Windows 10 20H2 October 2020 Update 32-bit 64-bit Official ISO Download
For more information read the official blog post for this release (20H2).
General information from Windows 10 (for all versions and releases)
Windows 10 (the successor to Windows 8 / 8.1) was released for the first time to public on July 29, 2015, it was available for many device platforms like desktop / laptop PC, smartphone, tablet etc., and it uses the same software ecosystem in all platforms. Windows 10 is an operating system as a service for consumers and businesses. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 is based on ‘software as a service’ model in which the operating system receives ongoing updates rather than issuing a full new version. Windows 10 introduces Universal Windows Platform, a platform on which developed apps can work in all Windows 10 devices. In Windows 8, Universal Applications work in fullscreen, while in Windows 10, those apps work as normal software applications in a normal window.
The Windows 7-like start menu is back in the Windows 10, with app tiles like Windows 8 / 8.1. Users can change the start menu size to either full screen or small size. All types of applications can be snapped on the screen, which lets you work together. The taskbar has a task view icon that allows you to easily switch to different open apps, or create a new virtual desktop. Windows 10 includes two user interface (UI) modes, one is optimized for devices with keyboard and mouse, and the other is for a touch screen device.
Microsoft introduced several new features and applications in Windows 10’s first release such as Microsoft Edge Browser, Cortana Virtual Assistant, Universal Windows Platform, New Start Menu, Task View and Virtual Desktops, DirectX 12, Game bar, Multi-factor user authentication, Snap Assist, Notification centre, and more.
Windows 10 is available in many different editions, for home PCs, you can download a Home or Pro version, and for business computers you can install the Enterprise Edition, and in academic institutions you can use the Education edition of the operating system. Brief information about each PC edition of Windows 10 is given below:
Home – The Home Edition is the basic version of the operating system, designed for home PC users, and available for PC and tablet devices. It has all the new notable Windows 10 features such as Cortana Virtual Assistant, Edge Browser, Mobile Management Facility, Virtual Desktops in Task View, etc., while going for features like BitLocker, Windows, DirectAccess, not available in the Home version. The 32-bit version of the Home Edition supports up to 4 GB RAM, and the 64-bit version supports 128 GB RAM.
Pro – The Pro Edition is designed for home PC users, professionals, and small businesses, and is available for PC and tablet devices. It includes all the features of Home Edition, and more like BitLocker, Joining Windows domain, Hyper-V, Windows To Go, and more business features are included. The 64-bit version of the Pro edition supports 2 TB RAM in the system.
Enterprise – Enterprise Edition features most of all editions in terms of features, security, and hardware / software support. It is available for Microsoft Volume Licensing customers, and is designed for the use in small and large organizations. It includes all the features of the PRO version, and includes more business-oriented features like AppLocker, Microsoft Application Virtualization, Device Guard, DirectAccess, and more. The 64-bit version of Enterprise Edition supports up to 2 TB RAM.
Education – Education Edition is designed for educational institutions (for example, schools, colleges, etc.), it is available for institutions that own the Microsoft Academy Volume License. In terms of features and hardware / software support, it includes all the features of the PRO version, and is similar to the Enterprise Edition.
Since Windows 10 version 1511, Cortana works without the need for a Microsoft account.
As of Windows 10 version 1607, Microsoft Edge browser support browser extensions.
In Windows 10 version 1703 a new app called ‘Paint 3D’ was introduced.
Windows Mixed Reality, 3D features in Photos app, 3D in Microsoft Office, was introduced in Windows 10 version 1709.
Version 1803 includes Timeline in Task View, and Microsoft Fluent Design implementation in some part of the operating system.
Version 1809 includes Dark Mode in File Explorer, A new Phone Management app, Snip & Sketch Screenshot Tool, New Emojis, New Game Bar tool, etc.
Version 1903 includes separate search bar and Cortana in the taskbar, Windows sandbox, Notepad improvement and light theme.
The version 1909 has improved battery life and performance, and includes some new features.
