How to Install Windows 10 Pro in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
This guide explains how to install Windows 10 Professional using Microsoft's official Windows 10 installation media.
Windows 10 remains useful for older PCs, specialist hardware and software that is not ready for Windows 11, but there is an important change to understand before installing it in 2026.
Windows 10 standard support ended on 14 October 2025. Windows 10 still works, but normal free security updates, feature updates and Microsoft technical support have ended.
Eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 personal PCs can enrol in Microsoft's Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) programme, which currently provides critical and important security updates through 12 October 2027.
Installation overview: Back up your files → create official Microsoft Windows 10 installation media → boot the PC from the USB drive → select Windows 10 Pro → choose the correct drive or partition → allow installation to finish → install updates and drivers → enter your Windows 10 Pro product key → confirm activation.
Should You Still Install Windows 10 in 2026?
For a modern PC that fully supports Windows 11, Windows 11 is normally the better long-term operating system because it remains actively supported by Microsoft.
That does not mean Windows 10 has suddenly become useless.
Windows 10 can still make sense when:
- Your PC does not meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements.
- Legacy software specifically requires Windows 10.
- Specialist hardware or older drivers do not work correctly with Windows 11.
- You are restoring or maintaining an older compatible PC.
- A particular business or technical workflow still depends on Windows 10.
- You need Windows 10 Pro for an existing Home-to-Pro upgrade.
If your PC supports Windows 11 and you have no Windows 10-specific requirement, consider Windows 11 instead. Windows 10 should now be chosen for a reason rather than simply because it is familiar.
If you are unsure whether your computer can run Windows 11, use our Windows 11 compatibility guide before deciding.
Before You Install Windows 10 Professional
A clean Windows installation can erase files, applications and settings, so prepare the PC before starting.
Back up your files
Copy important documents, photos, browser data and any other files you need to an external drive or another safe location.
Have your licence ready
If you purchased Windows 10 Pro from EcoKeys, keep the 25-character product key supplied in your order email available.
Use an 8 GB or larger USB drive
Microsoft currently requires a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space when creating Windows 10 installation media.
Check the PC manufacturer
Before reinstalling an older machine, check that Windows 10 drivers are still available from the PC or motherboard manufacturer.
Creating Windows installation media will erase the USB drive. Copy anything important from the USB drive somewhere else before continuing.
Windows 10 version 22H2 is the final version
Microsoft states that Windows 10 version 22H2 is the final normal release of Windows 10.
If you are creating current Microsoft Windows 10 installation media, 22H2 is the version you should expect to install.
Clean Install or Upgrade?
This guide focuses primarily on a clean installation.
A clean installation is appropriate when:
- You are installing Windows on an empty or replacement drive.
- You want to completely reinstall Windows.
- The existing Windows installation is damaged.
- You specifically want to remove the existing operating system and start again.
If you already have an activated Windows 10 Home installation and simply want Windows 10 Pro, you normally do not need a clean installation.
You can usually perform an edition upgrade while keeping your files and installed applications.
Use our dedicated guide instead:
Step 1: Download Windows 10 From Microsoft
Microsoft still provides the official Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
Use Microsoft's UK Windows 10 download page:
Use Microsoft's website. There is normally no reason to download a modified Windows ISO from an unofficial file-sharing, torrent or third-party download website.
On the Microsoft page, find:
Create Windows 10 installation media
Then select the option to download the Media Creation Tool.
Step 2: Create a Windows 10 Installation USB
Connect a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space.
Then:
- Run the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
You may need to approve a Windows User Account Control prompt.
- Accept Microsoft's licence terms.
- Select Create installation media for another PC.
- Select the language and architecture.
For most compatible PCs, 64-bit Windows is the appropriate option. Use 32-bit only when the PC or required legacy software specifically needs it.
- Select USB flash drive.
- Choose the correct USB drive.
Double-check the drive because its existing contents will be erased.
- Allow the tool to download Windows 10 and create the USB.
The time required depends mainly on your internet connection and the speed of the USB drive.
