Download Windows 10 RS3 Version 1607 Build 14393 Anniversary Update Using the Media Creation Tool


DellWindowsReinstallationGuide is written and maintained by Philip Yip. Scotland  , Great Britain (GB),  , United Kingdom (UK)  .

Donations

£1.00

Thanks in advance for leaving any donations Philip.


Legacy Guide

This guide was for Windows 10 Version 1607 which reaches End of Support in March 2018 and is superseded by newer versions. For more details on the latest version see Windows OEM FAQs and Downloads.


Introduction

This guide is Dell Based but equally applies to all other OEMs.

Microsoft's marketing campaign stating the Free Upgrade Promotional Window was Valid for only 1 Year i.e. Ended on the 29/07/2016. This misinformation was a marketing trick to entice as many users to upgrade as soon as possible. Windows 7 OEM/Retail and Windows 8.1 OEM/Retail keys still act as Windows 10 OEM keys during clean installation resulting in normal product activation for systems that have never previously had Windows 10 installed. I last tested this out on an OptiPlex 7010 with its Windows 7 Pro OEM key on the 10/02/2017 (>6 months after).

This OptiPlex 7010 never had Windows 10 Pro installed on it before. To ensure the system was not already a Windows 10 Pro Device I performed the installation without any product key; Windows 10 Pro was not activated confirming the system was not made from a Windows 10 Pro Device (i.e. it hadn't been upgraded in the past). A subsequent Clean Installation of Windows 10 Pro with the Windows 7 Pro key did result in Product Activation. This means the system was newly registered with the Product Activation Server becoming a new Windows 10 Pro Device.

The latest build of Windows 10 has many names. For the sake of indexing I will list them all at the top. Windows 10 RS1 = Windows 10 Redstone 1 = Windows 10 Anniversary Update = Windows 10 Build 14393 = Windows 10 Version 1607 (August 2016).

I'm proud to say with Windows 10 Version 1607 Microsoft have taken into account almost all my feedback on Windows 10 Version 1607 Digital Deployment and Installation. With the Windows 10 Version 1607 Installation .isos there is now no longer any confusion regarding UEFI BIOS Embedded System Locked Preinstallation keys.

Contents

Downloading the Windows 10 Version 1607 .iso and Creating a Bootable USB

Installing Windows 10 Version 1607

The Windows 10 Product Family

There are several Editions of Windows 10. Product keys are not interchangeable between different Editions of Windows 10.

Mainstream OEM and Retail Editions

This guide covers the following mainstream OEM and Retail Editions of Windows 10:

  • Windows 10 Home
  • Windows 10 Home Single Language
  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Education

European Commission Editions

This guide also covers the European Commission Editions of Windows 10:

  • Windows 10 HomeN
  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 EducationN

You may be thinking what is a European Commission N Edition?

  • These are Duplicate Editions which have restricted Media Features due to a lawsuit made from the European Commission.
  • These Editions are rarely used (even in European countries).

North Korean Editions

The instructions in this guide do not cover North Korean Editions:

  • Windows 10 HomeKN
  • Windows 10 ProKN

No comment on North Korean bureaucracy except for the fact that it led to another 2 Editions of Microsoft Windows 10. The instructions in this guide may or may not work for the North Korean Editions. This set of installation guides isn't very popular in North Korea.

Enterprise Editions

The instructions in this guide do not cover Enterprise and Enterprise European Commission Editions:

  • Windows 10 Enterprise
  • Windows 10 EnterpriseN

Windows Mobile Editions

The instructions in this guide do not cover:

System Information

Before you even begin the Windows 10 Download you should know some details about your system. This is best done by looking at system information.

Press [Windows] and [ r ] to bring up the run command:

msinfo32

In the run box type in

msinfo32

Then press ok.

vlcsnap-2016-07-28-12h37m08s491

OS Name and Version

Take a note of the OS Name. This will tell you what Edition of Windows 10 you need to Download. It will also tell you the version you have currently installed:

  • 14393 is RS1 (1607)
  • 10586 is TH2 (1511)
  • 10240 is TH1 (1507)

This guide will instruct in Downloading the Latest Build of Windows 10 Version 1607…

Windows 10 Version 1607 still allows Free Upgrades from Windows 7 OEM and Windows 8.x OEM licenses. Windows 10 Version 1607 treats these as Windows 10 keys and its highly likely it will continue to do so for the rest of time. I previously predicted this when Windows 10 Version 1511 was released. Last tested by myself on the 18/11/2016.

Note: Microsoft's marketing campaign stating the Free Upgrade Promotional Window Ended on the 29/07/2016 can be completely disregarded.

The Windows 10 Version 1607 .iso will automatically select the correct Edition of Windows 10 you are entitled to once you have input your Windows 7 OEM Product Key. In the case of Windows 8.x and 10 OEM keys the key will be automatically picked up from the UEFI BIOS and the correct Edition automatically selected. This will be discussed in more detail later. If you have a Windows 7, 8.x or 10 Retail or 10 Education License then the Product Key is in your confirmation email or printed on the Retail Packaging. For convenience all Retail Upgrade Keys work as Full Keys with Windows 10 Version 1607 Installation Media.

SMBIOS Version

Take a note of the SMBIOS revision…

  • If it is 2.7 or greater you should have a UEFI BIOS with SecureBoot.
  • If it is 2.6 you might have an Early UEFI System (UEFI without SecureBoot) or only a Legacy BIOS. You will need to check your BIOS Setup*.
  • If it is 2.5 you will have a Legacy BIOS.
  • If it is 2.4 you will have a Legacy BIOS and the processor should be checked for 64 Bit compatibility.*
  • If it has an SMBIOS of 2.3 or less its below minimum system requirements for Windows 10.

For Intel processors e.g. the G640 as shown, Google search Intel Ark G640. As the instruction set is 64 Bit I am all set to run Windows 10 64 Bit.

Boot Mode and Secure Boot State

For systems with Windows 8 or Later installed you will have BIOS Mode and SecureBoot State shown. These technologies should be enabled where supported by the hardware.

This information doesn’t show if you are currently running Windows 7. For a Windows 7 install in all cases SecureBoot will be disabled (as its unsupported by Windows 7) and the UEFI Boot may also be disabled.

BIOS Version

You have the System Manufacturer, System Model and BIOS Version/Date. You should compare this with the version offered by your Computer Manufacturer e.g. Dell, HP and Lenovo and Update.

Without the Latest UEFI BIOS Version – Installation of Windows 10 may Fail!!!

See my dedicated guide on the UEFI BIOS which gives more detailed instructions on updating the UEFI BIOS to the latest version.

Note if this is your sole computer do not save changes to your UEFI BIOS settings until you have finished making the Bootable USB.

Original Equipment Manufacturer Licensing

Most systems from Dell, HP, Lenovo etc. come with some version of Windows preinstalled. This is known as an OEM license. Dell, HP, Lenovo is the OEM and you are the End User. OEM licenses are designed to be supported by OEMs on their hardware and as a result OEM licenses are non-transferable. OEM licenses are not meant to be sold to End Users without accompanying hardware.

If you have the following Microsoft Genuine Labels you have a Windows 8.x/10 Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) License. This type of license has a Microsoft Digital Marker (MSDM) embedded in the UEFI BIOS. The MSDM contains a 25 digit System Locked Preinstallation Key which is compatible with Windows 10 Build 14393. You don't need to know this key as it will automatically be input by the Windows 10 Build 14393 .iso and the correct Edition of Windows 10 will be installed. For those interested in more Details see my Windows OEM FAQs.