Version 2004 includes Cortana as a separate app with a chat-based user interface, improvements to the UI for the tablet experience, new icons, Windows Subsystem (WSL) 2 for Linux, and more.
System requirements
Minimum for all Windows 10 editions (apply to version 20H2):
- 1 GHz processor or higher.
- 1 GB (32-bit), 2 GB (64-bit) of RAM.
- 32 GB disk space.
Installation instructions (clean installation)
Starting installer in PC (via USB)
Follow the steps given below:
- Download the Windows 10 ISO image file from the download section.
- Install a USB bootable creation software (such as Rufus) on your Windows computer.
- Plug in a USB flash drive (at least 8-16 GB of space) with your computer.
- Open the USB bootable creation software, and select the ISO image file of Windows 10, and start the process.
- As soon as done, plug the bootable USB into a system where you want to install Windows 10.
- Restart the computer.
- Press the boot device menu key and select USB to boot first.
- Select USB device and start the Windows 10 installer.
Starting installer in VMware
- Download the Windows 10 ISO image file from the download section.
- Launch the VMware Player, and start creating a new virtual machine.
- Select the ISO image file of Windows 10, and use the default settings for the virtual machine.
- Start the virtual machine and go to the Windows 10 installer.
Starting installer in VirtualBox
- Download the Windows 10 ISO image file from the download section.
- Launch the Virtualbox application on your computer, and start creating a new virtual machine.
- Select Windows 10 and use defualt settings for the virtual machine.
- Start VM and when it asks to select the Host Drive, then select the downloaded Windows 10 ISO file in step 1.
Last step
As soon as you go to the Windows 10 install screen, follow the steps given below:
- Select language, time, etc. settings, go to next, and press ‘Install Now’.
- Type your product key and proceed. (If you do not have any product key yet, you can skip the step and later activate Windows)
- Select the installation type on Custom (Advanced).
- On the partition selection screen, if your PC already has a Windows installed, then select Windows Drive and format the partition. Or, select the Unallocated space, click the Drive Options link and create a new partition.
- Select the primary partition, press Next, and start the installation.
- Wait while Windows 10 is being installed on your PC, your computer may restart several times during installation, don’t press any key and do not eject the USB drive.
- As soon as this is complete, it will ask you the product key, type your key, or click on the ‘Do this later’ text link.
- Use Express Settings, and create a user account.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and complete the installation.
- As soon as you go to the desktop screen, eject the USB drive from the PC.
Windows activation keys, or any kind of pirated content (for example, crack, patch, activator, etc.) are not included in the download file.
Windows 10 (the successor to Windows 8 / 8.1) was released for the first time to public on July 29, 2015, it was available for many device platforms like desktop / laptop PC, smartphone, tablet etc., and it uses the same software ecosystem in all platforms. Windows 10 is an operating system as a service for consumers and businesses. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 is based on ‘software as a service’ model in which the operating system receives ongoing updates rather than issuing a full new version. Windows 10 introduces Universal Windows Platform, a platform on which developed apps can work in all Windows 10 devices. In Windows 8, Universal Applications work in fullscreen, while in Windows 10, those apps work as normal software applications in a normal window.
The Windows 7-like start menu is back in the Windows 10, with app tiles like Windows 8 / 8.1. Users can change the start menu size to either full screen or small size. All types of applications can be snapped on the screen, which lets you work together. The taskbar has a task view icon that allows you to easily switch to different open apps, or create a new virtual desktop. Windows 10 includes two user interface (UI) modes, one is optimized for devices with keyboard and mouse, and the other is for a touch screen device.
Microsoft introduced several new features and applications in Windows 10’s first release such as Microsoft Edge Browser, Cortana Virtual Assistant, Universal Windows Platform, New Start Menu, Task View and Virtual Desktops, DirectX 12, Game bar, Multi-factor user authentication, Snap Assist, Notification centre, and more.
