Where can I download Windows 10 Pro 64-bit?

Download it from Microsoft at microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 using the Media Creation Tool. The same download contains Home and Pro, and you choose 64-bit in the tool. Your product key decides which edition installs and activates, so there is no separate Pro download.

Do I need a product key to clean install Windows 11?

You can install without one by choosing I don't have a product key during setup, and enter it later in Settings > System > Activation. If the PC was activated with the same edition before, Windows usually reactivates on its own through its digital license once online.

Will a clean install delete everything on my PC?

Yes, if you delete the partitions on the system drive as described in this guide. Apps, settings and files on that drive are erased. Back up documents, photos, browser bookmarks and any license keys for other software to an external drive or cloud storage first.

How big does the USB drive need to be?

Microsoft requires a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space for the Media Creation Tool. Everything on the drive is erased when the tool creates the installer, so copy off any files you want to keep before you start.

Why does my PC not boot from the USB drive?

The firmware is probably set to boot from the internal drive first, or Secure Boot is rejecting an older USB. Open the one-time boot menu with the key shown at startup and pick the USB entry labeled UEFI. If it still fails, recreate the drive with the Media Creation Tool.

How to Clean Install Windows 10 or Windows 11 from USB

A clean install wipes the system drive and installs a fresh copy of Windows. It is the most reliable fix for a slow or broken system, and the standard way to set up a new SSD or a PC you have bought secondhand. The process is the same for Windows 10 and Windows 11: make a bootable USB with Microsoft's Media Creation Tool, boot from it, install, then activate with your product key.

What you need before you start

Item	Details
USB flash drive	8 GB or larger, and it will be erased
Another working PC	Only if the PC you are reinstalling cannot run the tool
Product key	25 characters, for the edition you want to install
Backup	Copy your files somewhere other than the system drive
Internet connection	Needed for Windows 11 setup and for activation

Write down your product key and keep it with your order. Keys from our store appear on screen and by email after payment, and in My Account > Orders.

Windows 10 and Windows 11 system requirements

Windows 11 has stricter requirements than Windows 10. Check them before you choose which version to install.

Requirement	Windows 10	Windows 11
Processor	1 GHz or faster	1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, 64-bit, on Microsoft's supported list
Memory	1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)	4 GB
Storage	32 GB	64 GB
Firmware	BIOS or UEFI	UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM	Not required	TPM 2.0
Architecture	32-bit or 64-bit	64-bit only

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, so it no longer receives regular security updates. If the PC meets the Windows 11 requirements, install Windows 11.

Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool

The Media Creation Tool is Microsoft's free utility for downloading Windows and building a bootable USB.

Windows 11: microsoft.com/software-download/windows11. Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select Download now.
Windows 10: microsoft.com/software-download/windows10. Select Download tool now.

There is no separate download for Pro. The same installation media contains Home and Pro, and your product key decides which edition installs.

Step 2: Create a bootable USB drive

Insert the USB drive and run the Media Creation Tool.
Accept the license terms.
On Windows 10, choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC.
Choose the language and edition. For Windows 10, set architecture to 64-bit (x64) unless the PC can only run 32-bit. Windows 11 is 64-bit only.
Select USB flash drive, pick your drive and click Next.
Wait for the tool to download Windows and finish writing the drive.

Step 3: Boot the PC from the USB drive

Most modern PCs use UEFI firmware. You need to tell the PC to start from the USB instead of the internal drive.

Plug the USB drive into the PC you are reinstalling.
Restart and press the one-time boot menu key as soon as the logo appears. It varies by manufacturer and is often F12, F11, F10, F8 or Esc. The startup screen or the manufacturer's manual shows the right key.
Select the USB entry, preferably the one marked UEFI.

If Windows still starts, you can also go to Settings > System > Recovery (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Recovery (Windows 10), select Restart now under Advanced startup, then choose Use a device.

For Windows 11, leave Secure Boot and TPM enabled in the firmware settings. They are part of the requirements.

Step 4: Install Windows

Choose your language, time format and keyboard, then click Next and Install now.
On the Activate Windows screen, enter your product key, or select I don't have a product key to enter it later.
If asked, choose the edition that matches your key (Home or Pro).
Accept the license terms.
Choose Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). Newer Windows 11 media skips this question and goes straight to the drive selection screen.
Select each partition on the drive you are installing to and click Delete, until the drive shows only Unallocated Space.
Select the unallocated space and click Next. Setup creates the partitions it needs.
The PC restarts several times. Remove the USB drive when setup reaches the region and account questions.
Complete the setup questions. Windows 11 Home requires an internet connection and a Microsoft account, and recent versions of Windows 11 Pro do as well when set up for personal use.

Choosing the wrong edition in step 3 is a common mistake. A Pro key will not activate Home, and a Home key will not activate Pro.

Step 5: Activate Windows with your product key

If you entered the key during setup, Windows activates automatically once it is online. To check or to enter the key afterwards:

Windows 11: go to Settings > System > Activation, then select Change product key.
Windows 10: go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation, then select Change product key.

Enter the 25-character key and select Activate. The page should then show Windows is activated.

If online activation fails, open an administrator Command Prompt and run slui 4 to start telephone activation, then follow the prompts. Every key we sell supports online and telephone activation, and activation is guaranteed.

Reinstalling on a PC that was already activated

If the PC was activated with the same edition before the reinstall, Windows usually reactivates by itself through its digital license once it connects to the internet. Linking your Microsoft account to the license under Activation makes this easier after a hardware change.

After the clean install

Run Windows Update until no more updates are offered.
Install drivers from the PC or motherboard manufacturer if any devices are missing.
Restore your files from the backup.
Reinstall your apps, including Office. See our guide to installing and activating Office.

If you want Pro features on a PC that came with Home, read our guide to upgrading Windows Home to Pro. Coming from an older version instead? See upgrading from Windows 7 or 8.1.

Need help?

If setup fails or your key will not activate, open a ticket at /support or call +1-888-470-5516. Free tech support runs 7 days a week. If a key cannot be activated, we send a working replacement free of charge.