Win10HomeWin8HomeWin8Bingwin10ProWin8Pro

If you have a Windows 7 Code of Authenticity COA affixed to your system then you have a Windows 7 OEM License and your key is accepted by Windows 10 Build 14393 Installation Media but has to be manually input. The COA contains your Edition of Windows 7 and 25 Digit OEM Product Key. Hint: take a picture of it so its handy for your initial Windows 10 Install.

Windows 7 COA

To prevent the COA from fading the COA is likely residing in the battery compartment of Laptops and inside the computer cover of Desktops. Use your smartphone to take a picture of it before installation.

Laptop COA

If your system is built by a much smaller company it will have a Commerical OEM System Builder License of Windows 10, Windows 8.1 or Windows 7. Hint: take a picture of it so its handy for your initial Windows 10 Install.

If the key on your COA is faded and your system has never had Windows 10 Installed and Activated then you'll need to launch gatherosstate.exe on your base Windows 7 OEM Installation to obtain a Genuine Ticket which you can use to make your system a Windows 10 Edition Device. To do this see The Initial Clean Install of Windows 10 Using a Faded Windows 7 OEM COA. Last tested on the 23/02/2017.

Windows 10 Edition Device

During the initial installation of Windows 10 Edition (this can be an upgrade install from an eligible license or alternatively an initial clean install with a Windows 7/8.x/10 key with internet connection) your systems hardware profile is stored with a Microsoft Product Activation server and given the green light for Product Activation. With this green light your system becomes a Windows 10 Edition Device.

A Windows 10 Edition Device will automatically reactivate when online when Windows 10 Edition (of any build #) is clean installed by skipping entry of the Product Key. This is useful for those with Windows 7 OEM Licenses and Don't Feel like typing the key in every time or for those who have faded COAs.

You may change components e.g. CPU, RAM, Graphics Card, Hard Drive, wireless card and PCIe cards of a Windows 10 Edition Device but you may not change the motherboard.

Downloading a Windows 10 Version 1607 .iso

The Windows 10 Build 14393 .isos are multiple Edition .isos:

  • The Windows 10 .iso contains Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Single Language and Windows 10 Pro.
  • The Windows 10N .iso contains Windows 10 HomeN and Windows 10 ProN.

The Media Creation Tools is here:

Note if the PC you are using to Download Windows 10 isn't running Windows 7, 8.x or 10 you will be given direct Download Links instead of the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. The .isos obtained via a Direct Download won't be multi-Edition in the same manner as those obtained by the Media Creation Toll (see English File Sizes for more details) and you'll need to take care to ensure that you'll select the correct .iso. Note if using Linux to initiate the Download see Create a Windows 10 Bootable USB using Linux.

The rest of this step will instruct only with the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. If you used the Techbench link instead continue here.

Scroll down until you get to Download Tool Now.

download1

download2

The Windows 10 Version 1607 Media Creation Tool is 17,881 KB in size:

RS1MCTProperties (2)

If you right click the Media Creation Tool and select properties:

RS1MCTProperties (3)

Then navigate to the Details tab it will tell you the version:

RS1MCTProperties (4)

RS1MCTProperties (1)

Launch the tool and accept the user account control.

uac

Scroll down then accept the License Agreement screen:

rs1a rs1b rs1c

Select Create Installation Media for Another PC.

Do not select Upgrade Now

vlcsnap-2016-08-02-22h32m43s568

Rs1E

The tool is supposed to automatically select the correct language, architecture and edition. You may wish to check this in particular if you are running Windows 7 with English (UK). For Windows 7 English (UK) and English (US) weren't separate languages and Windows 10 unfortunately assumes that any English Windows 7 install requires a Windows 10 (US) iso.

I will use English (UK) as an example:

Uncheck use Recommend options for this PC if you are needing another Edition (for another PC or it has made the wrong selection of Language):

rs1f

Select your desired Language. I will use proper English (United Kingdom):

rs1g rs1h

Select your Edition. In almost all cases this will be Windows 10.

The Windows 10 .iso is a 4 Edition .iso containing:

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home
  • Windows 10 Home Single Language
  • Windows 10 Education

"Windows 10" hence covers virtually all the Dell OEM Licenses for Windows 7, Windows 8.x and Windows 10 and most the Retail Licenses.

The Media Creation Tool also offers a Windows 10 Home Single Language .iso if you select this option you'll download exactly the same 4 Edition .iso.

Windows 10N .iso is a 3 Edition .iso containing:

  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN
  • Windows 10 EducationN

This is a variant of Windows 10 created to satisfy Brussels bureaucrats i.e. is a European Commission subset of the Windows 10 Product Family without Media Player. It is rare even in European countries. Windows 10N and Windows 10 keys are not interchangeable.

mct

In almost all cases you want a 64 Bit architecture. The 32 Bit architecture should only be used for under powered older computers (Early Windows Vista systems).

rs1j

Once you've made your select select Next:

rs1k

Although the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool can create a FAT32 Bootable USB Flash Drive directly I prefer to download the .iso file and save it to an external hard drive. This way it is easy to remake a bootable USB should something go wrong when attempting to create the first one for instance files not copying across completely:

rs1l rs1m

Select your location for the download e.g. in my case Downloads. Name your .iso accordingly and select Save:

rs1n rs1o

It will take a while to download:

rs1p rs1q rs1r

When done select Finish:

rs1s

Ignore the message about burning the .iso to a DVD. DVDs are obsolete and a USB flash drive should be used. Its faster to make the USB, install Windows from the USB and also a FAT32 formated USB is accepted by a UEFI BIOS with SecureBoot. A DVD may be rejected in many cases.

English File Sizes

The Sizes and Each Edition the .isos contain are listed for the Version 1607 Build 14393 .isos.

The English UK .isos obtained via the Media Creation Tool were the following size:

Windows 10 x64 = Windows 10 Single Language x64 (3,416,000 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home
  • Windows 10 Home Single Language
  • Windows 10 Education

Windows 10N x64 (3,096,192 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN
  • Windows 10 EducationN

Windows 10 x86= Windows 10 Single Language X86 (2,714,624 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home
  • Windows 10 Home Single Language
  • Windows 10 Education

Windows 10N x86 (2,416,256 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN
  • Windows 10 EducationN

Windows 10 x64 & x86= Windows 10 Single Language x64 & x86 (6,168,960 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home
  • Windows 10 Home Single Language
  • Windows 10 Education

Windows 10N x64 & x86 (5,550,848 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN
  • Windows 10 EducationN

The English US .isos obtained via the Media Creation Tool were the following size:

usa-flags2

Windows 10 x64 = Windows 10 Single Language x64 (3,545,472 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home
  • Windows 10 Home Single Language
  • Windows 10 Education

Windows 10N x64 (3,093,632 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN
  • Windows 10 EducationN

Windows 10 x86 = Windows 10 Single Language x86 (2,854,848 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home
  • Windows 10 Home Single Language
  • Windows 10 Education

Windows 10N x86 (2,416,832 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN
  • Windows 10 EducationN

Windows 10 x64 & x86 = Windows 10 Single Language x64 & x86 (5,548,864 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home
  • Windows 10 Home Single Language
  • Windows 10 Education

Windows 10N x64 & x86 (6,438,656 KB)

Editions:

  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN
  • Windows 10 EducationN

As you can see the size appears to be different for Languages and Editions.

Some people are asking for MD5, SHA1, SHA256 codes to verify their .iso however because the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool downloads files, checks them and then creates a .iso from them. There is no need to check whether the .iso is from a complete download. Moreover because the .iso is physically created on your computer the MD5, SHA1 and SHA256 codes will be unique.

For those that went for direct Download links the .isos obtained are vastly different(and because they main .isos contain less Editions are slightly inferior…

Note English International = English UK and English = English US according to Microsoft.