Windows 10 is available in many different editions, for home PCs, you can download a Home or Pro version, and for business computers you can install the Enterprise Edition, and in academic institutions you can use the Education edition of the operating system. Brief information about each PC edition of Windows 10 is given below:
Home – The Home Edition is the basic version of the operating system, designed for home PC users, and available for PC and tablet devices. It has all the new notable Windows 10 features such as Cortana Virtual Assistant, Edge Browser, Mobile Management Facility, Virtual Desktops in Task View, etc., while going for features like BitLocker, Windows, DirectAccess, not available in the Home version. The 32-bit version of the Home Edition supports up to 4 GB RAM, and the 64-bit version supports 128 GB RAM.
Pro – The Pro Edition is designed for home PC users, professionals, and small businesses, and is available for PC and tablet devices. It includes all the features of Home Edition, and more like BitLocker, Joining Windows domain, Hyper-V, Windows To Go, and more business features are included. The 64-bit version of the Pro edition supports 2 TB RAM in the system.
Enterprise – Enterprise Edition features most of all editions in terms of features, security, and hardware / software support. It is available for Microsoft Volume Licensing customers, and is designed for the use in small and large organizations. It includes all the features of the PRO version, and includes more business-oriented features like AppLocker, Microsoft Application Virtualization, Device Guard, DirectAccess, and more. The 64-bit version of Enterprise Edition supports up to 2 TB RAM.
Education – Education Edition is designed for educational institutions (for example, schools, colleges, etc.), it is available for institutions that own the Microsoft Academy Volume License. In terms of features and hardware / software support, it includes all the features of the PRO version, and is similar to the Enterprise Edition.
Windows 10 Version history (PC)
() contain year of release.
Windows 10 2004 (2020)
Windows 10 1909 (2019).
Windows 10 1903 (2019).
Windows 10 1809 (2018).
Windows 10 1803 (2018).
Windows 10 1709 (2017).
Windows 10 1703 (2017).
Windows 10 1607 (2016).
Windows 10 1511 (2015).
Windows 10 1507 (2015).
New features. Updated security. Windows 10 keeps getting better all the time.
Windows 10 is designed to make it easy to stay up-to-date. New features and updated security are made available regularly, at no additional cost.
Popular and powerful operating system
Windows 10 is an operating system that is specifically designed for PC devices and Microsoft equipment: the Surface tablet. Released in July 2015, the program is still consistently updated to include new features and to fix issues. The OS upgrade enhances the user experience through aesthetic and practical improvements: accessibility, web browsing, etc.
Can I still download Windows 10 for free?
People that have previous versions of the Windows operating software are able to update their systems to the Windows 10 program for free. To install the Windows 10 free upgrade, open the main menu in the lower left corner of the desktop screen and open the settings icon to access the ‘Update & Security’ section.
If users cannot see the option to download the OS, then their device may not be ready for the update yet. To ensure that this is the case, click on the ‘Check for updates’ button. Microsoft has the tendency to gradually release their operating system functionality. This aspect can be unfavorable when there are impending issues that need adjustments.
How do I get Windows 10 on my computer?
While the devices may not automatically register the capacity to install the new operating system, the Microsoft Windows users can manually download the software onto their electronic equipment: computers, laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. If people purchase a new Microsoft PC device, then they will already have Windows 10 installed on that equipment.
Does Windows 10 have free Word?
One asset that Microsoft innately has that other technology companies do not is the Microsoft Office 365 software package. People that have Apple iOS and Mac devices often purchase the Microsoft suite to install onto their gadgets. The package includes professional grade programs: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
These applications are imperative to have in collegiate and business environments because they are the industry standard that everyone uses. Windows 10 will preinstall these apps onto devices. This is an attractive advantage that Microsoft equipment has over other device options.
What apps does Windows 10 come with?
Aside from the Microsoft 365 array of applications, Windows 10 comes with the web browser: Edge. In previous updates, the Edge browser was included in the OS as a separate software. The internet browser is now inbuilt. Launched in January 2020, the Edge is a cross-platform app that is native to Microsoft Windows equipment. Additionally, Internet Explorer is included in the OS.
Like Google Chrome, the Edge browser is built on the Chromium platform. This fundamental aspect has made the Edge browser in the Windows 10 update the quickest internet browser that they have created. Microsoft progressively updates important aspects within the browser: the sync settings across devices.
There is a lengthy amount of extensions available within the web browsing application. Go to the Microsoft Edge extension page to scroll through and choose the preferred extensions. Users have the option to choose from a list of add-ons that are curated by the Microsoft team. The Google Chrome store is another resource that the Microsoft community can refer to for extension options.
To activate an add-on, click on the toggle bar next to the title. When the button is blue, then the apps are active within the browser: AdBlock, Zoom, etc. Personalize the Edge app with free and easily accessible extensions. People can enter into the extension preferences by clicking on the three dots in the upper right corner and selecting ‘Extensions’ from the dropdown menu.
The Microsoft dev center included a shortcut to display Edge tabs: Alt + Tab. By pressing on the Alt and Tab keys at the same time, the active internet tabs will appear in the same screen to allow people to easily navigate through them. If people do not like this setting, then they are able to disable the feature within the settings.
Click on ‘System’ within the upper left corner and navigate to ‘Multitasking’ in the left panel to access the ‘Alt + Tab’ section. From within the dropdown people can customize this action by selecting whether they want all, five, three, or none of the tabs in the Edge browser to open with the other windows on the device.
Learn the program: Windows 10
Within Windows 10, the standard ‘Start Menu’ has been altered. The new ‘Start Menu’ design does not include accent colors behind the icons nor text. The minimalistic design can be undesirable for people that are well acquainted with the previous ‘Start Menu’ aesthetic.
If people want to revert back to the previous design, then they can by entering into the settings and choosing on the ‘Personalization’ button in the upper right corner. Enter into the ‘Colors’ tab within the left panel and click on the first dropdown menu to navigate between the ‘Light’, ‘Dark’, and ‘Custom’ options. Select the ‘Dark’ color theme to accentuate the icons within the ‘Start Menu’.
Alternative operating systems
Microsoft Windows 10 Home is not as secure as the Windows 10 Pro version. The developer’s decision to make the standard Windows 10 not as safe as the more expensive Windows Pro edition reveals that Microsoft’s safety standards are not adamantly strong for everyone. By opting for the Home version, people are excluded from BitLocker device encryption and Windows Information Protection.
Compared to Windows OS, Mac OSmac OS seamlessly connects multiple devices to the same account. Microsoft is beginning to improve their systems’ abilities to sync devices. The new task bar includes an icon for the phones that are connected to the Microsoft accounts.
Feature-filled OS
While Windows 10 offers users a multitude of interesting features, the fundamental software requires more attention. Imperative features like syncing capabilities can be released slowly. The platform does come with important native software: Microsoft Office Suite.
What’s new?
The Microsoft team is constantly providing software updates to their Windows Insider Program Members and the general public. Visit their official website to be current on the recent releases.
Windows 10 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, which brings back many features lost in previous editions and introduces long-awaited functionalities that have already been available on competitor software for a while now.
One of its main novelties is the return of the Start menu to the traditional desktop after its disappearance in Windows 8. From it you can access most of your installed programs as well as the ‘Live Tiles’ on the Metro desktop, the latter being another major improvement to the operating system: Windows Store applications will finally be combined with the traditional ones, so you can use both of them in windows.
Another much-anticipated addition is that it’s finally possible to work simultaneously in multiple virtual desktops. ‘Task Switch’ has improved usability considerably by allowing you to change between one window and another, so it’s now much more fluid to use lots of software simultaneously.
All these features have been combined into a single edition of Windows that covers all the platforms it possibly can. That is, the same edition of Windows 10 can run on both desktops and ultra-compact devices.
Only 2 weeks left to update to Windows 10 for free
This July 29th will mark a year since the official launch of Windows 10. It’s also the final date for you to upgrade your previous version of Windows (from Windows 7 upwards) for free. From then on, to get Windows 10 you’ll have to dish out $119 – so get on the ball within the next 14 days and save yourself a pretty penny.