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Tutorial Installing/Upgrading Windows 10 - Updated for the April 2018 Update! - Support, Tips, Tricks & More!

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Edit (10/2/18): The Windows 10 October 2018 Update has been released. You can read the full change log here. I will update the OP soon.

Information in this thread is accurate for build: 17134.5 (1803)

You can find a complete list of changes that have been made to Windows 10 for each build by visiting this website.

Note: If you're running Windows 7/8.x and have a valid license (retail or OEM), you can use the Media Creation Tool to install Windows 10 for free still! Just follow through the steps normally and install Windows 10, when it asks for the key during install, skip it. When you reach the desktop, open the Settings app, go to Update & Security, click the Activation Tab and follow the instructions to enter a key, then enter your Windows 7/8.x key. Your Windows 10 install will be activated.

Update Requirements:
  • About 1-3 hours of time depending on your internet connection.
  • You must have a working internet connection (obviously).
  • You must have at least 10GB of hard drive space.
  • You must be able to either update via Windows Update, the Media Creation Tool, or by using an official ISO.
  • You must have a valid Windows 10 license in order to remain activated. Users who installed Windows 10 before July 29th, 2016 are eligible for this update because of their free license.
How to update via Windows Update:
  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Click Update & Security.
  3. Click on Windows Update and check for updates. When the build is ready to be distributed to your device, you'll be able to download it.
Notice: In order for this method to work, you will need to be able to use Windows Update. If you have manually modified your Registry to disable Windows Update, you'll need to manually undo that yourself. If Windows Update is stuck at "Downloading Updates 0%" please scroll down and look at the "Resetting Windows Update" section.

How to upgrade using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (In-place Upgrade):
  1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website and run it.
  2. Agree to the terms.
  3. Select Upgrade this PC.
  4. The files will be downloaded to your computer.
  5. Choose what files you want to keep.
  6. Begin the install.
Creating Bootable Windows 10 Media:
  1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website and run it.
  2. Agree to the terms.
  3. Select "Download for another PC".
  4. The files will be downloaded to your computer.
  5. Select what you want to use for the bootable media (USB/DVD).
  6. Once the setup is complete, the bootable USB/DVD will be created.
Clean Installing Windows 10 via a Bootable USB/DVD:
*If you do not have a Windows 10 bootable USB/DVD, check the Creating Bootable Windows 10 Media section of this thread.
  1. Connect your bootable USB or insert the bootable DVD.
  2. Open the "Settings" app, go to "Update & Security", then click "Recovery".
  3. Click "Restart Now" under "Advanced startup".
  4. When at the Advanced Startup Screen, click the option that says "Use a Device".
  5. Click the USB/DVD that you have inserted.
  6. Windows will now reboot and enter into the Windows 10 install.
  7. Continue through the setup until you're asked to Upgrade or do a Custom install; select Custom install.
  8. Select the partition that you currently have Windows 10 installed on.
  9. Click "Format".
  10. Make sure the correct partition is selected, then click Next.
  11. Windows 10 will now install on that partition. It will also create the corresponding recovery media needed in case you ever want to use the "Reset This PC" method in the future.
  12. If you're prompted for a Product Key, click "Skip", as you'll activate once you connect to the internet.
Clean Installing Windows 10 via "Reset This PC":
This can be done after you update to the latest Windows 10 build, doing so on your current build will just re-install that build. You can also do this before upgrading if you want to upgrade from a clean install.
  1. Open the "Settings" app, go to "Update & Security", then click "Recovery".
  2. Under "Reset This PC", click "Get Started".
  3. Click "Remove Everything & Re-install Windows".
  4. Click "Delete everything" (the one that says it might take a few hours, it only takes about ~30mins).
  5. Continue with the Reset until it is finished.
Recommended Privacy/Setting Changes:
All of these settings will be found here once you've updated Windows 10. If these locations have changed, please let me know.
  • Open Settings and click on the Privacy tab then click on the General tab
    • Let apps use my advertising ID for experiences across apps Off
    • Send Microsoft info about how I write to help us improve typing and writing in the future Off
    • Let websites provide locally relevant content by accessing my language list Off
  • Open Settings and click on Network & Internet then click on the WiFi tab
    • Connect to suggested hotspots Off
    • Let me use Online Sign-Up to get connected Off
    • Paid WiFi services Off
  • Open Settings and click on Network & Internet then click on the Mobile hotspot tab
    • Share my Internet connection with other devices Off
      • You can enable this if you need to. It's not really an issue to have it enabled.
  • Open Settings and click on Update & Security then click on the Windows Update tab
    • Click on Advanced options under Update Settings
    • Click on Choose how updates are delivered
    • Updates from more than one place Off
  • Open Settings and click on System, then click on Storage
    • Make sure that all of them are set to "This PC".
These settings are not required to be changed, but it can put some people who are paranoid about some of the Windows 10 Telemetry related settings. You cannot normally disable Telemetry with one click. Higher level Registry editing is required.

