Simple yet effective way to download previous versions/builds of Windows 10 for labbing, legacy applications or whatever your reason for needing it
Disclaimer: A valid license key is required to install any version of the Windows 10 operating system
- Total time: 2 Minutes
- Estimated cost: 0
- Tools used: Rufus
Step 2: Access the OS repository
Rufus has a secret built-in OS repo that can access previous versions of Windows 11, 10, 8.1 and 7
Click the arrow next to where it says “Select” and click “Download”, then click the word “Download” again
(If you don’t see the download option you will need to access the settings and turn on auto update)
A download script will run and Rufus will access the server where the ISOs are stored
Step 3: Select the required Windows version
A new window will appear
Use the drop menu to select the version of Windows you require
Click Continue
Step 4: Select the required release / build of Windows
Use the second drop-down menu to select the required release/build of the operating system
Click continue
Step 5: Select the required edition
Use the drop-down to select the edition i.e. Pro / Enterprise or Home
Click continue
Step 6: Select the required Language
After a short pause, you will be able to select the language required, the default is the UK or (English International)
Click Continue
Step 7: Select the required architecture
Choose from both x64 and x86 bit architecture for most operating systems
Step 8: Download
Tick “Download using a browser” as this is more stable
Click “Download”
Your browser will open (if not already open) and the download will begin, you may need to confirm that you wish to keep the download as it normally gets flagged as malicious
The secure download server is:
https://software.download.prss.microsoft.com
WhoIS shows this server as inactive but it still works
That’s it, a useful way to get those older versions of Windows 10 for vulnerabilities assessments and pen-testing practice, also a great way to show a client what exploits are available and demonstrate them so they push to the latest version!
I advise that if your running an older version of Windows 10 that isn’t being provided with security updates to isolate the device running it into it’s own subnetwork away from your production environment behind a firewall or VLAN to minimise the possibility of a breach.
Remember to activate your copy of Windows using your license key.
Bon appetit.
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