The English UK .isos were:

Win10_1607_EnglishInternational_x64 (4,139,000 KB)

  • MD5: 57532598fd918fec63b287ea4228515e
  • SHA1: 47d274a604e38b8b80b47630beaa8ffcc7d2980d
  • SHA256: 4e874b0df4319b20b5759b05a2a337407a29e1d5b40e3b494b299c18cc35dcac

Editions

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home

Win10_1607_SingleLang_EnglishInternational_x64 (4,042,908 KB)

  • MD5: c388062598df063f1f53ef76ef2f4176
  • SHA1: 1509582865d312704fc3bdaef84db0b9ad3de47a
  • SHA256: d62ebd44cdc7d8640dbe5235293afc5d0ecef4f9813c406dd118fcdb090f5293

Edition

  • Windows 10 Home Single Language

Win10_1607_Education_EnglishInternational_x64 (3,815,120 KB)

  • MD5: b82308b2830bff9051531a1b92696773
  • SHA1: 816da69e56cae815a228447317c3694975da74b5
  • SHA256: 2a81a9e24f983b0c8addfcb672d60da9a8f5658802ef9704349b3490af4a8a63

Edition

  • Windows 10 Education

Win10_1607_N_EnglishInternational_x64 (3,720,974 KB)

  • MD5: 81b4a6b5bf5601915e8f63ef76d58c12
  • SHA1: 6faf71e710bc7670e55cb95a32fd9787ccec2047
  • SHA256: 6fd6db7d931d115ab6f09523be3d6b1f755cddb6ea6a9cb913e94203002a2ac5

Editions

  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN

Win10_1607_Education_N_EnglishInternational_x64 (3,630,350 KB)

  • MD5: 398c897e272ec3129045341467b061ee
  • SHA1: 725e64ac5d729f0d3e6b74c29b444219ac13ac2a
  • SHA256: b3dfaabb0ac65d48719d929a839e145c25d11f10ce96161077cedef0e92c85fd

Edition

  • Windows 10 EducationN

Win10_1607_EnglishInternational_x32 (3,160,446 KB)

  • MD5: 5d0f70f267d7c48411a2af9126f2a0f5
  • SHA1: 7b4645863209ffe5b2f1e2044cac8d4085046fc5
  • SHA256: 640a9e2f04b7346cead50764edb450836c80c71b5655ea2d66766b1d1e9c7431

Editions

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home

Win10_1607_SingleLang_EnglishInternational_x32 (3,086,400 KB)

  • MD5: 6577a006bcb1bcb71cbbdf3128f82812
  • SHA1: 0e05bf30d1c3215f512d742bbe5bbac3097f26d5
  • SHA256: 6e67bf36c9764077f44d34b4bd070bdb9ec51e74878bd53ebf2194b15fa11460

Edition

  • Windows 10 Home Single Language

Win10_1607_Education_EnglishInternational_x32 (2,838,956 KB)

  • MD5: b668d4813ae24a25cfc5f17feb7c15c2
  • SHA1: 8f5f4d03eb1473041d0253f416e203cbc03885bc
  • SHA256: 8005b226a155e7eb9cc1e0c37cf0c3175182801d04d488805f0f25b8690452fe

Edition

  • Windows 10 Education

Win10_1607_N_EnglishInternational_x86 (2,779,794 KB)

  • MD5: 2cafc511e94e33c97fd4d405bccfc36f
  • SHA1: 2951c2cae25a019b8d3152a76134a0e0f6110f56
  • SHA256: 6f1b499281418b3dea2d70a001229c023332f660d1d082591876b874836da3fe

Editions

  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN

Win10_1607_Education_N_EnglishInternational_x86 (2,725,084 KB)

  • MD5: f5d4232945ba84057305b03960ee906e
  • SHA1: fbaa1dcdfa47c6533f7eaeeb1885dfd29118ee3c
  • SHA256: e988a49b1909ea503304ac266c67aadb98be261ecc125fbeefe8f19f4a308797

Edition

  • Windows 10 EducationN

The English US .isos were:

usa-flags2

Win10_1607_English_x64 (4,277,722 KB)

  • MD5: 88b98698600511dcd69596df92b242e5
  • SHA1: 99fd8082a609997ae97a514dca22becf20420891
  • SHA256: a01d0ce50c4c91964dfae08a5590a1d8e2a445cd80bb26eea4fee0f90198231a

Editions

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home

Win10_1607_SingleLang_English_x64 (4,192,718 KB)

  • MD5: 566354bc12d351693db22d830baa764e
  • SHA1: 1b96a03bb876798b5c0d5ed216f8932de7b9567e
  • SHA256: 06f760d1646fe39a38bf9d008a877bcc683a28406a33c58087f8dd9ecfef44b3

Edition

  • Windows 10 Home Single Language

Win10_1607_Education_English_x64 (3,815,356 KB)

  • MD5: ab8d50ce9f14d8045934bca6f7344524
  • SHA1: eee7c0e49c71533883b205dcae0c82c75cd4b4ad
  • SHA256: 482d27f1051fb7c88b625d918464eeaf481c20e241062d9010b0212b5d4c133d

Edition

  • Windows 10 Education

Win10_1607_N_English_x64 (3,637,854 KB)

  • MD5: ba94bfd1c2bffcc61abaa4f6e7a0f9db
  • SHA1: 8e21b5ec1c2a0955f55ac6e0c77aa9634d832570
  • SHA256: 07d3cebfb936074f9fabb05a08444c38a6a1c448bdbf8e01b909d23e1692a9d2

Editions

  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN

Win10_1607_Education_N_English_x64 (3,637,854 KB)

  • MD5: 023b184d6b63a5be15699291509d36e2
  • SHA1: 0ee83f4f049cdf84545bba65b96002bbde6bfdcf
  • SHA256: 9bf555cf5ff9cd13cc4950a6e4e2f4ca3ab92b9ac9901f3b3d6d911e94ba0f1f

Edition

  • Windows 10 EducationN

Win10_1607_English_x32 (3,303,260 KB)

  • MD5: 4fee637ee28f5ef78d451bdeb8a5b82c
  • SHA1: 5a4d2c953d884578a6adb448bee5753b80ec1cfa
  • SHA256: 4dc5fef30b4211adc7c94e8d6b5b4ce98d8aba52a829057957e24b853dca9d92

Editions

  • Windows 10 Pro
  • Windows 10 Home

Win10_1607_SingleLang_English_x32 (2,848,924 KB)

  • MD5: 98cf5797ecf2b5dc2253f19d9975d837
  • SHA1: 2509e8d2a2dc5c5d0c102bb29f9e8ec8083d8664
  • SHA256: 64cc6cc05f90ca48e5258699ffeb9880f2c70e80bc098c668998add19b6b067c

Edition

  • Windows 10 Home Single Language

Win10_1607_Education_English_x32 (2,848,924 KB)

  • MD5: cdf52846414abcb207cde3d5189fd0d7
  • SHA1: 816153ee450ff07600ebc4266d60687fd0939aea
  • SHA256: 4a5bd61973d7a5b6c900a8ab03e416038b89f924d6d97b74482d4a685295416d

Edition

  • Windows 10 Education

Win10_1607_N_English_x32 (2,778,004 KB)

  • MD5: 5083839a428140304484b77f204ee0ea
  • SHA1: 0da160fd2a2d1952d86b83663ac50eda96c0e7f5
  • SHA256: cecfa0b0e8d97f8dc379aeb69b35208d60e9005cf7cc9e57b0616bb17d06801f
  • Windows 10 ProN
  • Windows 10 HomeN

Win10_1607_Education_N_English_x32 (2,720,654 KB)

  • MD5: f8c711ed592b59f3d81c17a4940f88f9
  • SHA1: bf2ee8f5fd96cb40ff774fb2cb3261c845e35e9d
  • SHA256: 6051424b71f826b398d6ac67ac1fc08588a0b4797a7bc707144fa3700476d078

Edition

  • Windows 10 EducationN

Creating a Bootable USB Flash Drive

With this .iso you may use Rufus to create a bootable USB:

Rufus does not need to be installed and can be run directly by double clicking on the application.