Windows 10 Tips & Tricks:
  • Open File Explorer to "This PC" instead of "Quick Access"
    1. Open the File Explorer.
    2. Right click on Quick Access on the left side with the folder links.
    3. Click Options
    4. "Open File Explorer to:" This PC
  • Disable Windows Ink button on the Taskbar
    • Right click on the Taskbar
    • Uncheck "Show Windows Ink Workspace Button"
  • Remove the Cortana AMA box
    • Right click on the Taskbar
    • Hover over Cortana Hidden
If you have any tips and tricks that you know of for Windows 10 16299.x, please let me know! I've removed the previous list as it was mostly populated with items related to fixing/working around install issues with Windows 10 16299.x. Most of those issues have been long fixed.

Resetting Windows Update (Windows 10):
  • Clearing the Windows Update download folders
    • Delete everything inside of:
      • C:\$Windows.~BT\
      • C:\$Windows.~WS\
    • Open Task Manager Services tab
      • Look for wuausrv
      • Right click Stop
    • Delete everything inside of:
      • C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
      • C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
    • Open Task Manager Services tab
    • Look for wuausrv
    • Right click Start
  • Restart your computer
-----------------------------
This thread will continue to receive information updates throughout the week after 16299.x's official release. Please be patient.

All of the information from the previous version of this thread is inside of this spoiler in case you need/want to see it.
I decided to update this thread with a more organized and user friendly layout. It contains the same information as before, but everything is easier to find and understand. Best of luck installing Windows 10 on your machine!

Notice: Please make sure to check the most recent post in the thread to see if any important stuff has been posted.

Last Updated: June 6th @ 12:40 AM EST
Recent Updates To The OP:
  • Added instructions on how to change the wallpaper/color of the Windows 10 logon screen.
  • Added official downloads for Windows 10 ISO's.
  • Added fix from IBTimes for Error 0xC1900101 - 0x20004 to the Troubleshooting section.
Installation Notes:
  • Using the Media Creation Tool will delete the contents of C:\$Windows.~BT and C:\$Windows.~WS. This is not important unless you know what the folders are for.
  • In order to get your free copy of Windows 10, you MUST install Windows 10 from your Operating System via the Upgrade method. If you perform a Clean Install before you do the upgrade, you will NOT be activated. After you've upgraded to Windows 10 via the Upgrade method, you can then use the Reset PC feature or the Media Creation tool to perform a Clean Install on your PC. Your activation will remain present as long as you don't make any major changes to your hardware (as your Hardware Profile would change).
  • You should automatically be activated once your Windows 10 upgrade has finished. However, some users are reporting that they are getting a message saying "Connect to the internet to activate Windows". Don't worry about this message from Windows. You're getting this message because you're unable to make a solid connection to the Windows activation service. You can either:
    • Spam the "Activate" button until it activates.
    • Sit back and wait until it connects and activates itself.
Requirements:
  • About 10 GB of free space on your Hard Drive.
  • A stable internet connection for downloading the install files.
  • About 2 hours of time.
  • Microsoft's Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
SHA1 Hashes for Windows 10:
  • Media Creation Tool x86: 16B960B76459E0EE0B37A250D3212BDFF55C6F3F
  • Media Creation Tool x64: E7C11C05EA151428644EEF3CEC28417B7DBA384C
Do NOT use any Media Creation Tool that does not have one the hashes above! You can check the SHA1 hash of your download by using this website. Upload the file and select SHA1 from the available hashes.

