Windows 10’s long goodbye is nearly here, and the smartest move you can make before support ends on October 14, 2025 is to download and archive a clean, unmodified Windows 10 Version 22H2 ISO directly from Microsoft. Whether you plan to keep older PCs running, want a recovery option if a drive fails, or expect to virtualize Windows 10 for legacy apps and classic games, saving a pristine ISO today avoids a last-minute scramble and reduces your risk of tampered images later.
Windows 10 Version 22H2, released in October 2022, is the final feature update for the operating system. Since then, Microsoft has shipped monthly quality and security updates, but the cadence ends with the product’s official end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date, consumer devices no longer receive free security fixes via Windows Update. In enterprises and regulated environments, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program can keep critical patches flowing for a fee, but exact consumer-facing terms have fluctuated over time and may vary by region and offer.
Despite Windows 10’s approaching end-of-life, it remains popular for its extensive driver and software compatibility, modest system requirements, and lack of CPU/TPM restrictions that complicate some Windows 11 upgrades. Gamers and creators, in particular, often keep a Windows 10 partition or virtual machine around to run specific titles, older capture hardware, or DAW plug-ins that never received Windows 11–validated updates.
Quick guidance:
Windows 10’s popularity wasn’t an accident—it delivered wide hardware support and a decade of stability for countless workflows. As the platform’s official support window closes, a little preparation ensures those workflows keep running on your terms. Archive the ISO, harden your plan, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes next—whether that’s a quick recovery, a legacy VM, or a clean, quiet Windows 10 machine that keeps doing exactly what you need.
Source: windowslatest.com Download Windows 10 ISO files, save a copy before end of support
Background
Windows 10 Version 22H2, released in October 2022, is the final feature update for the operating system. Since then, Microsoft has shipped monthly quality and security updates, but the cadence ends with the product’s official end of support on October 14, 2025. After that date, consumer devices no longer receive free security fixes via Windows Update. In enterprises and regulated environments, the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program can keep critical patches flowing for a fee, but exact consumer-facing terms have fluctuated over time and may vary by region and offer.Despite Windows 10’s approaching end-of-life, it remains popular for its extensive driver and software compatibility, modest system requirements, and lack of CPU/TPM restrictions that complicate some Windows 11 upgrades. Gamers and creators, in particular, often keep a Windows 10 partition or virtual machine around to run specific titles, older capture hardware, or DAW plug-ins that never received Windows 11–validated updates.
The two official ways to get a Windows 10 ISO
There are two Microsoft-blessed routes to a legitimate Windows 10 ISO:- Download the ISO from Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page by visiting it with a non‑Windows user agent (mobile or macOS/iPadOS). The site then presents direct ISO links that are time‑limited.
- Use the Media Creation Tool (MCT) to build an ISO or a bootable USB flash drive on a Windows PC.
Why archive a Windows 10 22H2 ISO now
- Future availability is uncertain. Microsoft historically keeps some legacy downloads accessible, but the Windows 10 ISO could be moved, hidden, or removed without notice after end of support.
- You control the provenance. Saving the official image today avoids the temptation to use third-party mirrors later, which can be modified or unsafe.
- Recovery is faster. If a system update or drive failure forces a reinstall, having the ISO local (and verified) can save hours on a bad day.
- Virtualization is simpler. A pinned, known-good ISO streamlines VM creation in Hyper‑V, VMware Workstation, or VirtualBox for legacy software and testing.
Method 1: Direct ISO download from Microsoft (via user-agent change)
Microsoft’s download portal adapts to your device. If it detects Windows, it pushes you to the Media Creation Tool. If it detects a non‑Windows user agent—such as Android, iPadOS, or macOS—you’ll see direct ISO links for Windows 10 22H2.Step-by-step in Edge or Chrome
- Open Edge or Chrome on a Windows PC.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+I (or right‑click and choose Inspect) to open Developer Tools.
- Open the “Network conditions” or “Sensors” panel. Under “User agent,” uncheck “Use browser default.”
- Pick a non-Windows agent such as “Chrome — Android Mobile” or “Chrome — iPad.”