Do not remove the USB drive while Microsoft is creating the installation media. Wait until the Media Creation Tool confirms that the USB flash drive is ready.
Step 3: Start the PC From the Windows 10 USB Drive
Insert the completed USB drive into the computer where you want to install Windows 10 Professional.
Restart the PC and open its boot menu.
The key used to open the boot menu varies by manufacturer. Common examples include:
- F12.
- F11.
- F9.
- Esc.
- Delete.
Check the manufacturer's instructions for your exact laptop, desktop or motherboard if you are unsure.
Select the USB drive
From the boot menu, select the USB installation media.
You may see the USB drive listed with a UEFI prefix on modern computers.
Windows Setup should then load.
If the computer simply starts the existing Windows installation again, the PC probably did not boot from the USB drive. Restart it and select the USB device from the boot menu.
Step 4: Install Windows 10 Professional
Once Windows Setup appears:
- Select your language, time and keyboard settings.
Choose the settings appropriate for your location, then select Next.
- Select Install now.
- Enter your product key if requested.
If you have your Windows 10 Pro product key available, you can enter it at this stage.
Can you skip the product key?
Yes.
If Windows Setup gives you the option I don't have a product key, you can select it and activate Windows after installation.
Skipping the key does not remove the need for a valid licence. It simply lets you finish installing Windows before entering the product key.
Select Windows 10 Pro
If Windows Setup asks which edition you want to install, select:
Windows 10 Pro
This step is important. A Windows 10 Pro product key is intended for Windows 10 Pro. If you accidentally install Windows 10 Home, entering the Pro key later may require an edition upgrade before activation can complete.
Accept the licence terms
Read Microsoft's licence terms and continue if you agree.
Select Custom installation
For a clean installation choose:
Custom: Install Windows only
This is different from an in-place upgrade.
Step 5: Choose the Installation Drive
Windows Setup will show the available drives and partitions.
Take care at this screen. Deleting or formatting a partition can permanently remove files from it. Make sure your backup is complete and that you understand which drive contains the existing Windows installation.
If you are installing Windows onto a new empty drive, select the unallocated space and continue.
If you are carrying out a clean reinstall on an existing drive, the partition layout can vary depending on how the PC was originally configured.
Do not delete partitions belonging to another storage drive unless you are certain they are no longer required.
If the PC contains several hard drives or SSDs and you are unsure which one contains your files, stop before deleting anything. Disconnecting unnecessary secondary drives before a clean installation can reduce the chance of selecting the wrong disk.
Step 6: Let Windows 10 Install
Windows will copy files and install the operating system.
The PC will restart several times during this process.
Do not turn the computer off while Windows is installing.
After the first restart, do not repeatedly press the key to boot from USB again unless Windows Setup specifically requires it.
Otherwise, you can accidentally return to the beginning of the installation process.
Step 7: Complete Windows 10 Setup
After the core installation finishes, Windows will guide you through its first-run setup screens.
The exact screens can vary depending on the Windows 10 build, network connection and edition.
You may be asked to configure:
- Your region.
- Keyboard layout.
- Network connection.
- User account.
- Microsoft account options.
- Privacy settings.
Read each screen rather than automatically accepting every option.
Step 8: Install Windows Updates and Drivers
Once you reach the Windows desktop, connect the computer to the internet.
Open:
Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
Select:
Check for updates
Install the available updates and restart the PC if requested.
Check manufacturer drivers
Windows Update can supply many drivers automatically, but older or specialist hardware may still need drivers from the PC, motherboard or component manufacturer.
Pay particular attention to:
- Chipset drivers.
- Graphics drivers.
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet drivers.
- Audio drivers.
- Bluetooth.
- Specialist storage or controller drivers.
For older hardware, it is worth downloading the network driver from the manufacturer's website before reinstalling Windows and keeping it on a separate USB drive. That way you can restore internet access if Windows does not recognise the network adapter automatically.
Step 9: Activate Windows 10 Pro
If you entered the product key during installation and the PC is connected to the internet, Windows may already have activated automatically.
If you skipped the key:
- Open Start.
