Looking to optimize Windows 10? Then you need to create your own system installer that will install a clean OS without unnecessary applications and add-ons. Check out how to create a Windows 10 ISO image.
Windows 10 has a number of add-ons that many users never use. Along with the system, programs such as Modern are installed, such as Skype for Windows 10, Weather, Mail, Contacts and Maps. Not to mention games like Candy Crush Soda Saga from the Windows Store. Added to all of this are features that annoy many users, including Microsoft telemetry (data collection), the built-in OneDrive cloud, and many other add-ons that were not in the widely popular version of Windows 7.
Many people are looking for ways to remove these unnecessary applications and functions pre-installed on the system. But you can approach this problem from the other side and make changes to the installation image of the system itself so that these additions are not added at all during the installation of Windows 10.
Thus, you will be able to create your own Windows 10 image that will immediately install a clean system without unnecessary additions.
What do you need to create your own Windows 10 installer?
You can make changes to the Windows 10 ISO image using the MSMG Toolkit. This program allows you to make changes to the ISO image and create your own installer. That is, you can remove all Modern applications from the installation, as well as disable all unnecessary functions.
To create it, you will need the specified MSMG Toolkit, as well as the latest ISO image from Windows 10. You can download them from the following links.
Download MSMG Toolkit (ToolKit-v7.3.7 file)
Download Media Creation Tool for Windows 10
Launch the Media Creation Tool, then accept the agreement that appears.
In the next step, specify the next action. Here you can select the function of updating the system, as well as the option to download the Windows 10 installer. Check the second option, that is, "Create installation media for another computer."
Media Creation Tool will automatically offer to download the appropriate language version of the operating system compatible with the architecture of your computer. If the settings do not match, then uncheck the Use recommended settings box and specify the 32-bit or 64-bit version and architecture yourself.
On the next screen, you need to specify where you want to download the installer, directly to a USB flash drive or to an ISO file. In our case, you need to download it in an ISO file, since before downloading to a USB flash drive, you need to create your own installer and make the appropriate changes using the MSMG Toolkit. Open the ISO image download point, and specify the location on the disk to download it.
After downloading the utility, unpack it to the specified folder. Before running the tool, you need to unpack the downloaded image into the “DVD” folder inside the MSMG directory.
The ISO image can be unpacked using any archiver such as WinRAR or 7-Zip. To do this, right-click on the image and select "Open with" and select a program like WinRAR.
The data extraction utility window will open. Select the "Extract to ..." option and then navigate to the DVD folder that is inside the MSMG directory.
After unpacking the data, start MSMG using the ToolKit-v7.3.cmd file. A window will appear informing you that the author is not responsible for any problems and you must confirm that you are using the service at your own risk. Press the A key to accept the terms.
The program will check the Windows 10 system image unpacked to the DVD folder. When the message “Press ENTER Key to Continue” appears, press the indicated button.
The main menu will open with the available options. Bookmarks are opened using the number buttons. You can return to the main menu with the X button.
Let's move on to how to create a system image in Windows 10 without unnecessary features and programs.
1. Go to the "Convert" tab and select the "Convert ESD Image to Wim Image" option. When the program asks which version of the operating system you downloaded, select according to the downloaded one. The process of converting the Install.esd file to Install.wim begins.
2. When the process is complete, return to the main menu and click the Source tab and then Select Source from Folder. The recognized versions of Windows 10 will appear in the list - press a key such as 1 to select the downloaded one. When a notification is displayed whether you want to mount the image, confirm with the Y (Yes) key. Wait until the message “Press any key to continue” appears on the screen and press any key to return to the main menu.
3. Go to the "Remove" section and select "Remove Default Metro Apps". This parameter is responsible for uninstalling Modern applications. You can check the "All Apps" option to uninstall all programs of this type or "Any individual apps" and specify the individual apps to uninstall. If you want to uninstall all Modern apps, select All Apps (the Windows Store will also be removed).
4. Go back to the Remove tab and select Remove default Metro Apps Associations. This option removes all remnants and relationships associated with Modern.
