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So you came here because you want to learn how to install Windows 10. We’ve already posted articles on how to run the Windows 10 Technical Preview in a VMware Workstation virtual machine, as well as in a Hyper-V virtual machine. But we haven’t posted a detailed how-to on the installation itself, so enter this how-to guide.
Note: This article was written in November 2014. At this point, Windows 10 is in pre-beta technical preview format, meaning that it is just a conceptual demo of how some of the new OS features and interface will look like. It likely will change between what it is now and what the released to manufacturing (RTM) version will look, feel, and how it will work. Therefore, whatever we write in this article may likely be void once we approach the official Windows 10 OS release date sometime in mid-2015.
It is also important to note that at this point of writing, the Windows 10 technical preview is not for everyone. Although everyone may join, download, and install it, you must know your way around a PC, know how the OS works, know what to expect and how to troubleshoot issues if they don’t work as expected to really benefit from the technical preview. Microsoft clearly states that this is a buggy version, and you need to be prepared in case something stops working.
You should not install this version on production computers or on computers that you don’t feel comfortable about losing the data on. Unexpected computer crashes could damage or even delete your files, so you should back up everything before starting, unless you’re installing on a brand new test machine.
Bottom line is if you care about your computer, it’s data and settings, then do not install this version. Finally, while upgrading an existing Windows 7 or 8 computer can be accomplished, you may not want to upgrade your production computer because of all the reasons noted above. Use a different computer — either physical or virtual — and play with the new OS.
Finally, a big warning about security and privacy. In this build, Microsoft can and probably will inspect your files, and even gather keylogger data and application usage statistics and other information. This is clearly listed in the end-user license agreement (EULA). If the privacy of your system files is a concern, then do not install this build on a production or personal computer.
The good part is that with each operating system, Microsoft streamlines the installation process to be much easier and faster. It’s likely that on a decent computer, installing the Windows 10 Technical Preview will take you less than five minutes.
So let’s get going.
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1. First, you need to download the ISO file for this build. The file size is about 4 GB in size. This is the download link:
Download Windows Technical Preview ISO – Microsoft Windows
To download, you must first sign up for the Windows Insider Program, if you haven’t done so already.
The Windows Insider program. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
2. Next, let’s assume that you’ll be installing the technical preview on a virtual machine (VM). Connect the ISO file to the VM and boot it.
3. The setup program loads, where you can select a language. Click “Next.”
The Windows 10 Technical Preview setup dialog. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Accessing the command prompt in the Windows 10 technical preview installation. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Installing the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
User license terms for the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Choosing a custom installation for the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Choosing a drive to install the Windows 10 technical preview on. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
The Windows 10 technical preview installation status. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Choosing Express settings option for the Windows 10 technical preview install. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Changing network discovery options in the Windows 10 technical preview installation. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Changing basic security and privacy settings in the Windows 10 technical preview installation. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Settings for solution and feedback checks in the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Information sharing settings in the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Setting up your Microsoft account in the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Signing into your Microsoft account in the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Creating a new Microsoft account option in the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Creating a new Microsoft account. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Creating a new local user in the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Setting up multi-factor authentication in the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Getting the verification code through a different method. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Setting up OneDrive as your cloud storage in the Windows 10 technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
The Windows 10 technical preview installation is almost finished. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
The Windows 10 technical preview installation has successfully completed. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
The Windows 10 technical preview desktop. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
The Windows 10 Start menu in the technical preview. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
Performing a Windows Update following the Windows 10 Technical Preview installation. (Image Credit: Daniel Petri)
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