Create a Windows 10 ISO image from an existing installation

The install.ESD file is an ecrypted copy of your current OS

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

When Microsoft releases a new Windows 10 build to Insiders on the Fast ring, it is usually only available throughWindows Update.

This means you can’t find anISO fileof that build, and install it manually while it’s still available on the Fast ring only.

Microsoft usually releases Windows 10 ISO files for commercial versions, or when a certain build enters the Slow ring.

You can download official ISO files for the Anniversary Updates, and for different Windows builds, but you can’t download an ISO file of the latest build released.

However, if you can’t wait for Microsoft to officially release anISO file, and have a good reason to download it, and create an installation media, it’s actually possible to do that.

There’s a way to create aISO fileof basically any Windows 10 Preview build you want, but it’s not an official way, approved by Microsoft. So, here’s what you need to do.

ISO files, also called ISO images, represent a single file of an entire DVD or CD. In other words, it is a virtual version of a disc.

This is why ISO files are very useful, eliminating the need to carry data on a piece of hardware. Also, for Windows 10 builds, the ISO format may play an important role.

It is easier for Microsoft to release ISO files for updates, but it happens that you can’t download the official ISO file of the latest build.

How to create an ISO file of your current Windows 10 build

When you need to install a new version of Windows 10, or download a new build, Microsoft delivers it to you through a new ESD (Electronic Software Delivery) image format.

This image is known asinstall.ESD, and Windows 10 downloads it on your computer, every time you install a new Windows 10 release.

To create our customISO file, we’re going to take advantage of the install.ESD file. This file is usually stored the hidden $WINDOWS.~BT folder, there’s an easy way to find.

Once you’ve found the install.ESD file, you’re going to need a program calledESD Decrypter, to create your ownISO file.

But first, we have to mention that this utility is a third-party program, so you’ll be using it on your own risk.

In order to create an ISO file from an existing Windows 10 installation, you need to use the ESD Decrypter tool on your install.ESD file. This file contains a copy of the current installation of the OS on your PC.

1.Download theESD Decrypterand extract it anywhere on your computer.

Press theWindows + Ikeys simultaneously to open the Settings app.
Navigate toUpdates & security.
Click onCheck for updates.

5.Wait for Windows Update to download and install the new build.

Once the build is installed,DON’Trestart your computer.
Instead, go toFile Explorerand then navigate toThis PC.
Open a partition on which your system is installed (usually C:)
Click theViewtab on File Explorer, and checkHidden itemsoption.
The$WINDOWS.~BTfolder will now be visible. Open it.
Look for theSourcesfolder inside$WINDOWS.~BT.
Inside theSourcesfolder, right click on theInstall.ESDfile, and chooseCopy.

13.Paste the Install.ESD file in the folder where you extracted the ESD Decrypter utility files.

Right-click thedecrypt.cmdfile, and selectRun as Administrator.
In the ESD Decrypter Script user interface, type 2 to select theCreate full ISO with Compressedinstall.esdoption.

16.PressEnterto begin the process.

Once the process completes, the ISO file will be created, and ready for mounting.

That’s pretty much it, once you’ve created aISO fileusing this method, you can mount it on a USB flash drive, using a tool likeRufus, and install it on your PC, or a virtual machine.

If youhave an old USB flash drive and do not know what to do with it, check out our article to find out our recommendations.

If you have any questions, and comments, please let us know in the comment section below.

Create a Windows 10 ISO image from an existing installation#

How to create an ISO file of your current Windows 10 build#

Create a Windows 10 ISO image from an existing installation

How to create an ISO file of your current Windows 10 build