2

Accept the User Account Control Prompt:

3

The order that you use Rufus is important failure to perform the steps in the order listed may lead to an incorrectly created Bootable USB

1. Select the USB Device:

6

2. Load the .iso:

Press the button to load the .iso:

8

Select the .iso and select open:

10

3. Check the Checksums (optional).

Rufus has the option to check the checksums.

12

13

4. Rename the volume label (optional).

I like to include the build number and the architecture in my volume Label.

e.g. I use labels like:

  • Win10_14393_x64
  • Win10N_14393_x64
  • Win10SL_14393_x64
  • Win10_14393_x64_MBR
  • Win10N_14393_x64_MBR
  • Win10SL_14393_x64_MBR

15

5. Select the Partition Scheme and then Target System Type.

  • If you have a system with a SMBIOS version of 2.7 or later or a SMBIOS version of 2.6 that has support for a UEFI Boot select the GPT Partition scheme. The File System has to be FAT32 in order to pass SecureBoot. This will only work with 64 Bit Windows 10.
  • If you have a system with a SMBIOS version of 2.4 or 2.5 or a SMBIOS version of 2.6 that doesn't support a UEFI Boot select the MBR Partition scheme. The File System will be NTFS formatted.

16win10mbr

6. Click Start

24

Select OK:

26

Wait until Rufus says READY then you can close it an use your Bootable USB.

33

Last Preparation Steps

The rest of this guide will take you through "A Clean Installation" which is the best way to install Windows without any performance losses. A Clean Installation will result in the loss of data.

It is assumed that you have backed up all your personal data in the (Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures and Videos folders) to an external hard drive and/or cloud storage. For more information see Backing up your files.

If you want to backup your entire previous Windows Installation as system image see my guide Backing up your Windows Installation using Macrium Reflect.

Clean Installing Windows from Windows 10 Installation Media only FORMATS the system Drive it does not WIPE it. If you are wanting to sell your computer on 2nd hand or are suffering from a nasty Malware infection you should WIPE your system drive. See my guide Cleaning up a Drive: SSD and HDD.

If you are clean installing Windows 10 because the OS won't boot and you cannot Recover your Data follow my guide Data Recovery using Fedora.

Booting from Windows 10 Version 1607 Installation Media

Power down your computer. Disconnect any additional external hard drive(s) and USB storage in addition to any unnecessary USB peripherals such as printers/scanners.

Insert your Windows 10 Version 1607 Bootable USB.

If you haven't enabled a UEFI Boot with Secure Boot and have an SMBIOS version of 2.7 or later or enabled a UEFI Boot and have an SMBIOS of version 2.6 where a UEFI Boot is supported, see my dedicated UEFI BIOS guide which instructs on enabling these technologies and troubleshooting if you can't Boot from your Windows 10 USB Flash Drive.

Power on your Dell and quickly hold down F12 to Enter the UEFI BIOS Boot Menu. For other OEMs you may have to use alternatively keys such as [Esc] or [F1], [F12].

vlcsnap-2016-07-28-16h27m45s730 vlcsnap-2016-07-28-16h27m55s273

Press the ↓ arrow and select your Windows 10 Recovery USB Flash Drive and press [Enter]

vlcsnap-2016-07-28-17h20m15s301

The Windows 10 Version 1607 Setup Part 1: Language Options

You will be presented with a black screen.

vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h10m24s111

Select, Language (this is locked to the .iso you decided to Download), Time and Currency Format and Keyboard or Input Method. In this example I select proper English…

When you have made your selection select next:

vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h10m32s235

Select Install Now:

vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h10m41s193

The setup will start:

vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h10m47s433

The Windows 10 Version 1607 Setup Part 2: The Product Key

If you have an UEFI OEM SLP key it should automatically be input, dictating the Edition and taking you straight to the license agreement screen.

Should you not want to install the Edition Corresponding to your UEFI BIOS SLP Key (requires a Full Retail Key of another Windows 10 Edition) you can an EI.cfg file to your installation media to override the UEFI BIOS SLP key using an EI.cfg file. This is not recommended in most cases.

Win10OEMCorrect

If you have a Windows 7 OEM License or any Retail License you will be presented with the input your Product Key Screen:

Win10RS1NOUEFISLPKey

If you are installing Windows 10 for the first time only (i.e. on a Device that has never had Windows 10 Edition installed and activated) you will need to enter the 25 digit product key. After inputting the Product Key the correct Edition of Windows 10 will be installed.

If the system is a Windows 10 Edition Device there is No Need to Enter the Product Key Ever Again! as the Windows 10 Edition Device will Automatically Reactivate Online*. Note all systems upgraded via the Windows Insider Preview Build 10130 are Windows 10 Pro Devices. To save time simply select "I don't have a Product Key".

* This automatically reactivation won't occur if you install the wrong Edition.

windows 10 th2

The .isos are multi Edition .isos ensure that you select the correct Edition and then select Next (if you haven't input your key):

  • If your OEM or Retail key is for Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 8.x (Home) opt to install Windows 10 Home.
  • If your OEM or Retail key is for Windows Professional, Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 8.x Pro opt to install Windows 10 Pro.

RS 10 Editions RS1 10N Editions

The Windows 10 Version 1607 Setup Part 3: Drive Options

Read the license agreement, check “I accept these terms” and then select next:

RS1install1

On the next screen you will be given the option to “Upgrade” or “Clean Reinstall”.

To Clean Reinstall select Custom. The following steps will result in loss of data so cancel the installation and backup your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage if you haven’t already done so. I never recommend Upgrade installs.

vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h11m21s939

In the next screen you should be shown your drive(s). If you don’t and have a blank screen as shown you will need to select Load Driver… The need to load a driver for a Windows 10 Installation is however very rare as Windows 10 Installation Media is kept up to date and hence covers most hardware. For more details see Preparing and Loading Preinstallation SATA Drivers.

vlcsnap-2015-08-09-11h37m51s919

It is advised to delete all partitions on the drive. This includes any old Recovery Partitions which will no longer work after A Clean Windows 10 Installation or a Windows OS Upgrade. I will demonstrate a UEFI install on a 1 TB HSSD in an OptiPlex 7010. This lists the single internal SSD as Drive 0. The drive has an old Windows 10 install.

Drive Deletion1

In most cases you will have a single Drive 0. Select the top partition, then select delete and then select OK at the warning. Repeat this for all partitions one by one until your system looks like this:

vlcsnap-2016-07-28-19h22m34s638

If you have multiple drive(s) you will see Drive 0, Drive 1 and Drive 2…. and you will need to pick the drive you wish to install Windows on. Obviously don't delete partitions on Drives you wish to remain as Data Drives.

vlcsnap-2016-07-28-19h22m47s383

Windows will begin to install and depending on your hardware may take some time to go through all the steps:

vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h14m18s308vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h14m50s178

When its finished you will be warned about a restart. Select restart now or wait 10 seconds:

vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h14m59s606

The Windows 10 Version 1607 Setup Part 4: Account and End of Setup

Your computer will restart and Windows will take some time to get your devices ready.

vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h15m41s506vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h16m53s160vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h16m58s098

The setup will restart:

vlcsnap-2015-08-09-10h10m24s111

Note if you are going to sell or hand down your Windows 10 Device, you can force shut it down here and remove the Windows 10 Installation USB…. The new owner can continue with the setup.