Official Windows 10 ISO's:
These ISO's are combined versions of Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro. Each ISO is valid for EITHER version of Windows 10. I assume when you're installing Windows, it will ask you which version you want to install, and your activation will carry over. If you're using a Windows N, Windows KN, or Windows SL (Single Language), you should select those versions. So you'll be presented with the ISO for that edition of Windows 10. I would provide direct links to the ISO, but the links are only valid for 24 hours.
Creating Bootable Windows 10 Media:
You can use this bootable USB/DVD in order to perform an Upgrade or Clean Install depending on how you use the media. These steps are how to create the bootable USB/DVD with the Media Creation Tool.
  1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website.
  2. Rune the tool as an Administrator.
  3. Check "Download for another PC".
  4. The installer will download, verify and prepare the installation files.
  5. Select what you want to use for the bootable media (USB or DVD).
  6. Once setup is completed, your bootable USB/DVD will be ready for use.
Upgrading from Windows 7/8.x to Windows 10:
  1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website.
  2. Run the tool as an Administrator.
  3. Check "Upgrade this PC".
  4. The installer will download and verify the Windows 10 installation files.
  5. Choose what files to keep and begin the install.
  6. After the installation is finished, I recommend you take a look at the Recommended Privacy Changes section in this thread.
Clean Installing Windows 10 via a Bootable USB/DVD:
*If you do not have a Windows 10 bootable USB/DVD, check the Creating Bootable Windows 10 Media section of this thread. Please DO NOT perform a Clean Install if you have not Upgraded to Windows 10 from Windows 7/8.x. You will NOT be activated. You MUST Upgrade to Windows 10 from a activated version of Windows 7/8.x to be activated on Windows 10 (this does not include Enterprise editions of Windows 7/8.x).
  1. Connect your bootable USB or insert the bootable DVD.
  2. Open the "Settings" app, go to "Update & Security", then click "Recovery".
  3. Click "Restart Now" under "Advanced startup".
  4. When at the Advanced Startup Screen, click the option that says "Use a Device".
  5. Click the USB/DVD that you have inserted.
  6. Windows will now reboot and enter into the Windows 10 install.
  7. Continue through the setup until you're asked to Upgrade or do a Custom install; select Custom install.
  8. Select the partition that you currently have Windows 10 installed on.
  9. Click "Format".
  10. Make sure the correct partition is selected, then click Next.
  11. Windows 10 will now install on that partition. It will also create the corresponding recovery media needed in case you ever want to use the "Reset This PC" method in the future.
  12. If you're prompted for a Product Key, click "Skip", as you'll activate once you connect to the internet.
  13. After Windows 10 is installed and confirmed to be activated, please check the Recommended Privacy Changes section of this thread.
Clean Installing Windows 10 via "Reset This PC":
Make sure that you're already activated on Windows 10 before doing this. If you're not activated, you will not be activated after completing the reset.
  1. Open the "Settings" app, go to "Update & Security", then click "Recovery".
  2. Under "Reset This PC", click "Get Started".
  3. Click "Remove Everything & Re-install Windows".
  4. Click "Delete everything" (the one that says it might take a few hours, it only takes about ~30mins).
  5. Continue with the Reset until it is finished.
  6. After Windows 10 is installed and confirmed to be activated, please check the Recommended Privacy Changes section of this thread.
Recommended Privacy Changes:
There are a lot of different things being said about Windows 10's Privacy Policy, and what information they're collecting from your operating system. These are very simple changes to make to your settings on Windows 10 that can improve your experience with Windows 10, and make you feel at ease knowing your information is not wandering around the internet.

Open the Settings app and click Privacy:
  • "General" tab
    • "Let apps use my advertising ID..." => OFF.
    • "Send Microsoft info about how I write to help use improve typing and writing in the future" => OFF.
    • "Let websites provide locally relevant content..." => OFF.
  • "Feedback & diagnostics" tab
    • "Windows should ask for my feedback" => NEVER. (OPTIONAL)
      • This will disable your ability to use Insider builds of Windows 10.
    • "Send your device data to Microsoft" => BASIC.
I'll leave you guys to decide on what to do regarding your location and account usage on Windows 10. You can also check out this post on /r/Windows10 for info on how to disable a bunch of other settings that might be invading your privacy. However, be warned that doing some of those changes can disable/remove some of Windows 10's features.

