How to upgrade to Windows 10
Quick Scoop
You can upgrade to Windows 10 by using Microsoft’s update path inside Windows, or by using Microsoft’s installation media tool for a cleaner in-place upgrade. Microsoft’s support page says to open Start > Settings > Windows Update, then check for updates and install anything available; after that, restart if prompted.
[5]Fastest upgrade path
- Back up important files first.
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- If updates appear, choose Download & install.
- Restart your PC when prompted.
That is the simplest route if your device is already set up for Windows Update and the upgrade is offered there. Dell also recommends updating BIOS and drivers before upgrading, especially on older systems, because the upgrade process carries current drivers forward.
[3][5]Media tool method
If Windows Update does not offer the upgrade, Microsoft’s installation media route is often the next step. A widely described approach is to download Microsoft’s media creation tool, create an ISO or USB installer, and run setup from inside Windows while choosing to keep your files and apps.
[1][9]- Download Microsoft’s Windows 10 installation media tool.
- Choose the option to create installation media for another PC.
- Select ISO or USB.
- Run setup from within Windows, not by booting from the USB for an upgrade.
- Choose Keep personal files and apps if you want to preserve your data and programs.
Before you start
- Make a full backup of important documents, photos, and app data.
- Check that your PC meets Windows 10 hardware requirements.
- Update BIOS, chipset, graphics, and printer drivers if your PC maker recommends it.
- Make sure you have enough free disk space and a stable internet connection.
Dell notes that after the upgrade, you may have a short rollback window, and Microsoft’s support page confirms Windows Update behavior depends on current support status. Since Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, many devices may no longer receive free Windows Update security fixes, so upgrading to Windows 10 now is usually only relevant for reinstalling or moving an older PC to that version.
[3][5]What to expect
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| Keep personal files and apps | Reinstalls Windows while preserving your files and installed apps |
| Keep personal files only | Preserves files but removes apps |
| Clean install | Removes everything and installs Windows fresh |
The in-place upgrade is usually the safest choice if you want to keep your setup intact, while a clean install is better for a slow or unstable PC. A simple example: if your laptop is working but corrupted system files are causing issues, the media tool upgrade can repair Windows without wiping your documents.
[1]Useful note
Microsoft’s support page states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, so it is no longer the best long-term target for a new setup. If your real goal is simply to get a working, secure Windows PC today, Windows 11 is usually the more current choice.
[5]Meta description: Learn how to upgrade to Windows 10 using Windows Update or Microsoft’s installation media tool, plus backup and driver tips.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.