Is there a way to install windows 10 pro from scratch.

Hi there

I Am trying to find a way to download the windows 10Pro ISO from the media creation tool site.

When i purchased the computer it came with W10 Home, then i upgraded and paid over £100 to have it upgraded to Pro on the Microsoft site, all has gone well and Pro is active and running, and says 'activated with a digital license'

I wanted to do a fresh install but when i download the media creation tool and put it on a USB stick for install it gives me no home/pro option only 'windows', i then have to log into my microsoft account and upgrade (as though i was purchasing pro again, but it does not charge me)

Is there a way to get an ISO that isntall Pro directly without this step ?

f14tomcat said:

In your case, MCT should simply install the appropriate version and bits (32 or 64) based on your existing digital license. And activate automatically when you go thru the Setup with your MS account. Should be no other steps you need to do. The activation process during post-installation will get all your digital license info from the MS server and you should be go to go.

It does not do that though, It's worth pointing out perhaps that when I install I don't use my Microsoft account I use a local account (it is connected to the internet though)

It always installs the Home version, i then have to go to store and upgrade to pro.

Is there a way to be given a choice during install, I always had the choice when installing from DVD on my older version of windows 10

dalchina said:

- I think that's why you're having difficulty unfortunately. I've seen a similar recent explanation of this in a thread, but have no reference to it I'm afraid.

Could be this one I'm thinking of- same basic problem:
Windows 10 Home upgrade to Pro Version Solved - Windows 10 Forums

That's just what i was looking for, thanks so much.
Though I wish Microsoft would make this easier.

Hi there

@zooburner

After creating the Media creation tool download file ei.cfg and install in the "Sources" folder whether in an iso or after you've created a bootable usb.

Then you'll get a prompt at Windows install time for which edition you want to install.

Many posters on this forum have done this :

Create a text file EI.FG just containing following two lines.

[CHANNEL]
retail

Copy the ei.cfg file to sources folder on usb installation drive, and you will be prompted for version during installation.

This method is by far the best - and if you have to re-install from scratch again you won't have to go through all sorts of hoops to upgrade to W10 Pro.

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 said:

Hi there

@zooburner

After creating the Media creation tool download file ei.cfg and install in the "Sources" folder whether in an iso or after you've created a bootable usb.

Then you'll get a prompt at Windows install time for which edition you want to install.

Many posters on this forum have done this :

Create a text file EI.FG just containing following two lines.

[CHANNEL]
retail

Copy the ei.cfg file to sources folder on usb installation drive, and you will be prompted for version during installation.

This method is by far the best - and if you have to re-install from scratch again you won't have to go through all sorts of hoops to upgrade to W10 Pro.

Cheers
jimbo

Thanks Jimbo, that's very helpful :)