Open the Settings app and click Network & Internet:
  • "Wi-Fi" tab
    • "Manage Wi-Fi settings"
      • Connect to suggested hotspots => OFF.
      • Connect to networks shared by my contacts => OFF.
You will have to "forget" the network you're current connected to and reconnect to it as well.

Open the Settings app and click Update & Security:
  • "Windows Update" tab
    • "Advanced Options"
      • "Choose how updates are delivered"
        • "When this is turn on, your PC may also send parts..." => OFF.
This will disable the P2P sharing of Windows Updates.

Open the Settings app and click System:
  • "Storage" tab
    • Change all of your Save locations to "This PC". This will prevent all new files from being moved to OneDrive automatically. Alternative, you can just disable OneDrive altogether.
Windows 10 Tips & Tricks:
This will be a small list of tips and tricks you can do to improve your Windows 10 experience, or just become more familiar with Windows 10. Most of these will be from other sites, but some will be presented by myself or other users of the forum.
Open File Explorer to "This PC" instead of "Quick Access":
  1. Open the File Explorer.
  2. Right click on Quick Access on the left side with the folder links.
  3. Click Options.
  4. "Open File Explorer To:" => This PC.
  5. Click OK.
I also suggest that you uncheck the two boxes in the Privacy group, but it's not needed.

Change Windows 10 Logon Screen Background:
  1. Download this program (scan | [Click here to view this link]). Must be run as Admin.
  2. Open the application.
  3. Select whether to use a image file as your logon screen background, or an accent color.
    • You can scale the image if you choose to use one.
    • You can either select an accent color, or use your current accent color.
  4. Click Apply Changes.
  5. Press the Windows key + L, or click 'Lock Windows' to see the change in effect.
  6. You can restore the Hero logon screen by click Restore Hero or set it completely back to normal by clicking Restore Default.
This application works by editing your Windows 10 registry. The creator of this application, nor myself or Se7enSins take responsibility if your machine begins to work improperly after changing the logon screen. Use this at your own risk.

Troubleshooting
This section will provide some information on steps you can take to resolve errors encountered whilst attempting to Upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 7/8x. These are not fool-proof solutions, and do not work for everyone, or work all of the time. Please post in the thread if these solutions do not work for you.

Helpful Links:
If you get the "Something happened" error, please try the following:
  • Changing your locale/region to "English (US)"
    • Windows 7
      • Go to: Control Panel -> Region and Language -> Administrative tab -> Change system locale and select "English (US)".
      • Re-run the Media Creation tool.
    • Windows 8.x
      • Go to: Control Panel -> Clock, Language and Region -> Region -> Administrative (tab) -> Change system locale and select "English US".
      • Re-run the Media Creation tool.
  • Clearing the Windows Update download folders
    1. Delete everything inside of:
      • C:\$Windows.~BT\
      • C:\$Windows.~WS\
    2. "Resetting" Windows Update:
      1. Open Task Manager -> Services tab
        1. Look for wuausrv.
        2. Right click it -> Stop.
      2. Delete everything inside of:
        • C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
        • C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
      3. Open Task Manager -> Services tab
        1. Look for wuausrv.
        2. Right click it -> Start.
    3. Restart your computer.
    4. Try installing Windows 10 via your selected upgrade method again.
There are not many different methods to trouble shooting the install, since there is little useful error information provided to begin with. If the above steps prove useless, please post your issue in the thread and we'll see what we can do to fix it.
------------------------------------------------------​

Enjoy Windows 10! If you have any issues or questions, let me know. I was on the preview for a few weeks, so I'm a bit familiarized with the OS already.

Are you guys ready? :biggrin: Selena Gomez denz NixFifty xleg1tquiksc0pezzx Bountiful Harvest

Was reported on WinBeta earlier today that the people who reserved Windows 10 via the Get Windows 10 app, have begun to receive the Windows 10 download.

