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Installing Windows 10 with the Media Creation Tool
End of support and ESU – what you need to know
Regular support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. This means there are no more free security updates, leaving newly discovered vulnerabilities unprotected. So check whether your device can be upgraded to Windows 11 – on compatible hardware, that's the safer solution. Our guide to Windows 11 with the Media Creation Tool shows you how.
If you still need Windows 10 (e.g. for older software or special hardware), the ESU (Extended Security Updates) program is available for additional security updates. For home users, it's available under certain conditions:
- free via the enabled Windows Backup / settings sync feature,
- for 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points,
- or as a paid option (about 30 USD).
An ESU subscription can be used on up to 10 devices; coverage is documented through around October 2026. Check the exact terms before use on the official Microsoft page (see Sources).
What you need
- A Windows PC with an internet connection to download the Media Creation Tool.
- An empty USB stick with at least 8 GB – its entire contents will be erased.
- The Media Creation Tool for Windows 10 from the official Windows 10 download page.
- A valid Windows 10 license or product key – or a device with a digital license stored in firmware.
- Some time: around 45–90 minutes including updates.
Before you start: back up your data
With a clean installation (the "Custom" option), the target partition is formatted. All data stored on it will be lost – so back up everything important beforehand.
- Back up personal files (documents, pictures, videos, downloads) externally or in the cloud.
- Back up or write down browser bookmarks, passwords, and email accounts.
- Look up license keys for installed programs.
- Connect the power adapter if you're using a laptop.
- Have your Windows 10 product key ready (if you have one).
- Note network/Wi-Fi drivers in case you have no internet access after installation.
Step by step: installing Windows 10
1Download the Media Creation Tool
Open the official Windows 10 download page from Microsoft. The page includes a note about the end of support, but the tool is still available. Click Download tool now, run the file, and accept the license terms.
2Connect the USB stick
Insert the empty USB stick (at least 8 GB) and make sure there are no important files on it – it will be completely erased and reformatted.
3Choose language and architecture
In the tool, select Create installation media for another PC. Then set the Language, edition, and Architecture. For most devices, 64-bit (x64) is correct. With "Use the recommended options for this PC", the tool applies the settings automatically.
4Choose "USB flash drive" as the media
Select USB flash drive instead of "ISO file" and click Next. Identify your stick by its drive letter and be careful not to select an external hard drive.
5Create the installation media
The tool downloads Windows 10 and writes it to the stick. Depending on your connection, this takes 15–30 minutes. Don't disconnect the stick during this time. At the end, the tool reports "Your USB flash drive is ready."
6Boot from the USB stick (boot menu)
Insert the stick into the target PC and turn it on. Open the boot menu right at startup to select the USB stick as the startup drive. The key needed for this (often F12, F9, Esc, or Delete) varies by manufacturer – check your manual. Details are in our UEFI/BIOS and boot menu guide.
7Set language and keyboard
Windows Setup starts. Choose the installation language, time and currency format, and keyboard layout (for the US, "English (United States)"), then click Next, followed by Install now.
8Enter or skip the product key
Enter your product key. If Windows has already been activated on this device before, or a digital license is stored, click I don't have a product key – activation will happen automatically later.
9Choose the edition
If no key is stored, choose the edition that matches your license (e.g. Windows 10 Home or Pro). The edition must match the license, or activation will fail. On OEM devices with a firmware key, the edition is detected automatically.
10Choose Upgrade or "Custom"
After the license terms, choose the installation type:
- Upgrade: files, settings, and apps are kept (only available if you start it from a running Windows).
- Custom: install Windows only: a clean install that erases the target partition – only after backing up your data beforehand.
11Select the partition
In a custom installation, you'll see the disk's partitions. For a clean start, delete the system drive's old partitions and select the unallocated space – Windows creates the required structure automatically. Don't delete data drives you want to keep.
12Wait for the installation
Windows copies the files and restarts several times. Remove the USB stick as soon as the PC restarts for the first time after the copying phase, so it boots from the hard drive.
13Initial setup (OOBE)
Next comes the OOBE (Out-of-Box Experience, the initial setup): region, keyboard, network/Wi-Fi, signing in with a Microsoft account, and privacy and sign-in options. Follow the steps until you reach the desktop.
14Windows Update and drivers
Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update and install all available updates. Download any missing drivers (e.g. graphics or Wi-Fi) from the website of the PC or motherboard manufacturer.
Common problems and solutions
Partition style error (GPT/MBR)
If Setup reports that installation isn't possible on a disk with a specific partition style, boot the USB stick in UEFI mode. Alternatively, in the custom installation, delete all partitions on the target drive and select the unallocated space – Windows will then format it appropriately on its own.
"No drives were found"
If the internal SSD/hard drive isn't shown (common with Intel RST/VMD), click Load driver in the partition step and install the matching storage controller driver from the PC or motherboard manufacturer – not from Microsoft.
Product key isn't accepted
The key is only valid for a specific edition. Check that the installed edition (Home/Pro) matches the license. On OEM devices, activation runs automatically via the firmware key or digital license. Our guide Fixing Windows installation errors covers other cases.
After installation
- Install all updates via Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
- Check ESU options if you want to keep using Windows 10 securely for longer.
- Install any missing drivers (graphics, Wi-Fi, chipset) from the manufacturer.
- Check activation status (see next section).
- Copy your personal data back from the backup.
- Install the programs you need and set up data backups.
Checking activation
Open Settings → Update & Security → Activation. There you'll see whether Windows 10 is activated. If it isn't, enter a valid product key that matches the installed edition.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Should I even install Windows 10 after the end of support?
What is ESU and how do I get it?
Do I need an empty USB stick?
Will my files and programs be kept?
Can I choose "I don't have a product key" during setup?
Can I switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11 later?
How do I boot from the USB stick if the boot menu doesn't appear?
Matching licenses
Do you still need a matching Windows license? Our shop offers various editions. Make sure the edition matches your intended use – and keep the end of support for Windows 10 in mind.
More guides
The complete overview of all the ways to install Windows 10 and 11.
The recommended, safer option on compatible hardware.
Solutions for the most common error messages during Windows installation.
Sources
- Download Windows 10 (Media Creation Tool): microsoft.com/de-de/software-download/windows10
- End of support for Windows 10 and ESU: microsoft.com/de-de/windows/end-of-support
- Windows 11 – specifications and system requirements: microsoft.com/de-de/windows/windows-11-specifications
- Installing Windows 11 (official help): support.microsoft.com – Windows 11 installieren
Last updated: July 2026
