How to Install Windows 10 in 2025 (Still Working Guide)

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How to Install Windows 10 in 2025 (Still Working!) | Full Step-by-Step Guide - TechThumpsWorld

How to Install Windows 10 in 2025 (Still Working!) | Full Step-by-Step Guide

Published: September 6, 2025 • By TechThumpsWorld • 10–15 min read
Install Windows 10 2025 guide

Quick summary: This guide shows a safe way to download the official Windows 10 ISO, create a bootable USB, and do a clean install or upgrade in 2025. Follow the steps carefully — backup your data first.

Table of Contents

Why install Windows 10 in 2025?

Windows 10 remains reliable for many older PCs, legacy software, and certain drivers. If your hardware or software is incompatible with newer Windows versions, a fresh Windows 10 install can bring stability and speed.

Before you start — Backup & Requirements

  • Backup: Copy personal files to external drive or cloud (Google Drive/OneDrive).
  • Minimum requirements: 1 GHz CPU, 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended), 64 GB storage.
  • Tools needed: USB drive (8 GB+), Rufus app for bootable USB, Windows 10 ISO.
  • Product key: If you have a retail/COA key, keep it ready. You can also install without key and activate later.

Step 1 — Download official Windows 10 ISO

Always use official sources. Download from Microsoft to avoid fake or modified ISOs.

  1. Open Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page (official).
  2. Choose edition & language, then download the ISO.
⚠️ Warning: Do not download ISOs from unknown trackers or third-party sites that offer "unlocked" or "pre-activated" copies. They often contain malware.

Step 2 — Create bootable USB using Rufus

We recommend Rufus for creating a bootable USB (simple & reliable).

Rufus steps:
  1. Download Rufus and run as administrator.
  2. Plug a USB (8 GB+). In Rufus, select the USB device.
  3. Under "Boot selection" choose "Disk or ISO image" and select the downloaded Windows 10 ISO.
  4. Partition scheme: GPT for UEFI systems, MBR for older Legacy BIOS. File system: NTFS.
  5. Click Start. Wait until Rufus finishes (this will erase USB contents).

Step 3 — Install Windows 10 (Clean install)

With the USB ready, restart the PC and boot from USB. Use the boot menu (F12/F8/ESC depending on brand) to select the USB.

  1. Choose language and click Install Now.
  2. If asked for a product key, click "I don't have a product key" to continue (you can activate later).
  3. Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) for a clean install.
  4. Delete existing Windows partitions if you want a full clean install (make sure backup is done). Create a new partition and continue.
  5. Follow on-screen prompts. Windows will restart several times.

UEFI vs Legacy BIOS

If your PC supports UEFI, use GPT in Rufus and enable UEFI boot. For older systems choose MBR/Legacy mode.

Post-install steps & activation

  1. Install device drivers from manufacturer website (Chipset, GPU, Wi-Fi).
  2. Run Windows Update until no pending updates remain.
  3. Install essential apps (browser, archive tools, drivers, antivirus).
  4. Activate Windows: Go to Settings → Update & Security → Activation and enter your product key or connect a Microsoft account with a digital license.

Troubleshooting & common errors

1) USB not detected in boot menu

Try another USB port (use rear USB ports on desktops), disable Secure Boot in BIOS temporarily, or recreate the USB with Rufus using a different partition scheme.

2) Error: 0x8007045D / read-write errors

Check the ISO integrity, try a different USB drive, re-download the ISO from Microsoft.

3) Activation failed

Ensure you entered a valid product key. If your device had a digital license, signing into the same Microsoft account should reactivate it.

FAQ

Q: Can I install Windows 10 if I have Windows 11?

A: Yes. You can clean install Windows 10. Make sure your device drivers have Windows 10 support. Backup your files first.

Q: Will installing Windows 10 remove my files?

A: A clean install removes everything on the selected partition. Choose Upgrade if you want to keep apps & files (not recommended for major issues).

Q: Is it legal to download Windows 10 ISO?

A: Yes — downloading the official ISO from Microsoft for installing on devices you own is legal. Do not use pirated or modified ISOs.

Final Notes & Call-to-action

If this guide helped you — please share the post and subscribe to our YouTube channel for video walkthroughs. Embed video below for step-by-step visual help.

Tags: Windows 10, Install Windows 10, Windows 10 ISO, Rufus, TechThumpsWorld

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes. Always use official Microsoft downloads and keep backups of important data.

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