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Windows 10 Vhd Image - Download Install

Since you downloaded an ISO, you must convert it to a VHD. The best free tool is WinNTSetup or using native diskpart and deploying install.wim. We'll cover the native method in Part 3.

There are two main ways to do this. We will cover the Hyper-V method (easiest) and the Native Boot method (advanced).

This is the core of the install process. We will create a blank VHDX, mount it, and apply the Windows image from the ISO.

To keep your Windows 10 VHD installation smooth: windows 10 vhd image download install

Mount the Windows 10 ISO you downloaded (double-click it in File Explorer). Note the drive letter, e.g., F:.

Now we need to apply the install.wim (or install.esd) from the ISO to drive V:.

Run the following (still as Admin):

dism /apply-image /imagefile:F:\sources\install.wim /index:1 /applydir:V:\

This step takes 5-15 minutes. It copies all Windows files to V:\.

This method requires no third-party software and installs Windows directly without setup screens.

  • Open Command Prompt as Admin: Search cmd, right-click, run as Administrator. Since you downloaded an ISO, you must convert it to a VHD

  • Apply the Windows Image:

    dism /Apply-Image /ImageFile:E:\sources\install.wim /Index:1 /ApplyDir:V:\

  • Create the Boot Entry: Once the installation finishes (this takes a few minutes), tell your computer how to boot from it. Type:

    V:\Windows\System32\bcdboot V:\Windows