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The following only applies to Windows® 10, 8.1 and 8. With the launch of Windows® 8 on October 26, 2012 Microsoft® introduced a new method of activating Windows®. This was achieved by embedding the product key into the computer's BIOS chips. The was done as many product keys were on paper or stickers on the COA and many got damaged lost or even stolen. Using this new method the COA and product key will never get removed or destroyed and the product key will always be associated with the OEM system. If your system was made by a large OEM manufacturer like Toshiba, Lenovo, Dell, Alienware etc... then you will not need to type in a Windows® serial number to activate or install it, Windows® 8, 8.1 and 10 will automatically retrieve it from the computer BIOS and active it.
An ISO file is a single file that contains all the data needed to create a physical DVD or CD. These files are easy to download and are supported by many CD DVD writing software vendors.
Due to the many requests we have now written an easy step by step guide, with everything you need here How To Make A Boot-able Windows USB From An ISO. Just follow the easy steps and download the required free software then you will easily be able to convert any legitimate Windows® ISO to a bootable USB memory stick.
Conversely you can use the Microsoft tools as described below. There are lots of tools around to convert an ISO file to a bootable USB key this .ISO to a DVD or bootable USB key converter is free from Microsoft®.
We think CDBurnerXP is the best free multi language ISO burner available. It is compatible with all Windows® operating systems from Windows® 2000 onwards.
CDBurnerXP is a free application to burn CDs and DVDs, including Blu-Ray and HD-DVDs. It also includes the feature to burn and create ISOs, as well as a multi-language interface. Everyone, even companies, can use it for free. It does not include ad-ware or similar malicious components.
Key Features:
Burns all kinds of discsAudio-CDs with or without gaps between tracksBurn and create ISO filesData verification after the burning processCreate bootable discsMulti-language interfaceA bin / nrg - ISO converterSimple cover printing and much moreOperating Systems: Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server/Vista/2008/Win7/Win8/Win10 (x86 / x64)
Due to the sheer volume of people asking this question, and the difficulty in using the the Microsoft tool we have written an article that will guide you through this process, it is very easy to follow and all the required software is free to download. How to make a bootable windows USB from an ISO. Its worth noting that we now also have many operating systems and drives available pre-written on USB memory sticks.
Use the Microsoft® Windows® ISO to USB Converter. Lots of detailed information on how to use and install the tool is on the linked page. Alternatively you can just download the tool here Microsoft® Windows® ISO to USB Converter. The tool will convert all versions of Windows® XP, Windows® Vista, Windows® 7, Windows® 8, Windows® 8.1 and Windows® 10. Its worth noting that you can NOT extract an ISO file to a USB key and use it to re-install your operating system. The USB to ISO conversion software actually changes the file format and the way the data is handled on the USB stick. You have to use this tool from Microsoft® if you want to convert an official Windows® ISO into a boot-able USB Key