5. Go back to the "Remove" tab and open "Remove Components". Here you can check the "All Windows Components" option to remove all Windows 10 components or "Any desired option" to remove unnecessary functions yourself.
These components include telemetry (data collection) service, Xbox app bundled with a game pad, Geolocation, Cortana, OneDrive cloud, and others.
6. Now return to the main menu and go to the "Apply" item. Confirm the saving of changes by clicking "Apply & Save Changes to Source Images".
7. Click the "Apply" tab again and this time click on "Rebuild Source Images" to rebuild the installer files and apply your changes.
8. Finally, go back to the main menu and open the Target option, then go to Make a DVD ISO Image. This option will allow you to create your own Windows 10 installer in ISO format, ready to burn to DVD or create a bootable USB stick.
The created image will be available in the "ISO" folder in the directory with the MSMG program. Now you can burn the ISO image to a disc or flash drive and install a clean version of Windows 10 from it without unnecessary services and applications.
The backup is exactly the same system as yours. It includes exactly the same drivers, settings and all other elements of a functioning system. A backup is different from restore points in that restore points only contain information about changes to the system, while the backup is the entire system.
First of all, the copy will be needed for quick recovery if any problems arise with the system. Recovering a system from a copy is much easier and faster than reinstalling Windows and all the software you need. In addition, after reinstalling the system, absolutely all personalization parameters will be lost. Therefore, it will be very smart and thoughtful to store any means of storing information with an image, in case of any unforeseen problems. This is especially true for those who especially value files and applications on their personal computer.
Consider the best ways to create a copy for two operating systems - Windows 7 and 10
Windows 10 has a handy tool called Backup and Restore. To use this tool you need:
Important! It is not at all necessary to save the system image only to the computer itself, because if it breaks down, then you will not be able to fix anything, therefore, the whole point of backup is lost. Use more reliable storage methods.
Installing from the created disk
There are two main situations when you need the disc we created earlier. In the first case, your working machine will be unstable or incorrectly work, but it will still be in service. Another case - you can't even start the computer in any way. The created disk will definitely help us fix the problem in both situations.
In the first case, adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- Open the "Start" menu, select the "Options" tab. It looks like a gear.
- We select the section "Update and Security", and in it we click on "Restore".
- We get to the tab "Special boot options" and click on the restart button in this window.
- Next, we get to where we need to install the old system. To begin with, select the item "Troubleshooting".
- Then "Additional parameters", in the window that opens, click on.
- This program will independently search for the image and, if it finds it, will begin to return the system to its state. If this does not happen, then you will have to indicate yourself where the copy of your Windows is located.
- The next step is to confirm the recovery procedure, it will start.
Guide to recovering a system image from a disc
A copy of the "seven"
Owners of a computer with not the latest version of the system also need to take care of their data and save it in some kind of reliable storage.
- The window will display a message stating that data archiving is not configured. We have to set it up. Click "Configure backup", and the computer begins to search for suitable media for recording.
- Select the disk where the backup will be stored.
- Then the system will want to know what to archive. You can trust it to automatically select files, or you can do it manually. Windows itself will back up the entire disk if there is enough space on the media.
Interesting! The most convenient and reliable way to save is to an external hard drive. Not everyone has a flash drive of the required size, and ordinary disks are extremely unstable to scratches and mechanical damage.
Backup using special programs
For backups, you can also use the old and reliable program - Acronis True Image. Its main advantages are simple and intuitive interface and compatibility. The application provides a huge selection of settings for a faster, more convenient and comfortable backup. This is a great alternative to standard tools.
Let's figure out how to use the program.
- Download it. It is free only for the first 30 days of use, so we activate the trial period.
- Now we need what the program will reserve for us. That is, those disks and partitions that are needed for system recovery. By clicking on the computer icon, you can change the copy source that the utility automatically selected "Whole computer". At your discretion, you can add to the backup what you may need.
- Choosing a save location.
- Click on "Create a copy" and wait.
Livecd aomei backupper
For backups, you can also use a reliable program designed for this purpose - AOMEI Backupper. This program is the main competitor of the famous Acronis True Image, it is not inferior in functionality, but at the same time it is free.
