How to download Windows 10 ISOs without the Media Creation Tool

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by davew 

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There are plenty of ways to download a Windows 10 ISO, but it’s usually through a website that’s not supported by Microsoft. You can also download the Windows Media Creation Tool if you are looking for the simplest way to install Windows 10.

However, I discovered an easier way to download a Windows 10 ISO file without using the Windows Media Creation Tool. Turns out, all you need is Microsoft Edge.

There are a number of uses for a Windows ISO file. If you own a Mac, you can use it to install Windows 10 or set up Windows 10 in a virtual machine application. Either way, you’ll need a Windows 10 ISO file.

However, just having the free Windows 10 ISO file is not a free Windows license. Mac users, custom PC builders, and anyone installing on a virtual machine will need a Windows product key to legally install Windows 10.

If you need to buy a Windows 10 product key, you can buy a physical copy or digital download from the Microsoft Store. Here are the prices for a Windows 10 product key:

  1. Windows 10 Home $139.00
  2. Windows 10 Pro $199.99
  3. Windows 10 Pro for Workstations $309.00

With that out of the way, here are the steps to download a Windows 10 ISO file using Microsoft Edge.

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10.
3. Open Microsoft Edge Menu.
4. Open Developer Tools


Microsoft, Microsoft Edge, Edge, Windows 10
5. Open Emulation Tab.Microsoft, Microsoft Edge, Edge, Windows 10

6. Select useragent string “Apple Safari (iPad).” Wait a moment for the webpage to reload.

Microsoft, Microsoft Edge, Edge, Windows 10

7. Select Windows 10 and your language settings. Download the 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 10. Please note: The download link expires after 24 hours.

By setting your useragent to Apple Safari (iPad), you are spoofing the download website into thinking that you are not on Windows, thus you can completely bypass using the Media Creation Tool.

Another thing to consider is the Windows 10 ISO that you download is the Windows 10 April Update and does not include any of the new updates, including the June Update (KB4284835), so you will have to use Windows Update to keep your PC up-to-date.

Also, the Windows Media Creation Tool ISO version is approximately 500 MB smaller, if you have concerns about file size. Alternatively, if you are a Windows Insider, you can also download the latest Windows Insider Preview build ISOs too.

Updated: 4/29/2023

davew

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