FAQ - frequently asked questions

1. I purchased my copy of Windows through a university. Can I download it here?

Yes, but you’ll need your product key. Go to the Academic Products download page and select the version of Windows to begin.

2.My Windows 7 product key won't verify. What's the problem?

The most common issue is the use of a product key for a product not currently supported by the site such as an Upgrade key, an MSDN key, product keys for pre-installed media or an Enterprise edition key. For access to MSDN products or Enterprise edition visit the MSDN Portal or the Volume Licensing Service Center. Upgrades and pre-installed media are not currently supported by the tools on the site.

I don't see the Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 edition I'm looking for. Where else should I check?

If you are looking for MSDN products or Enterprise editions visit the MSDN Portal or the Volume Licensing Service Center.

3.I've created media using the media creation tool, now what do I do?

After you've created the installation media, do one of the following to install Windows:

4.Connect the USB flash drive to the PC where you want to install Windows, browse to it in File Explorer, and then open the setup.exe file. Follow the instructions in setup.

If your PC is set up to boot from a USB drive, connect the USB flash drive to the PC where you want to install Windows, restart (reboot) it, and then follow the instructions in setup.

If your PC is set up to boot from the DVD drive, insert the DVD into your PC, restart (reboot) it, and then follow the instructions in setup.