- With DevTools left open, visit Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page and refresh (Ctrl+F5).
- From “Select edition,” choose “Windows 10 (multi-edition ISO) – 22H2” and click Confirm.
- Choose your product language, click Confirm, then select 64‑bit Download or 32‑bit Download.
- Save the file. Note that Microsoft’s generated links typically expire 24 hours after creation.
- After the download completes, restore the default user agent and close DevTools.
- Windows 10 22H2 multi-edition ISO in your chosen language.
- A file size around 5.5–6.0 GB for 64‑bit and around 3.5–4.0 GB for 32‑bit (varies by language and compression).
Method 2: Media Creation Tool (MCT)
Microsoft’s free Media Creation Tool builds either:- A bootable USB flash drive (8 GB or larger), or
- A standalone ISO you can save and later burn or mount.
How to use the Media Creation Tool
- Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
- Run the executable and accept the license terms.
- Select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.”
- Uncheck “Use the recommended options for this PC” if you want to change language, edition, or architecture.
- Choose 64‑bit (x64) for modern systems or 32‑bit (x86) only if you must support older CPUs and drivers.
- Select ISO file to create a .iso you can archive and reuse, or USB flash drive to build bootable media directly.
- Let the tool download and create your media. When finished, click Finish.
- Automates the process end‑to‑end.
- Ensures the latest cumulative update baseline is baked in.
- Produces bootable media that works with both UEFI and legacy BIOS in most scenarios.
- Less control over image contents (e.g., install.esd vs. install.wim).
- Requires Windows to run the tool (hence the utility of the direct ISO method for non‑Windows devices).
64‑bit vs. 32‑bit: which Windows 10 ISO should you save?
For most readers, the answer is 64‑bit. It supports more than 4 GB of RAM, newer CPUs, modern drivers, and contemporary software and games. Only archive the 32‑bit ISO if you have a specific legacy device or application that absolutely requires it.Quick guidance:
- Choose 64‑bit if your PC has 4 GB of RAM or more and a 64‑bit CPU (nearly all from the last decade).
- Choose 32‑bit only for very old hardware with 2 GB of RAM or special 32‑bit driver needs.
Verify your ISO: integrity and authenticity
A clean ISO is only as trustworthy as its origin and integrity. Even with an official download, you should verify the file after it lands on disk.- Compute a SHA‑256 checksum of the ISO and record it alongside the file. On Windows, run:
- PowerShell: Get-FileHash .\Win10_22H2_English_x64.iso -Algorithm SHA256
- Keep the hash in a text file next to the ISO and store both in your backups.
- Re-check the hash when you restore from cold storage or cloud archives.
How to use the ISO you’ve archived
You can use the ISO in several ways depending on your scenario: in-place upgrade, clean install, recovery, or virtualization.In-place upgrade or repair install
- Double-click the ISO in File Explorer to mount it as a virtual DVD.
- Run Setup.exe and choose “Keep personal files and apps.”
- This path reinstalls Windows while retaining your data and most settings—useful if the OS is unstable or corrupted.
- Repairing a system without rebuilding your applications and configurations.
- Moving to a clean 22H2 baseline before end of support.
Clean install
- Boot from your USB drive or DVD created from the ISO.
- Wipe partitions or format the target drive, then proceed with installation.
- Sign in with the same Microsoft account used previously on the device to help reactivate your digital license.
- Removing bloat and leftover conflicts from years of upgrades.
- Repurposing a PC for a dedicated workload (gaming, kiosk, media PC).
Virtualization
- Create a new VM in Hyper‑V, VMware Workstation, or VirtualBox and attach the ISO as the boot source.
- Allocate 2 CPU cores and 4–8 GB RAM to start; adjust based on workload.
- Snapshot the base install (“golden image”) before adding apps to rapidly roll back or clone.
- Running legacy software safely isolated from your main OS.
- Testing drivers, updates, or configuration changes without risking real hardware.
Building a bootable USB: two reliable paths
You have two practical options for a bootable USB installer:- Use the Media Creation Tool to build the drive automatically.
- Use a third‑party utility like Rufus to write the ISO and handle partitioning/formatting details.