The files currently download to "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download" and then I assume it's moved to "C:\$Windows.~BT" once the file(s) are ready. Download sizes have been ranging from 3GB's to 7GB's and higher.

If you've reserved the Windows 10 update, make sure to be using your Windows 8.1 install today, so that it downloads. To check if you've begun downloading the update, you can check your Installed Updates page for the following: Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro (Failed). It should say failed because it cannot install Windows 10 yet, it's just downloading the files. There hasn't been anything said about when we'll be able to install the actual update, but most people have been saying that it'll either be at 10AM EDT or right off the bat at 12AM EDT.

-------------------------------------------

Edit #1: Windows 10 will officially launch on July 29th, 2015 at 7AM EDT. You can check the countdown here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness/default.aspx#

Edit #2: Not sure if the time mentioned in Edit #1 is correct, as another page on MS' site says that it'll launch at 12AM EDT.

The countdowns seemed to have been wrong, it launched roughly around 12:30AM EST.

-------------------------------------------
 
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Shoe

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Or the windows 7 user could wait and get a iso file for it like ill have to now as i just got a new laptop with and installed win 7 today not think about this
 
Cakes

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Or the windows 7 user could wait and get a iso file for it like ill have to now as i just got a new laptop with and installed win 7 today not think about this
Well, I don't know if it's too late to reserve a copy of Windows 10. I would assume the Get Windows 10 app would continue to be installed until after Windows 10 launches.

Edit: Windows 10 will officially launch on July 29th, 2015 at 7AM EDT. You can check the countdown here: http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsforbusiness/default.aspx#
 
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What time in UK?
No idea to be honest now. There were countdowns up on the page, but there seem to be two of them. One that ends tomorrow at 7AM EDT and one that ends tonight at 12AM EDT (12PM GMT and 5AM GMT)
 
Adamgm10

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I hope someone uploads the Windows 10 pro install files cause mine keeps failing which is pissing me off.
 
Adamgm10

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Yeah but you can download the files.

Vhg9e9W.png
 
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I hope someone uploads the Windows 10 pro install files cause mine keeps failing which is pissing me off.
That means that you've pre-loaded the install files, or you're currently pre-loading them. The Windows Update log will show that your "Upgrade To Windows 10" update failed because you're not able to update to Windows 10 yet (due to it not being time).

If you check the folder I mentioned in the OP (C:\$Windows.~BT), and files are there, then you've pre-loaded the Windows 10 install. When the update is "unlocked", you'll be ready to go.
 
halopro77

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1. Set windows update to full auto
2. Enter "wuauclt.exe /updatenow" into CMD
3. ???
4. Profit!
 
halopro77

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Some people on reddit were doing that too :tongue:
Doesn't allow you to install up it forces the download where you can copy the files from C:\$Windows.~BT to your desktop, change the time zone, and install it.

ad7aec5a31e1e8cced1510f7ffa43a01.png
 
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Doesn't allow you to install up it forces the download where you can copy the files from C:\$Windows.~BT to your desktop, change the time zone, and install it.
I've been having trouble pre-loading, so I'm just gonna have to wait and download it like a pleb.
 
halopro77

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I've been having trouble pre-loading, so I'm just gonna have to wait and download it like a pleb.
1. go to c:\windows, and find the "SoftwareDistribution" folder and right click > properties > security >YourUserName>edit and give your self full control.
2. tern off the windows update service,
3. rename "SoftwareDistribution" folder to "SoftwareDistribution.old"
4. start windows update service.
5. Check for updates.
5.1. If windows update s***s bricks, run the troubleshooter to fix it.
6. try the wuauclt.exe /updatenow command again.
 
Cakes

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1. go to c:\windows, and find the "SoftwareDistribution" folder and right click > properties > security >YourUserName>edit and give your self full control.
2. tern off the windows update service,
3. rename "SoftwareDistribution" folder to "SoftwareDistribution.old"
4. start windows update service.
5. Check for updates.
5.1. If windows update ****s bricks, run the troubleshooter to fix it.
6. try the wuauclt.exe /updatenow command again.
I'll have to give that a try.
 
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