Windows 11 & Windows 10 ISO Download — Official Direct Links (2026)

Official Microsoft ISO links for Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server. Pick a version below — every link goes to Microsoft's own download server (or UUP Dump, which builds the ISO from Microsoft's update files).

Windows 11 ISO Download (24H2, 23H2, 22H2)

Windows 10 ISO Download (22H2)

Windows Server ISO Download

Server eval versions run 180 days without a product key, then require activation. For KMS client keys: Windows Server 2025 / 2022 Product Keys.

Verify the ISO (SHA-256)

After download, verify the file hasn't been tampered with. Open PowerShell, navigate to the download folder, and run:

Get-FileHash -Algorithm SHA256 .\Win11_24H2_English_x64.iso

Compare the output against Microsoft's published hash on the same download page. If they don't match, re-download — do not run the ISO.

Make a Bootable USB

You need an 8 GB+ USB drive. Use Rufus (free, portable, no install) — the fastest and most reliable tool:

1. Open Rufus and select your USB drive in Device.
2. Click Select and choose the downloaded ISO.
3. Partition scheme: GPT for UEFI (modern hardware), MBR for legacy BIOS.
4. For Windows 11: Rufus offers options to skip the TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and Microsoft account requirements — useful for older hardware or local-account installs.
5. Click Start. Takes 5-10 minutes on USB 3.0.

Alternative: Microsoft's Media Creation Tool works but is slower and offers fewer options.

Install Without a Product Key

You can install Windows from any ISO without entering a product key during setup — just click I don't have a product key at the activation screen. Windows will install fully functional, but with an "Activate Windows" watermark and some personalization settings locked.

If you need a generic key to pick a specific edition during setup, we have the full list here: Windows 10 & 11 Generic Product Keys (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education).

System Requirements

Bypassing the TPM 2.0 / Secure Boot requirement on Windows 11 is possible via Rufus or registry tweaks during setup. Microsoft does not block this but does not officially support it.

Download / Install Error Fixes

FAQ

Is downloading Windows 10 / 11 ISO legal?

Yes. Microsoft publishes all current Windows ISOs publicly and free of charge. You only need a valid product key to activate Windows after install.

Can I use Windows without activating?

Yes. Windows runs without activation indefinitely, just with cosmetic limitations (no personalization, "Activate Windows" watermark on desktop). Updates still work. For permanent activation, you need a paid product key.

Which Windows 11 version should I download — 24H2, 23H2, or 22H2?

Always 24H2 unless you have a specific reason for an older build. 24H2 is the current feature update and gets all security patches. 23H2 and 22H2 still get security updates until their end-of-support date.

Why does Microsoft's download link expire?

The actual ISO URL is a signed temporary CDN link that expires after 24 hours. The download page regenerates it on each visit. Bookmark the download page, not the file URL.

Can I download Windows 11 LTSC?

Yes — Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 is available from Microsoft Evaluation Center. It runs 180 days as eval, then requires a volume license. LTSC is intended for fixed-function devices (medical, kiosks, ATMs) and has a 5-year support window.

What's the difference between Media Creation Tool and ISO download?

Media Creation Tool downloads the install files and either writes them directly to USB or builds an ISO file. ISO download just gives you the .iso file — you then need a separate tool (Rufus, balenaEtcher) to make a USB. ISO is more flexible for power users.

My PC failed Windows 11 compatibility check — what now?

Three options: (1) Use Rufus when building the USB and check the boxes to bypass TPM/Secure Boot/RAM requirements — Windows 11 installs but Microsoft may not offer feature updates. (2) Stay on Windows 10 22H2 until October 2025 EOL. (3) Upgrade hardware to meet Windows 11 spec. We recommend (1) for personal use, (3) for production.

Questions about Windows licensing, M365 deployment, or migrations? Reach out — we've handled 500+ Microsoft deployments.