Key formatting considerations
- FAT32 vs. NTFS: FAT32 is broadly UEFI‑bootable but can’t hold files larger than 4 GB. If your ISO contains a large install.wim, tools may either split it or switch to NTFS with UEFI:NTFS helpers. The Media Creation Tool typically manages this automatically.
- Partition style: Use GPT for UEFI systems and MBR for legacy BIOS. Most modern PCs prefer GPT/UEFI and Secure Boot.
- Secure Boot: If you manually build media, ensure your tool supports UEFI Secure Boot, or temporarily disable it during install (then re‑enable afterward).
Minimum and recommended specs
While Windows 11 tightened hardware requirements, Windows 10 remains forgiving. As a baseline:- Minimum (32‑bit): 1 GHz CPU with PAE/NX/SSE2, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB storage, DirectX 9 graphics with WDDM 1.0, 800×600 display.
- Minimum (64‑bit): 1 GHz 64‑bit CPU, 2 GB RAM, 20 GB storage, DirectX 9 with WDDM 1.0, 800×600 display.
- Recommended for smooth everyday use: dual‑core 2.5 GHz or better, 8 GB RAM (16 GB for heavier multitasking), SSD with 100 GB+, DirectX 11–capable GPU, 1080p display.
Activation and licensing: what to expect
- Most systems upgraded from a genuine Windows 7/8.1 or shipped with Windows 10 have a digital license tied to their hardware. After a clean reinstall of the same edition (Home/Pro), Windows 10 typically reactivates automatically once online.
- Linking your license to a Microsoft account can simplify reactivation after significant hardware changes.
- Product keys (e.g., from retail boxes) still work with matching editions. Keep your key backed up in a password manager or sealed in a safe place.
What happens after October 14, 2025
- Windows Update stops delivering free security fixes for consumer Windows 10 devices.
- Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program provides paid updates after end of support, primarily targeting organizations. Consumer availability and pricing have shifted over time. Some outlets have reported low-cost or alternative enrollment options (including account-based offers or rewards), but terms and mechanisms have not been consistently documented across regions. Treat any such offers cautiously and verify through official Microsoft channels inside Windows or the Microsoft Store app.
- Driver updates, Windows Store app compatibility, and browser support may continue for a while but will gradually taper as vendors target Windows 11 and beyond.
Hardening a post‑EOL Windows 10
If you must operate Windows 10 beyond end of support, treat it like a legacy platform:- Restrict it to offline or limited‑connectivity scenarios when possible.
- Use a standard user account for daily work; reserve admin rights for maintenance.
- Pair with a modern, still‑supported browser and keep plugins/extensions to a minimum.
- Disable or prune unneeded services and scheduled tasks.
- Turn on Exploit Protection, SmartScreen, and — if your hardware supports it — Memory integrity (HVCI) to raise the bar for attackers.
- Segment the device on your network (guest VLAN) and apply strict inbound/outbound firewall rules.
- Snapshot frequently if running in a VM; keep known‑good offline system images for bare‑metal systems.
Best practices for long‑term archiving
You’re not just downloading an ISO—you’re building a recovery and preservation plan.- Keep at least two copies in different places: one on a reliable local SSD/HDD and one in cloud storage or an offline backup drive.
- Store the ISO alongside:
- A text file with its SHA‑256 hash and the date you computed it.
- Your product key (if applicable) and any activation or licensing notes.
- Driver packs or vendor installers you know you’ll need (chipset, audio, LAN/WLAN, GPU).
- A “first boot” checklist: things like turning off hibernation on desktops, enabling file history, or installing your baseline apps.
- Consider capturing a golden image:
- Clean install Windows 10 22H2 in a VM.
- Apply settings, .NET, Visual C++ runtimes, and core apps you always use.
- Run Disk Cleanup and DISM component cleanup to shrink the image.
- Sysprep and capture the VHDX/VMDK. Keep a snapshot right after OOBE for rapid cloning.
Troubleshooting common install and upgrade snags
Even with a pristine ISO, you may run into friction. Here’s how to smooth it out.- Setup won’t keep apps and files:
- Ensure the mounted ISO matches the edition and language of your current install.