- Open Settings.
- Select Update & Security.
- Select Activation.
- Select Change product key.
- Enter your 25-character Windows 10 Pro product key.
- Continue through the activation prompts.
A Windows product key has this format:
XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
If you purchased Windows 10 Pro from EcoKeys, copy and paste the key supplied in your order email where possible rather than typing all 25 characters manually.
IMPORTANT — Confirm Windows 10 Is Activated
Do not skip the final check
Installing Windows and activating Windows are separate stages.
After entering your product key:
- Open Settings.
- Select Update & Security.
- Select Activation.
- Confirm the edition shows Windows 10 Pro.
- Confirm Windows reports that it is activated.
If Windows still shows an activation error, record the exact error code before making further changes.
Installed
Windows 10 Pro has been installed and the desktop is working.
Activated
Windows has accepted the valid licence and Activation settings confirm the operating system is activated.
What About Windows 10 Extended Security Updates?
Standard support for Windows 10 Home and Pro ended on 14 October 2025.
Microsoft's Consumer Extended Security Updates programme gives eligible personal Windows 10 version 22H2 PCs additional critical and important security updates while users prepare to move to Windows 11 or another supported device.
Microsoft currently states that consumer ESU coverage runs until:
12 October 2027
ESU does not turn Windows 10 back into a fully supported operating system. It provides security updates only. It does not add new Windows features or normal Microsoft technical support.
Current consumer ESU options
Microsoft currently offers eligible consumers several enrolment routes, including:
- Enrolling at no additional cost when using the qualifying Windows Backup/PC settings synchronisation option.
- Redeeming Microsoft Rewards points.
- Making a one-time payment in the available local-currency equivalent.
You need to sign into a Microsoft account to enrol.
ESU enrolment is separate from purchasing a Windows 10 Pro licence. Buying or activating Windows 10 Pro does not automatically enrol the computer in Extended Security Updates.
If you intend to use Windows 10 online in 2026 or 2027, check Microsoft's current ESU eligibility and enrolment options rather than assuming an activated Windows installation is still receiving normal security updates.
Common Windows 10 Installation Problems
The PC will not boot from the USB drive
Restart the PC and use the manufacturer's boot-menu key.
If the USB drive does not appear:
- Try another USB port.
- Recreate the Microsoft installation media.
- Check the manufacturer's UEFI/BIOS boot instructions.
- Confirm the USB was created successfully by the Media Creation Tool.
Windows automatically installs Home instead of Pro
Some PCs contain a Windows Home product key embedded in the firmware. Windows Setup may detect that key automatically and install Home without displaying the edition-selection screen.
If this happens, you do not necessarily need to wipe the PC again.
Use our Windows Home to Pro upgrade guide to change the installed edition.
The Windows 10 Pro product key gives an error during installation
If Setup provides I don't have a product key, select it and finish installing Windows 10 Pro.
Once Windows is installed and online, enter the product key through:
Settings → Update & Security → Activation → Change product key
The product key will not activate after installation
First check:
- The installed edition actually says Windows 10 Pro.
- The full 25-character key was entered correctly.
- The PC is connected to the internet.
- Windows Update has completed any pending restart.
- The activation error code has been recorded.
If you purchased the licence from EcoKeys and activation still fails, use Rapid Support rather than repeatedly reinstalling Windows.
Windows cannot see the SSD or hard drive
This can happen on some PCs where Windows Setup does not have the required storage-controller driver.
Check the PC or motherboard manufacturer's support page for Windows 10 storage, Intel RST, RAID or chipset drivers appropriate to the machine.
Do not randomly change RAID, AHCI or storage-controller settings in the BIOS if you do not understand the existing configuration. Changing storage mode can prevent an existing operating system from starting.
There is no internet connection after installation
The network adapter may require a driver.
Use another computer or phone to download the correct Windows 10 network driver from the PC or motherboard manufacturer's website, transfer it by USB and install it on the affected PC.
Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro?
| Situation | Better starting point |
|---|---|
| Modern PC that fully supports Windows 11 | Windows 11 Pro |
| Older PC that cannot meet Windows 11 requirements | Windows 10 may still be appropriate |
| Legacy software specifically requires Windows 10 | Windows 10 Pro |
| Specialist hardware only has reliable Windows 10 drivers | Windows 10 Pro may be required |
| New PC with no compatibility restriction | Windows 11 Pro |
| Existing activated Windows 10 Home PC that needs Pro features | Upgrade Home to Pro without a clean install |
Windows 10 remains available for genuine legacy requirements, but customers should understand its support status before choosing it for a new installation.
Having an Installation or Activation Issue?
Use EcoKeys Rapid Support
If you purchased Windows 10 Pro from EcoKeys and installation or activation does not complete correctly, use Rapid Support rather than repeatedly reinstalling Windows or trying random activation commands.
The portal will guide you through the exact information and screenshots needed to diagnose the issue.
Response target: within 30 minutes during published support hours.
Before contacting support: Open Settings → Update & Security → Activation and be ready to provide a screenshot showing the Windows edition and exact activation error.
Windows 10 Pro Installation Checklist
Back up your files
A clean installation can remove existing files, programs and settings.
Create official Microsoft media
Use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and an 8 GB or larger USB drive.
Boot from the USB
Use the manufacturer's boot menu to start Windows Setup.
Select Windows 10 Pro
Make sure the installed edition matches your Pro licence.
Install Windows
Allow Setup to complete and the PC to restart normally.
Install updates and drivers
Check Windows Update and the PC manufacturer's support site.
Enter your product key
Settings → Update & Security → Activation → Change product key.
Confirm activation
Check that Windows reports Windows 10 Pro as activated.
Check ESU eligibility
If continuing to use Windows 10 online, review Microsoft's current Extended Security Updates programme.
Related Windows Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still install Windows 10 in 2026?
Yes. Microsoft still provides Windows 10 version 22H2 installation media. Windows 10 continues to operate, although standard Microsoft support ended on 14 October 2025.
Is Windows 10 still safe to use?
Windows 10 no longer receives normal free security updates. Eligible personal Windows 10 version 22H2 PCs can enrol in Microsoft's Consumer Extended Security Updates programme for additional critical and important security updates through 12 October 2027.
What is the final version of Windows 10?
Microsoft states that Windows 10 version 22H2 is the final normal version of Windows 10.
Where should I download Windows 10?
Use Microsoft's official Windows 10 software download page and Media Creation Tool rather than downloading a modified ISO from an unknown third-party website.
How large does my Windows 10 installation USB need to be?
Microsoft currently specifies a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space. Creating the installation media will erase the existing contents of the USB drive.
Can I install Windows 10 without entering the product key immediately?
Windows Setup may provide an I don't have a product key option. You can finish installing Windows and then enter a valid product key later through Activation settings.
How do I activate Windows 10 Pro after installation?
Open Settings → Update & Security → Activation → Change product key, enter the 25-character Windows 10 Pro key and complete online activation.
Why did Windows install Home when I wanted Pro?
Some PCs contain a Windows Home licence embedded in their firmware, allowing Setup to select Home automatically. If Windows 10 Home is already activated, you can normally upgrade the edition to Pro without reinstalling Windows.
Do I need a clean installation to upgrade Windows 10 Home to Pro?
No. An activated Windows 10 Home installation can normally be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro using the edition-change process without removing your files and applications.
What does Windows 10 ESU provide?
The Consumer Extended Security Updates programme provides eligible Windows 10 22H2 PCs with critical and important security updates. It does not provide new Windows features or normal Microsoft technical support.
Does buying Windows 10 Pro include ESU?
No. Windows activation and ESU enrolment are separate. A valid Windows 10 Pro product key activates the operating system but does not automatically enrol the PC in Microsoft's Extended Security Updates programme.
Should I choose Windows 10 or Windows 11 for a new PC?
If the PC fully supports Windows 11 and you do not have a specific Windows 10 compatibility requirement, Windows 11 is normally the better long-term choice because it remains actively supported.