If you are connected to an ethernet or offline the next few screens won’t show. Select your wireless network:

vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h25m49s551

Input your wireless password and select next:

vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h26m00s510vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h26m10s066

Select customise settings and press “next” once you’ve made your desired selection on each page or use the express settings:

RS1 Settings1 (1) RS1 Settings1 (2) RS1 Settings1 (3) RS1 Settings1 (4) RS1 Settings1 (6) RS1 Settings1 (7)

Next select “I own it” for a home PC or “My organisation” for a work PC:

RS1 Settings1 (8)

For “I Own It” sign in with a Microsoft Account (recommended by Microsoft so you can use all of Microsoft’s services in particular OneDrive).

Alternatively skip this step and sign in with a local account (recommended if you want to make a pseudo-Factory image with Dell Backup and Recovery without your Microsoft Account login details). A Local Account can later be converted to a Microsoft Account:

RS1 Settings1 (9)

The PC will configure the last stages and install Apps (which now work as Windows):

RS1 Settingsa (1) RS1 Settingsa (3)

RS1 Settingsa (2)

You can the opt to use Cortana or not:

RS1 Settings1 (10)

 

vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h27m40s170vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h27m45s109vlcsnap-2015-07-16-07h30m02s175

You should now be in the Windows 10 Desktop:

RS1 Desktop

Installing System Drivers

Windows 10 has many, many drivers inbuilt particularly for Intel hardware. Windows 10 gives basic functionality for most Network Integrated Controllers (NIC) and wireless cards.

For drivers Windows 10 doesn't have inbuilt it often obtains them automatically via Windows Update. Let me give an example. Here is an OptiPlex 7010 and here is a look at its Device Manager with a Windows 10 Clean Install. You can see that without doing anything after a few minutes all the system drivers are automatically installed… Pretty impressive!!!

Win10Drivers

There are some driver issues however…

Intel Management Engine Interface

One of the most common ones is the Intel Management Engine Interface driver that Windows 10 installs is old version 11.0.0.1157 and this causes a back screen when coming out of sleep and an incorrect shutdown often draining the system battery. This effects almost every system that has Intel hardware and an SMBIOS version of 2.6 or later.

To check the version right click the start button and then left click Device Manager. Expand system Devices and right click Intel Management Engine Interface. Then select properties. In the dialogue box left click the driver tab. Check the version:

Intel Management Engine Interface

The latest version of Intel Management Engine Interface can be downloaded from Intel here.

Intel Management Engine Interface2

First right click the download and then select extract:

Extract Intel Management Engine Interface

You want to go to the ME_SW_MSI folder and then to the production subfolder. You then want to launch the .exe and install as normal:

Intel Management Engine Interface Install

You can then once again check the version installed in the Device Manager:

Intel Management Engine Interface 3

Touchpads

There have also been Touchpad issues reported since the release of Windows 8 which seem to carry through onto Windows 10. This can be resolved by a forced installation of one of the newer drivers via the Device Manager follow my guide Dell Touchpad Drivers.

Wireless Cards

Some have been reporting some instability with inbuilt wireless card drivers. For convenience I've listed Dell Wireless Cards by hardware IDs meaning I have some newer Windows 10 drivers in many cases ewer than Dell will list on your Drivers and Downloads page.See my guide Dell Wireless Cards.

Dell Quickset

You may wish to visit the Downloads.Dell.com page for your system and install Dell Quickset if listed.

Other Drivers

I've found systems with the Intel AMT SOL/LMS, Ricoh Card Reader or Free Fall Sensor require the Windows 7/8.1 driver to be installed.

If your system is new Dell may have some more up to date Windows 10 64 Bit drivers which may be installed.

After an hour of having Windows 10 online you may wish to Check your systems Hardware IDs and if you have any unknown devices you require drivers for ask on the Dell Microsoft OS Forum providing the OS Name, OS Build, system manufacturer, system model, BIOS version, SMBIOS version and the list of hardware IDs.

Other Software

Recommended third party Security Software:

Recommended additional Microsoft software:

Recommended additional Dell software:

Recommended additional third party software:

Checking the New Edition of Windows 10 and Activation Status

Right click the Start button and select system:

th2b

Check your Windows Edition at the top and ensure that Windows is activated to the bottom. Note the Product ID may change slightly from the original install but Windows should be activated…

systemproperties

If Windows isn't activated leave it 2 hours as the Activation Servers may be swamped and try again. If you still aren't activated follow the instructions in Windows 10 Home to Pro but use your own key instead of the generic Pro Product Key.

Press [Windows] and [ r ] and type in winver:

winver

This will bring up the Windows 10 version 1607 (Build 14393). 1607 meaning July 2016.

winver2

Overriding the UEFI BIOS Embedded SLP Key

There are a few scenarios where one wants to clean install a different edition of Windows 10 but are forced to install the edition of Windows 10 that their UEFI BIOS SLP key corresponds to.

To override the UEFI BIOS SLP key you can add an EI.cfg.

To make an EI.cfg  open up notepad and add the following to the file:

[Channel]
_Default
[VL]
0

eia-1

Then select File → Save As…

eia-2

Under save as type, select "All Files". Then call the file EI.cfg

eia-3

Then copy the EI.cfg file to the sources folder of your Bootable USB Flash Drive:

eia-4

Now during installation even if you have a UEFI BIOS SLP key you will be asked what Edition of Windows 10 you want to install:

RS 10 Editions

Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Home Single Language → Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Education

If you have a Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Home Single Language compatible UEFI BIOS embedded SLP key then installation media will automatically input the UEFI BIOS embedded SLP key and proceed with the installation of Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Home Single Language. This will make your system a Windows 10 Home Device or Windows 10 Home Single Language Device…

For those who have made their system a Windows 10 Pro Device (e.g. by use of the Insider Build 10130) one will have to change the product key to the generic Pro product key. To do this right click start and select system:

1

Then select "Change Product Key":

2

Accept the UAC prompt:

5

Input the following Windows 10 Pro generic product key:

  • VK7JG-NPHTM-C97JM-9MPGT-3V66T

Alternatively use your own Windows 10 Pro Key if you've purchase it.

3

Then select Start Upgrade:

4

Continue with the Pro install

vlcsnap-2015-12-22-05h57m58s185

When its done Windows will restart twice and configure the update:

vlcsnap-2015-12-22-05h58m16s088 vlcsnap-2015-12-22-05h58m22s076 vlcsnap-2015-12-22-05h58m30s957  vlcsnap-2015-12-22-05h59m15s597 vlcsnap-2015-12-22-05h59m19s676 vlcsnap-2015-12-22-05h59m31s519 vlcsnap-2015-12-22-05h59m49s633 vlcsnap-2015-12-22-05h59m54s344

You will now reach the Windows 10 Pro Version 1607 Desktop. Right click the Start button and select System:

1

Windows 10 Pro Version 1607 will automatically reactivate on a Windows 10 Pro Device:

24a

Make a Donation Button

65 thoughts on “Download Windows 10 RS3 Version 1607 Build 14393 Anniversary Update Using the Media Creation Tool

  1. N editions..(i.e., Windows 8 N, Windows 8 Pro N ) specially destined for European markets..

  2. My PC DELL D820 4 GB RAM 250 GB HD, win7 pro 32 bit registered, i upgrade to win10 with windows update yesterday. After download and installation when win10 start at screen with window and welcome the pc always reboot. Some hint? tanks. Fabrizio

      1. Intel 945GM Graphics Controller, a few moment before screen with window there is another screen light magenta then window screen then reboot

      2. I have docking station, i can test uograde without this facility

      3. Try without the docking station I have the same configuration and it works. I haven't tested my docking station out with Windows 10 yet.