- Uninstall third‑party antivirus and disk encryption temporarily.
- Free at least 20–30 GB on the system drive.
- Booting from USB fails on UEFI systems:
- Rebuild the USB as GPT/FAT32. If the install.wim exceeds 4 GB, use a tool that splits it or supports UEFI:NTFS.
- Temporarily disable Secure Boot, complete the install, then re‑enable Secure Boot.
- Activation doesn’t resume:
- Sign in with the Microsoft account that previously activated the device.
- Run the Activation troubleshooter and select “I changed hardware on this device recently.”
- Confirm you reinstalled the same edition (Home vs Pro).
- Setup can’t find drivers:
- Prepare a second USB with vendor drivers for storage/RAID and network adapters.
- For laptops, download OEM driver bundles before wiping the original OS.
Security and legal risks of third‑party ISOs
As end of support approaches, search engines will be flooded with “Windows 10 ISO” results hosted on random file shares and forums. Resist the urge.- ISO tampering is trivial and often invisible at a glance. Attackers can seed images with coin miners, backdoors, or credential stealers that survive reinstalls.
- Some aggregators reshare genuine ISOs but with outdated builds containing known vulnerabilities, increasing the window of exposure.
- Distribution of modified images may violate Microsoft’s licensing terms. Even if enforcement seems rare, you accept legal and operational risk.
Windows 10 vs. Windows 11: choosing the right path for your hardware
If your PC supports Windows 11, consider a dual‑approach:- Upgrade (or clean install) to Windows 11 for your main profile to remain within mainstream support.
- Maintain a Windows 10 VM or secondary partition with the archived ISO for the one or two legacy apps, devices, or games that behave better on 10.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a product key to reinstall with the ISO?
Not if your device already has a digital license for Windows 10 of the same edition. After connecting to the internet, activation typically resumes automatically. If you changed major hardware (motherboard), you may need to use the Activation troubleshooter or enter a valid key.Can I upgrade an unsupported Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 instead?
There are workarounds, but they come with support and security caveats. If you choose to remain on Windows 10, keep the system hardened, minimize internet exposure, and consider virtualization for risky workloads.Will Microsoft keep the ISO online after end of support?
There’s no guarantee. It may remain accessible for a time, be relocated, or be removed. That’s why archiving a verified copy now is prudent.Is there a cheap or free way to keep getting security updates?
For organizations, ESU is the formal path and is paid. Claims of low-cost consumer ESU or alternative enrollment methods circulate periodically, but they are not uniformly documented or guaranteed. Verify any such offer within Windows or the Microsoft Store to avoid scams.A practical checklist you can complete today
- Download the official Windows 10 22H2 ISO via non‑Windows user agent or Media Creation Tool.
- Compute and save the SHA‑256 hash; stash it next to the ISO.
- Back up drivers for your critical devices (LAN/WLAN, storage, GPU).
- Create a bootable USB installer and test-boot it on your target hardware.
- Archive a second copy of the ISO and hash in cloud storage or an offline drive.
- If you plan to keep using Windows 10 post‑EOL, decide whether to run it on bare metal or inside a VM behind strict network controls.
- Link your Windows license to a Microsoft account (if appropriate) to simplify reactivation.
The bottom line
Saving a clean Windows 10 22H2 ISO now is a small task with outsized benefits. It preserves your ability to perform in-place repairs, bare‑metal reinstalls, and VM deployments of a familiar OS long after mainstream support ends on October 14, 2025. The process is straightforward: use a non‑Windows user agent to grab the ISO directly or let the Media Creation Tool handle it for you. Verify the hash, store multiple copies, and keep a bootable USB ready.Windows 10’s popularity wasn’t an accident—it delivered wide hardware support and a decade of stability for countless workflows. As the platform’s official support window closes, a little preparation ensures those workflows keep running on your terms. Archive the ISO, harden your plan, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes next—whether that’s a quick recovery, a legacy VM, or a clean, quiet Windows 10 machine that keeps doing exactly what you need.
Source: windowslatest.com Download Windows 10 ISO files, save a copy before end of support
