Microsoft released Windows 10 on July 29, 2015 but some of you are wondering where your upgrade is. While the upgrade was officially released on July 29th, it is intentional that Microsoft is not providing the upgrade to everyone on day one. There are literally millions of computers that can be upgraded to Windows 10 and Microsoft wanted to ensure a smooth process for everyone, so upgrades are being made available on a rolling schedule. Among other reasons, this prevents the Windows Update servers from becoming overloaded by too many people upgrading at the exact same time.

Not everyone needs, or wants, to upgrade immediately, but if you are one of those people that does not want to wait, Microsoft does have an option available for you.

Microsoft provides this page for the purpose of downloading Windows 10 installation media. The page is intended primarily for the purpose of creating backup installation media for future use, however the media creation tool will also allow you to use these files to upgrade the PC you are downloading on provided it meets all requirements. Be sure to read and follow all requirements on the page before proceeding.

Further instructions on using the media creation tool can also be found at this page. Be sure to thoroughly understand all of these instructions before proceeding. If you use this tool and do not meet the proper requirements, you could end up with an installation of Windows 10 that will not activate when you are finished. Additionally, if you attempt a clean install from the media using this tool, it will ask you for a product key for activation. In situations like these, the likely resolution would either be to purchase a Windows 10 activation key at retail or to recover your computer to its previous operating system and then reinstall all of your programs and restore your data backups. Qualifying free upgrades (obtained before July 29, 2016) did not require a product key, but must have been installed over an existing qualifying version of Windows the first time in order to activate your PC without adding a product key.

This approach is not necessarily for everyone, but it is a way for the tech-savvy individual to move ahead with their qualifying Windows 10 upgrade.

Disclaimers:

There are certain assumptions and responsibilities that go along with this approach. Microsoft suggests this approach is for “tech-savvy users”. Additionally, it is assumed that you have read and met all of the upgrade requirements, system requirements, and you have taken other suggested steps first such as making sure your current Windows installation is genuine, updated, and your data files are backed up.

See the Windows 10 Reference Section in Tech Center for additional information prior to proceeding.

In order to upgrade without waiting, your PC must meet all of the qualifications and system requirements for a Windows 10 upgrade.