Windows 10 Technical Preview (x86-x64)

Download Windows Technical Preview
Follow these steps to download Technical Preview:

Sign up for the Windows Insider Program, if you haven't already.

Read the system requirements.

Click one of the Download links on this page to download a special file—it's called an ISO file—that you can use to install the preview.

When the download is complete, transfer the ISO file to installation media such as a USB flash drive or DVD.

Boot your PC from the install
ation media, and then follow the steps to perform a clean install.
A preview for PC experts

Windows Technical Preview is here today, but it’s a long way from done. We’re going to make it faster, better, more fun at parties...you get the idea. Join the Windows Insider Program to make sure you get all the new features that are on the way. If you’re okay with a moving target and don’t want to miss out on the latest stuff, keep reading. Technical Preview could be just your thing.

Download and install the preview only if you
Want to try out software that’s still in development and like sharing your opinion about it.

Don’t mind lots of updates or a UI design that might change significantly over time.

Really know your way around a PC and feel comfortable troubleshooting problems, backing up data, formatting a hard drive, installing an operating system from scratch, or restoring your old one if necessary.

Know what an ISO file is and how to use it.

Aren't installing it on your everyday computer.
We're not kidding about the expert thing. So if you think BIOS is a new plant-based fuel, Tech Preview may not be right for you.





Things to keep in mind
Unexpected PC crashes could damage or even delete your files, so you should back up everything. Some printers and other hardware might not work, and some software might not install or work correctly, including antivirus or security programs. You might also have trouble connecting to home or corporate networks.

Also, if your PC runs into problems, Microsoft will likely examine your system files. If the privacy of your system files is a concern, consider using a different PC. For more info, read our privacy statement.

What does it work with?
Technical Preview should work with the same devices and programs that work with Windows 8.1, but you might need to update or reinstall some of them.

Drivers for basic functions like storage, networking, input, and display come with Windows. These drivers allow you to complete the Windows installation and connect to the Internet. You might be able to get more drivers from Windows Update.

For compatibility info, see the Windows 8.1 Compatibility Center.

If you use a mouse and keyboard
Your apps and devices should work as expected, though of course there will be exceptions. We’d love to know what you think about how the new Windows works with mouse and keyboard and whether it provides the best of new and familiar functionality for Windows and apps.

If you have a touch PC
Technical Preview works with touch, but some things will be rough and unfinished. More touch-friendly improvements are on the way. In the meantime, let us know what it’s like to interact with Windows and apps in the preview.

If you want to go back to your previous operating system
You'll need to reinstall your version of Windows from the recovery or installation media that came with your PC (typically DVD media). If you don't have recovery media:

For Windows 7 or Windows Vista: Before you update, you might be able to create recovery media from a recovery partition on your PC using software provided by your PC manufacturer. Check the support section of your PC manufacturer's website for more info.

For Windows 8.1 or Windows 8: You might be able to create a USB recovery drive. For more info, see Create a USB recovery drive. If you didn’t create a USB recovery drive before you installed the preview, you can create installation media for Windows 8.1.

What’s on the menu?
The Start menu is back—and it’s more personal, more organized, and more fun than before. The full-sized Start screen is here too, and it's easy to switch between them. Your choice.

To get to the Start menu, click the Start button Windows Start button (or press the Start key on your keyboard). Then arrange it however you’d like. Pin folders, contacts, and go-to apps. Move and resize tiles or even resize the Start menu itself.
Start menu
Love it? Pin it.
Pin apps to Start to show live updates on what’s happening in your world, like new email, your next appointment, or the weekend weather.

Click the Start button Windows Start button, click All Apps, right-click or press and hold the app you want to pin, and then click Pin to Start.
To pin a folder, right-click or press and hold it, and then click Pin to Start.

Looking for more apps? Learn how to get more from the Store.

Search for anything, anywhere
Search your PC and the web all at once. Simply open the Start menu and type your search—Windows search will do the rest.

You can also open search from the taskbar. Click the Search button Search button on the taskbar and start typing.
You have the power
The power button is back—right at the top of the Start menu.

Power button in the Start menu
Switch to the Start screen
For a roomier view, try using the touch-friendly Start screen in place of the Start menu.

Start screen
To switch between the Start menu and the Start screen
Be sure to save your work first. You’ll need to sign out of Windows to make this change.

Click the Start button Windows Start button, type navigation properties, and then click Navigation properties.

Click the Start menu tab, click Use the Start menu instead of the Start screen, and then click OK.