  3. I have dell 7537 laptop, recently upgraded windows 10 and its in reboot loop. Unfortunately I don't have windows 8 recovery disk also by default dell doesn't provide the product key. Can I download windows 10 and do clean install? Does it prompt for product key. Any suggestions. Also any links to download the recovery disk. Since I'm out of warranty dell asking me 30 pounds for recovery disc.

      1. Thanks Philip the article is useful and I'm able to get my product key using RW. When I use GPT with Secure Boot I don't get option to boot from USB. Only if I use legacy I get option to boot from USB. can I install the Windows 8.1 with MBR (instead of GPT) and it will still use the product key embedded in Hardware. Or it needs to be GPT, if so can you provide guide or link to boot from USB with GPT & Secure Boot Enabled.

        btw your articles was too good and very helpful, great job.

  4. I tried steps and it worked like charm, I'm back windows 8.1 :-). Many Thanks. Will try windows 10 upgrade now after disabling the NVidia GeForce card.

  5. hi, id really appreciate some advice. cant seem to get this to work, got the reinstall of the pro version created via the media creation tool from the 10130 build. it seemed to clean install rather than update install. Had an enter cd key screen on install, skipped this then reached desktop, states not activated, and under the error code box mentioned something about this key has been blocked or some such. did state under win ver its tied to me though. Did i miss something?

    1. If you are doing clean install then it won't work as wimdows10 doesn't seem to accept windows 7 or 8 key. The only way is to get reinstalled windows 8 and check it's activated and then do upgrade to windows 10.

      1. thats the odd thing thats what i did.
        10130 build, install, activated, signed into my acct.
        created the win10 pro via the media creation tool, (usb and iso just in case), plugged in the usb, launched set up from the win10 desktop and it seemed to run as a full install rather than an upgrade, i was not given in a option….

      2. The tool gives you the option to update this PC or to make recovery media… Also I signed in with the Microsoft Account during Installation of 10130…

  6. so heres an idea, ive just ran through again. after the first reboot (after launching setup.exe from the desktop) we start the install process from scratch, choose lang etc > reach the upgrade / custom install section screen. as im using partitions i *need* to select the partition i am using, as upgrade would most likely use the wrong partition, could this be where the problem is?

    1. There is no option to select the partition to install Windows 10 on via the upgrade it upgrades your existing Windows partition.

  7. As I Had problems with HDD on my Dell XPS L702X windows 7 home premium OA
    I have done clean install of you windows 10 build which is activated now
    While trying to update to following the above instruction
    USB created and updates are installed
    windows 10 setup asks me to enter a product key
    I have tried the one you gave for windows 10 build … and original windows 7 home premium OA but none of those product keys worked.
    please help

  8. Hi Philip,

    Thanks for the great guide. Would appreciate if you could help me with some questions.

    1) How do I determine if I should download US or UK edition? My current OS is Windows 10 Home Single Language upgraded from Windows 8.

    2) I have extracted my Windows key using Belarc Advisor. I assume this is my OEM Win10 key? Will this key differ from my original Win8 key?

    3) I have an Alienware X51 and have created a system recovery disc(USB) using AlienRespawn while on Windows 10. How does this differ to using your clean install methods?

    4) I've read somewhere that the OEM keys/licences are tied down to the motherboard/BIOS? Do I have the option of changing my motherboard while using the same key? I was planning to salvage most of the hardware into a new case for some upgrades, including a new motherboard. I'm still unsure of whether I can re-use my OEM key on a new motherboard.

    Thanks in advance!

    1. 1. For Windows 8 and Windows 8.1. The Single Language Edition was paradoxically not actually tied to a Single Language… You could install English UK Single Language, English US Single Language, French Single Language, Spanish Single Language etc etc using the same product key. You just couldn't change the language within Windows using a Language Pack (i.e. have to do a full Windows OS Clean Install to change language). The Single Language Edition is silly in my opinion and I was hoping Microsoft would drop it and merge it with the main Edition unfortunately they didn't. Having 2 Language Editions of English is also silly as they are the same language.

      Likely its the same with Windows 10 as there are also Windows 10 generic installation keys. I haven't tested a cross-single language upgrade however this might give product activation issues… I don't think it will but don't have a Single Language OEM license not upgraded to test with.

      The easiest way to distinguish if you are using proper English is to right click a blank area on the Desktop. If the context menu has personalise spelt correctly with a "s" you are fortunate enough to have English UK installed. On the other hand if it says personalize and is spelt incorrectly with a "z" you have the misfortune of having English US installed.

      2. The key you extracted from Berlarc Advisor should be your Windows 8 Single Language key but you should check this with RWEverything which is more accurate for reading UEFI BIOS SLP keys:
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/#OEMKey

      You don't have a Windows 10 key as the new activation mechanism is keyless… and although Windows 10 installation media will ask for a product key it won't accept Windows 8 keys. You must initially upgrade, when you upgrade your systems hardware profile is submitted to a Microsoft Product Activation server and is classified as a Windows 10 Device. Berlarc Advisor will report a generic product key which has no value.

      Once a Device has became a Windows 10 Device, Windows 10 may be clean reinstalled by skipping all prompts for the product key and will automatically reactive when online (provided the correct Edition is selected).

      Failure to initially upgrade will mean that your device is not registered as a Windows 10 Device and you will experience product activation issues. This guide stresses this in great detail but as you have already upgraded its not a concern for you.

      3. If you have upgraded then your recovery media created with Alienware Respawn will be for the factory image (Windows 8) and not for Windows 10. I have Dell Backup and Recovery Guides here (Alienware Respawn is the same software with a different skin). Its possible however to clean reinstall, then install all the drivers and software you want and make a pseudo factory image.
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/dell-backup-and-recovery-1-8-1-71/
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/dell-backup-and-recovery-1-9-0-22-windows-10-clean-install/
      Personally I'm not doing this on most of my systems because the image will be redundant when Windows 10 Threshold 2 comes out. The free version of Dell Backup and Recovery (Alienware Respawn) is a little limited and if Microsoft continues to provide up to date installation media, there becomes little use in a factory image.

      4. Yes the OEM key is embedded in the UEFI BIOS of the motherboard. Windows 10's activation mechanism scans the device, if it recognises the hardware profile (motherboard) it will reactivate, if it doesn't it won't activate and prompt you to buy Windows 10.

      1. Thank you so much for your reply!
        1. Turns out mine came shipped with the US edition, and I'm from Malaysia. -.-;

        2. The key extracted with both Belarc and RWeverything was the same.

        3&4. So if I do a DBaR/Alien Respawn, it will bring me back to Windows 8? So in a way, it is 'disconnecting' the 'relationship' of my hardware and Windows 10 right?
        Can I then use this OEM Win 8 key to install do a Win8 clean install on a new motherboard?
        Or just downright no way, I have to stick with my Alienware motherboard?

        Thanks in advance!

      2. The Windows 8 Single Language install is used to determine if your system is eligible as a Windows 10 Single Language Device…

        Once a Device is a Windows 10 Single Language Device its details are stored on the Microsoft Product Activation servers. It will remain a Windows 10 Single Language device even if you revert back to Windows 8.1 Single Language. It essentially means you can Clean Reinstall Windows 10 Single Language at any time.

        The UEFI BIOS SLP key is tied to the motherboard i.e. is OEM and won't activate on another motherboard.

