience.