Upgrading to or installing Windows 10 64-bit version can optimize your computer's performance. However, the process involves checking hardware compatibility, choosing the right version, finding a safe download source, and following proper installation steps. This tutorial guides you through the entire process of downloading and installing Windows 10 64-bit smoothly.
System Requirements for Windows 10 64-bit
Windows 10 has minimum hardware requirements for your PC to run the operating system properly. It also has recommended specs to deliver the best performance. Here are the key criteria:
Minimum Requirements:
Processor: 1 GHz or faster
RAM: 1 GB for 32-bit OS or 2 GB for 64-bit OS
Storage: 16 GB for 32-bit OS or 20 GB for 64-bit OS
Graphics card: DirectX 9 or later with WDDM driver
For the best experience, Microsoft recommends these higher specifications:
Processor: 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 64 GB or larger
Graphics card: DirectX 12 compatible graphics device with WDDM 2.0 driver
Tips:
Check your PC's system information or motherboard specs to verify compatibility.
Consider upgrading hardware like RAM if your PC doesn't meet the recommended requirements.
Different Versions of Windows 10
There are several editions of Windows 10, each with varying features and target users. The main versions are:
Windows 10 Home - For personal/home use. Lacks enterprise-level features but has all essentials like Microsoft Store, Edge browser, Cortana assistant, etc.
Windows 10 Pro - For small businesses. Adds features like BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V virtualization, business security tools etc.
Windows 10 Enterprise - For large organizations. Has extra management and deployment tools not in Pro. Needs volume licensing.
Windows 10 Education - For schools/students. Similar to Enterprise but with classroom tools. Needs academic licensing.
Windows 10 S Mode - Uses Microsoft Store apps only for security. Can switch to Home/Pro versions for full desktop access.
Windows 10 Pro X - A slimmed-down version of Pro for specialized hardware like Surface Pro X. Built on Windows Core OS.
Tips:
Home is fine for basic home use. Pro provides extra features for power users.
Check the version comparison chart on Microsoft's site to pick the right one.
Where to Download Windows 10 64-bit Legally
Many sources are offering free Windows 10 downloads. However, unauthorized distributors often distribute pirated or tampered ISOs containing malware. Always download from legal sources like:
Microsoft Website - Get the authentic ISO directly from Microsoft. Free but requires an existing license key.
Microsoft Partners - PC sellers like Dell, HP, etc. Provide ISOs for their devices. Need model-specific downloads.
Microsoft's Media Creation Tool - Downloads Windows 10 ISO through an official tool.
Tech Communities - Legal downloads hosted on sites like Techbench, Heidoc, ScreenRant, etc. Use trustworthy links.
Tips:
Check the source and URL before downloading Windows 10 ISOs to avoid piracy.
Official and verified downloads don't require license keys during setup.
Steps to Download from Microsoft's Official Website
Follow these steps to download Windows 10 64-bit ISO directly from Microsoft:
Step 1: Go to Microsoft's Windows 10 download page at https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO.
Step 2: Choose Windows 10 and click Confirm.
Step 3: Choose product language and click Confirm to continue.
Step 4: Choose 64-bit Download. Then select ISO file and click Next.
Step 5: Specify a location to save the ISO file and hit Save. The tool will now download the Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft.
The website guides you through the steps and handles downloading the big 4-5GB ISO file reliably. Just ensure a fast internet connection and sufficient USB disk space.
Choose new office software after downloading Windows – WPS Office
After upgrading Windows, you can install an office suite for tasks like word processing, presentations, and spreadsheets. WPS Office is a free alternative to Microsoft Office with full compatibility.
Pros of WPS Office:
Free to download and use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF software
Has thousands of professional templates
Supports MS Office formats like DOCX, XLSX, PPTX
Lightweight app taking minimal storage
Can view and edit Office files online
WPS Office is ideal for students, home users, small businesses who want good compatibility with Office files. The convenient PDF tools, free cloud storage, and ability to use on multiple devices are added advantages. While Microsoft Office remains the gold standard, WPS Office makes an excellent free alternative.
WPS Office is an excellent Office suite that is available for free and can handle all your daily editing and document creation needs seamlessly on both Windows and Android devices. It is particularly suitable for casual home or student use, especially on low-spec devices that run much smoother than heavyweight Office apps. Additionally, the templates and collaboration features provided by WPS Office are quite useful for school projects.
How to free download the WPS Office?
Step 1: Go tohttps://www.wps.com/download/
Step 2: Select your operating system from the list - Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, or iOS. Then, click on the Free Download button.
Step 3: To open the WPS Office Installer, simply click on the downloaded file.
Step 4: Click on Install Now and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
Step 5: After installing WPS Office, you can access applications such as Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets from the Start Menu.
With WPS Office up and running, you can now enjoy working with Word docs, Excel sheets, PowerPoint presentations and more without needing a costly Microsoft Office subscription. It's a reliable free alternative that makes your Windows 10 experience productive.
FAQs
Is Windows 10 64-bit free to download?
No, Windows 10 is paid software. But you can download Windows 10 64-bit ISO legally for free from Microsoft. You will need to purchase a license to activate and use Windows 10 after installing it.
How to download Windows 10 64-bit on a USB drive?
To create bootable Windows 10 USB, use Microsoft's Media Creation Tool. When downloading the ISO, select the option to copy it to a USB drive. This will make a bootable installer USB.
Can I install Windows 10 without a product key?
Yes, you can install Windows 10 without entering a product key. But it will run in a limited trial mode until you activate it with a valid product key.
How much does a Windows 10 license cost?
A single Windows 10 Home license costs $139, while Windows 10 Pro license is $199. You can also find discounted keys from third-party sellers for around $15-$30.
Summary
Downloading the correct 64-bit version of Windows 10 from legitimate sources is crucial for a smooth installation. After getting the ISO, follow Microsoft's guidelines to install, activate, and start using the operating system. Consider switching to WPS Office for working with documents and files on the new Windows 10 setup. With the right planning and preparation, you can have Windows 10 64-bit up and running seamlessly.