  9. should i do this , even though I have no idea what language you're speaking…… i'm a dinosaur with 2 windows vista laptops ….. and understand 0. just heard something about these vista ones no longer being updated or something. should i try and follow these directions? i mean will i have to throw these laptops away soon anyway ?

    1. What laptops? Model numbers, specifications?

      Windows Vista has reached end of extended support, has no IE10/IE11/Office 2013 support and although it will get some minor security updates until 2017 its best to use Windows 10.

      Windows Vista does not get a free upgrade to Windows 10 directly.

      There is however an indirect way of getting the free upgrade… The Windows Insider Build 10130. Essentially you have to install it and activate it by the end of the month (as it expires). You can then use it to get Windows 10 Pro for free (which won't expire).

      For the first step see here:
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/windows-xpvista-%E2%86%92-windows-10-free-upgrade/

  10. Just to make sure that I understand. I got through a clean Insider Build 10130 and got it activated to Windows 10. Now I am not under any time restraint to get to Windows 10 Pro by the end of the month ? I can upgrade to it at anytime ?

    1. No Windows 10130 expires at the end of the month….

      The Windows 10 Pro .iso or Windows 10 Media Creation Tool must be used as an eligible base OS to make the system a Windows 10 Pro Device before 10130 expires.

  11. Hi guys,
    Got my 10130 activated (24hrs ago). However after upgrade it from desktop ..i got deactivated again.
    Reformat hardisk (moment ago), reinstall Vista, did 10130 via boot as what i did previously, but this time around, no luck…tried activate 10240 via command line…but it keep said failed to activate, was online. 🙁

    1. Reboot and Reinstall 10130. This time I switch off the wifi and proceed with installation til full completion. By doing so I found out that the installation wont ask me to login to my existing account.

      After all was completed, I proceed with the command prompt. Key in the key. And before I type in "slmgr /ato" I switch on the wifi. and hit enter. Amazingly it was activated!

      Now I proceed with the upgrading. Hopefully it all goes well and I am able to upgrade it to Pro version. Finger cross.

  12. Almost textbook like updated. On Dell Inspiron 6000. Computer was almost junk, but now a new lease of life with new PATA HDD and battery from aliexpress.com. While installing the upgrade, there was a power failure and on reboot, the Win 10130 was restored. Windows 10 had to be redownloaded.

  13. I do the install of win 10130 and activate and after this clean install wiht last windows 10 iso from microsoft . This work like you say all activate. But if i see the licence key the two computer have now the same key ???? are you sure this don't come a problem ?

    1. Windows 10 uses device based activation. Key finder programs will find a generic key which is the same on all computers and hence of limited use.

  14. philip,
    i downloaded the media creation tool.
    then, as i launched it, and selected option to create a bootable USB, the preselected options that came up for me were English (US); windows 10 home; and 64 bit.
    the second one should have been windows 10 home single language.

    i am stumped, why and how did this happen?
    should i uncheck the box (for 'recommended for this pc')? and select the 3 options on my own?

    1. i also found that under the language english (US), there are only 2 options – win 10 home and win 10 home N. there is no single language edition option.
      however, if i select english (UK), i have the option for single language.

      and yet, as i said before, the moment i select the box "use recommended options for this PC", the options that get auto selected are:
      language – english US
      edition – windows home
      archi. – 64x

      what do i do?
      i have put the downloading of the iso on hold.

  15. i have win 8.1 preinstalled dell laptop ,succesfully upgraded win 8.1 to win 10 th1. thenI clean installed to win 10 th2 after. BUT while installing i deleted oem recovery and diagnostic drive …now how to recover that drive..recovery drive 7.5 gb says its unallocated …now am in confusion if my laptop get into problems how can i recover…help philipyip

    1. If you haven't made Windows 8.1 Recovery Media in advance before upgrading to Windows 10 then you have lost the ability to restore to factory settings. However you have the Windows 10 TH2 .iso so theres not really any need to revert to these and if the partitions remained it'd just be a waste of HDD/SSD space. You can also follow the guide to Download a Windows 8.1 .iso just in case.

      On modern hardware F12 preboot Diagnostics will still work fine without the diagnostics partition.

      1. whether in dell laptop while clean installing to 10 from 8.1.. whether if i delete recovery OEM drive and diagnostic drive whether it is unsafe. To restore factory settings for that i would get into trouble getting oem recovery drive.

  16. Hey, really good tutorial. But I'm having serious issues with it. At first, my pc was an edition with Windows 8.1 Bing Edition SL, then it was updated to Windows 10. My PC had serious adware issues so I decided to perform a clean install of Windows 8.1, but as I understood, that can't be done because of the type of license my PC has, so I came here to re-install clean and fresh Windows 10. BUT, at the moment when I boot the USB with the windows 10 setup that I downloaded (Windows 10 Single Languange – x64), delete the partitions (my pc is empty now and has no operating system) and finish copying the files and "installing updates", the setup just restarts to the same initial point and there is no path for continuing with Windows 10 installation, and when that happens for the second or third time, just launches blue screen with the following message and stays there for hours, the 0 part never moves forward: "Your PC ran into a problem and needs to restart. We're just collecting some error info, and then we'll restart for you. (0% complete) If you'd like to know more, you can search online later for this error: CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT".

    I'd would be really thankful if you can help me with this, also I excuse myself if there is any bad grammar spell, I don't speak english that well.

  17. Thanks again for your guide and assistance Philip.

    I followed the updated Windows XP/Vista guide and tutorials exactly, except using DVD Bootable media instead of USB.

    I received a memory error pop up box during 10130 install after entering username step, but I was able to continue and was able to also install TH2 and I now have an activated win 10 pc (shows as activated in system).

    Only problem is that it appears corrupted as when I try to install new programs (ie chrome, Firefox, and others) they seem to install ok but won't actually open? I've tried running as administrator and tried googling this problem but can't find any fix.

    All the other parts of Windows 10 work ok (ie start bar, updates, Explorer, edge) but I just can't seem to run any new programs that I download and install?

    When trying to install / uninstall some programs I also get a Windows installer error.

    I'll try a new clean install of Windows 10 as the link at the end of your guide (Download Windows 10 OEM and Retail TH2 .iso), since it appears my pc is activated now.

    I am concerned as when I follow the (Download Windows 10 OEM and Retail TH2 .iso) and use the neosmart program (which does seem to install and run on the PC?) i get the error 'unable to open MSDM table' which suggests Im not activated or have a key?

    I tried the other method also rweverything (which also does seem to install and run on the PC, but crashed after i used it?). I was able to go to launch ACPI tables but there was no MSDM tab?

    Not sure now whether im actually win 10 activated although when i go to system it says i have Windows 10 Pro, and it says activated down the bottom?

    1. Dear Philipyip, after following successfully your guide "xp to win10 th2 free upgrade" I tried to clean install win10 following your guide but, after choosing the partition, I receive the error "Windows setup could not reinizialice the deployment engine. To install windows, restart the installation" so now I don't know how to continue. Could you please help me? Thank you in advance! Italo

      1. I did not deleted the unuseful partitions… maybe is the problem?
        (If I use diskpart, will I loose the free th2 upgrade?)
        Thank you

      2. No the device is registered with a Microsoft Product Activation server and will automatically reactivate online when you clean install Windows 10 Pro.

  18. please my operating system crashed (windows 10) I tried restoring to factory os (windows 8.1) but it refused. I need a link to download a licensed operating system for my dell inspiron 15 3000 series 3542 Intel Pentium 4 GB RAM 500 GB HDD.

    Personal information removed.

    1. Looking at that systems Service Tag it came with Windows 8.1 Single Language and not Windows 8.1. You won't be able to Download a .iso from Dell but will be able to Download an .iso from Microsoft.

