HOW TO DOWNLOAD WINDOWS 10:
In case you want to install Windows 10 on your computer, please use the guideline below;
You can download Windows 10 from the Microsoft website below;
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Follow the instructions to download from the appropriate link.
After the download, you might wish to install directly or burn the image (ISO file) onto a DVD or flash drive.
The image file (ISO file) is a CD/DVD disk image file. You can burn this file onto a blank 4.7 GB DVD-R or you can use it to create bootable USB stick.
Here is a free DVD burning program: www.freeisoburner.com
Mac users wanting to burn the ISO to a DVD for use in Parallels can use Toast.
Burning a straight copy of the ISO file will result in a non-bootable DVD (failure). This is why it is important to use a proper DVD burning program which extracts the ISO file archive before burning the DVD.
HOW TO INSTALL WINDOWS 10:
In case your PC doesn’t have a DVD drive, you can create a USB Flash drive using the downloaded ISO file and boot off the flash drive to install Windows 10. For more information, please use Google and search for information on how to create a bootable USB device.
I use a free program called Rufus to create a bootable USB flash drive. This valuable tool can be downloaded from here, https://rufus.akeo.ie/
Use either the DVD or flash drive you have created to install Windows 10. Simply insert, restart the computer and boot off the DVD or USB and follow the instructions that come up on the screen. Depending on the make of your computer, you might have to change the boot order of your computer so you boot off the DVD or USB flash drive. You can google say “how to change BIOS boot order for Dell Latitude E6400” for more information on this.
In case you are installing onto a hard drive with an existing Windows XP operating system, you will need to wipe off the old Windows XP operating system. Please note that Windows 10 does not upgrade Windows XP and existing data on the hard drive will be deleted. Please backup your data before starting the installation.
Insert the Windows 10 DVD, then shut down and restart your PC. When your PC restarts, and before your existing Windows operating system loads by displaying a welcome note, login options, or your desktop, you need to press and hold down the F2 or the delete key to enter BIOS or that key that allows your PC to enter BIOS.
A BIOS main menu will then come up. If the BIOS menu does not appear, and the old operating system loads, then go back to the previous step above i.e. shutdown and restart your PC. You might have to keep pressing the F2 or Delete key or that key that allows your PC to enter into BIOS rather than pressing and holding down.
In the BIOS menu, locate the feature that allows you to change the BOOT SEQUENCE.
Select CD/DVD as the first boot sequence if you intend to install using the Windows 10 DVD. In case you intend to install using the created bootable USB flash drive, please select the USB option in BIOS.
Press F10 or that key that allows you to save the changes and exit from BIOS.
Note: Take your time to locate the boot sequence and don’t be afraid of messing up the settings as you can easily restore the defaults.
Once you restart the PC, you’ll see a message saying “press any key to boot from CD/DVD or USB flash.”
You’ll then see a message that says "Windows is loading files…” followed by “Starting Windows.”
Next, select language (English) and select time, currency and keyboard formats English (United Kingdom or United States). Click “Install Now.”
You will see “Setup is starting…”
Accept the license agreement.
Next, choose “Custom (advanced)” This option is for a full install. Click “Drive options (advanced)”.
Delete old partition(s). A Confirmation is required for deletion to proceed. You will see this warning “The partition may contain recovery files, system files, or important software from your computer manufacturer. If you delete this partition, any data on it will be lost.” Click “OK” to confirm deletion of the partition. Repeat the process until all unwanted partitions on the hard drive are deleted. Be sure to have backed up all information, otherwise you’ll not have access to it once it is deleted.
Install into “Unallocated Space” by clicking “Next” – this will automatically create a partition filling the unallocated disk space for you. Alternatively, you may wish to click “New” to create and control the size of the Windows 10 partition if you are planning to have a multi-boot system with partitions for other operating systems. After clicking “Next” you will see “Installing Windows…”
You might be prompted to enter your Windows 10 product key. Enter the 25-character product key and click continue or you may wish to enter it later.
Now, relax and maybe grab a bite as the Windows 10 installs.
Eventually, you may see these messages: “Setup is preparing your computer for first use.”
“Setup is checking video performance.” Next, choose a user name. Example: Judith
Choose a name for the PC and a password if you wish and click “Next.”
You’ll then be prompted to enter the 25-character product key to activate the Windows or if you enter it at installation, it will be activated. Ensure you are connected to the internet.
You’ll also need to set default update and security settings, set the date and time to complete the process.
HOW TO ACTIVATE WINDOWS 10
Once Windows 10 is installed, you have a 30-day grace period in which to activate. You’ll see a message asking you to activate Windows in the bottom right hand corner of your screen. Once you activate the Windows, the popup will go away.
Enter the 25-character product key that looks like this:
XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX and click “Next” In the activation wizard, click “Activate Windows online now”
In case the activation wizard, try re-entering and activating. If it repeatedly fails, click “Use the automated phone system,” select your country for example US and click “Next.”
Follow the instructions to complete the automatic phone activation for the country you reside in.
Microsoft’s automatic phone activation process allows you to activate via phone in the event the automated online activation fails. This is particularly useful when you are wrongly blocked from reactivating online after a minor hardware upgrade.
Note: Select the appropriate version of your Windows 10 i.e. OEM software (as used for pre-installation onto new machines before sale by system builders), Retail or Corporate edition software.
In case you still have a problem activating, you could chat with Microsoft for support using the link below; https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/contactus/windows/setup/
Hope this helps.