      You can either Download the Windows 10 RS1 .iso as instructed on this page, this .iso will automatically input your Windows 8.1 Single Language key and install Windows 10 Single Language RS1.

      Or the Windows 8.1 with Update 2 Single Language .iso from here:
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/
      I would only recommend using this .iso if you cannot install Windows 10 RS1 directly/need to update your UEFI BIOS.

      Before carring out an OS Clean Installation follow the video here and run the F12 preboot diagnostics:

  19. Hallo There!

    Thank you so much for enlightening towards the significant difference between the Windows 10 ISO is downloading through Media Creation Tool and Direct URL.

    Moreover, I would like to know that if the notebook has come with US/US-International Keyboard map then which language option should be select for ISO, or because we have the option to select any preferred language during installation, hence the ISO can be downloaded in any language either from EN-US or EN-GB.

    Further, let me know if I can perform a clean installation or update Windows 10 Home Single Language x64 (EN-US & EN-GB) OEM and Professional x64 (EN-US) Retail by the Windows 10 RS1 (Anniversary Update) ISO has downloaded through Media Creation Tool?

    Thanks & Regards!

    1. The Single Language Edition does not let you change the Language of your Windows Install once a Windows Installation is up and running but doesn't give any restrictions of language when performing a Clean Installation… An Upgrade Install from one Language to another will not work with the Single Language Edition but will work with the other Editions. You can change your product key to a Windows 10 Professional Retail Product Key (follow the steps at the bottom in "Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro" – this is also Windows 10 Home Single Language to Windows 10 Pro). Once this is done you can use the RS1 .iso of your desired language to perform an inplace upgrade from Windows 10 Pro

      Note if you use English UK then the physical (printed layout) of your keyboard will remain an English US keyboard. Therefore the likes of " and @ will be swapped so it depends if you look at your keyboard when you type or whether you type by touch how much an annoyance this will be.

      1. Hi and sorry for my english…

        My OEM is for Windows 8.x (Home) opt to install Windows 10 Home but I want to install Windows 10 Pro as I do to change the version during installation, or I have to wait to install and then change the version as explained above by changing the serial number.

        Thanks!

        Note: There is a way to change this serial number that comes embedded in the oem so that the installation automatically chooses and the version I want.

  20. Getting error “0xC1900101-0x30018 The install failed in the FIRST_BOOT phase with an error during SYSPREP operation"
    on upgrade from win 7 to win 10 on a Dell XPS410 system, how do I find out what is causing the error.

  21. Getting error “0xC1900101-0x30018 The install failed in the FIRST_BOOT phase with an error during SYSPREP operation"
    on upgrade from win 7 to win 10 on a Dell XPS410 system, how do I find out what is causing the error.
    The Windows 10 upgrades start out okay and moves along until the second re-boot when I receive the error.

  22. Personally I would clean install opposed to using an upgrade install. This guide is for clean installation although I do have another guide on the upgrade install.

    For a 64 Bit Upgrade Install the system requirements for Windows 8.1 64 Bit and Windows 10 64 Bit were elevated from Windows 7 64 Bit and Windows 8.0 64 Bit. This didn't influence many systems however the XPS 410 is a Mid 2007 (>9 years old) system and may have been shipped with a processor that is compatible with Windows 7 64 Bit and incompatible with Windows 10 64 Bit. I think you need one of the following to run Windows 10 64 Bit on that machine:
    http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/desktop/f/3514/p/19245915/19942398.aspx

    HU587 Conroe E4300, 1.80G, 2MB, 800FSB, L2
    DX483 Conroe E4400, 2.00G, 2MB, 800FSB, L2
    RX522 Conroe E4400, 2.00G, 2MB, 800FSB, M0
    DT893 Conroe E6300, 1.86G, 2MB, 1066FSB, B2
    DU362 Conroe E6300, 1.86G, 2MB, 1066FSB, L2
    DX485 Conroe E6320, 1.86G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
    DU361 Conroe E6400, 2.13G, 2MB, 1066FSB, L2
    KN977 Conroe E6400, 2.13G, 2MB, 1066FSB, B2
    DX484 Conroe E6420, 2.13G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
    KU345 Conroe E6600, 2.40G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
    PN416 Conroe E6700, 2.66G, 4MB, 1066FSB, B2
    HU585 Kentsfield Quad Core Q6600, 2.40G, 8MB, 1066FSB, B30
    MP626 Kentsfield Quad Core Q6600, 2.40G, 8MB, 1066FSB, G0

    On some forums some people have stated this is due to incompatible drivers or antivirus… In some case disabling the onboard audio in the Legacy BIOS setup allowed the Upgrade Install to proceed.

  23. You was right, it works with OEM windows 7 licences when making clean installations.

    My hardware:
    Dell Inspiron 1545
    Hard Disk Kingstone SSD v300 240GB upgrade (originally WD 250 GB 5400 rpm)
    Memory 4 GB sodimm upgrade (originally 2 GB)
    Processor P9500 upgrade (originally T4400)

    My experience:
    I had windows 7 pro installed (illegaly), my OEM licence was for windows 7 home premium, i use the EI.cfg file (described in this post) to force to enter the licence key (to avoid of installing windows 7 home premium before the new install), i had to clean all partitions to continue (backup first!), i don't remember exactly but i think that windows get's installed with home version automatically (without ask me for home or pro) and it works like a charm!

    I use the windows 10 media creation tool that cames with the latest update (includes the anniversary update).
    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

    Thank you for this post, it helps me a lot, and i hope that my comment helps others too.

    1. The Inspiron 1545 has a Legacy BIOS. Therefore there is no UEFI SLP key so in your case you would have got the screen to select between Pro and Home if you skipped input of the key on the COA anyway. 🙂

  24. I am starting to build a new PC, if I install windows 10 now, can I still use a windows 7 key, the key is a retail box version, new and has never been activated.

    The new PC will be using 270 chipset and 7th generation CPU, I want to use windows 7, but the 7th generation CPU does not support windows 7, this is stated in the site and user manual from the motherboard manufacture.

    thanks

  25. Question.
    My laptop (Inspiron 7520) was originally shipped with Win 8 and upgraded to 10. Recently, I replaced my HDD and the guy at the computer shop made two changes:
    1. He activated a copy of Windows 10 home by organizational activation service. Previously my laptop was activated by digital entitlement. Now my laptop keeps saying "Windows will expire. Please activate…"

    2. According to msinfo32, my laptop now boot by legacy BIOS, instead of UEFI BIOS.

    So, now my questions are:
    1. Will OEM re-installation still works for me? (Will the old keys work?)
    2. Will I still able to keep my partitioned (D) data drive after I changed the booting sequence to UEFI and clean install OEM Win 10?

    Thank you.

    1. Windows 10 RS1 Installation Media should pickup the Windows 8.1 Home Key from the UEFI BIOS during installation automatically taking you to the License Agreement Screen.

      You should Perform A Clean Install of Windows 10 RS1 with a UEFI Boot and SecureBoot Enabled. Before Instalaltion install RWEverything and make sure you have a MSDM tab. See here for Details:
      http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/uefi/
      This will show you the use of RWEverything to check for a MSDM tab (or SLIC tab) and also take you through the steps to Enable a UEFI Boot with SecureBoot Enabled.

      Sounds like the guy at the computer shop didn't know what he was doing.

  26. Thanks! This worked great for me. Dell Inspiron 560 desktop shipped with OEM Windows 7 Home premium. I wanted to reinstall the OS but lost the CD. Did a fresh Windows 10 install using these instructions. No problems at all.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.