Its main advantages are simple and intuitive interface and compatibility with all known operating systems. You can create a bootable disk or USB flash drive with the program if you suddenly need to urgently restore the system without access to a running computer.
Let's figure out how to work with the program.
- Download it. The program is completely free.
- Installation of the program is simple, you just need to click "Next" several times. No unnecessary programs will be installed along with AOMEI Backupper Standard. Initially, it works in English, it is possible to Russify it, but we do not need to do this. You need to download the crack separately.
- Open the program and click "Create a new copy". The only button that you will see in front of you.
- Click on "Back up the system". You can also make copies of files by partitions.
- We select a pre-inserted external hard drive, or a partition on your drive.
- Click "Start". A copy will be created in a few minutes.
Recovery via AOMEI
Backing up with dism
Backup can be done via the command line. For this:
Important! Note that "D:" is the copy storage location. example.wim is its name. The main thing is not to change the extension. "C:" - the place where the files will be copied from.
If you choose one of these methods and create a system backup in the near future, then you and your files will be reliably protected from unplanned problems with the operating system.
Read the simplest and best ways to delete the old folder in the new article -
Video - Windows 10 Backup
Today, many people are interested in how to create an ISO disk image of the Windows 10 operating system. Let's make a reservation right away that this is quite simple, but to create an image, you will need a special utility developed by Microsoft. Moreover, this program allows not only to update the current system, but also to write it to removable media (CD or USB-stick).
You should start with preparing a removable drive - it is important that its volume is at least 8 gigabytes; the creation of such a drive is available for the following versions of the described OS:
- Windows 10 Pro;
- Windows 10 Home.
Now we proceed directly to the process. Below is an algorithm of the required actions.
Step-by-step guide to creating an ISO disc in Windows 10 using the installer
First, connect a disk (it is quite obvious that it should be a DVD-R) or a removable drive to the computer, and then check if the storage medium has the required amount of memory. Then follow the instructions.
Step one... Click on the Windows 10 Setup icon. Then a window will appear in which you need to select the second item ("Create installation media ..."), as shown in the image below. After that press the "Next" button.
Step two... In the next window, this utility will prompt you to set the required parameters, including architecture, language, etc. After selecting everything you need, click the "Next" button again.
Note! It is imperative that the chosen ISO image architecture matches the parameters of the computer itself where you plan to install it. Tellingly, the program allows you to choose not only a 32/64-core system, but also both options at once.
If you chose the first option, then you will have two paths:
- burn to DVD;
- first create a disc.
In the second version, respectively, recording is possible only immediately to a removable drive.
Step four... When you select the appropriate item, click "Next". If the recording will take place directly to the USB flash drive, the operating system will show the available media.
Note! Who does not know, during the recording, all information on the flash drive will be deleted.
Step five... When you click the Next button again, the installation or recording will continue.
Step six... In the first option, that is, when it comes to choosing the "ISO file" item, several folders will be attached at once, where the image will be saved, or the drive. It is quite obvious that there should already be a DVD-R disc that has the required amount of memory. Having saved it, you can later burn it to any convenient medium.
Note! Such operations are possible only on those computers on which the operating system is Windows 7 or higher.
Features of installing Windows 10 from an image
Installing an operating system is straightforward; no special skills or skills are required. To start the installation, insert a USB flash drive or disk, and then, when the computer restarts, press any button after the corresponding message appears ("Press any button to boot ..." or something similar, it all depends on the specific type of system). Before that, you need to click in the BIOS settings to boot from a disk or flash drive.
The next step is that the system will ask you to enter a product key. You will find this key on the package, or if you are just updating the OS, select "I do not have a key".
Accept the user agreement and decide on the type of installation. If you do not belong to "advanced" users, then it is better not to use the custom installation.
Then you will find yourself in the window for selecting the partition where the operating system will be installed.
When all the required actions are completed, the system will be installed, after which it will ask you to customize it "for yourself". More specifically, these settings include:
- installation / configuration of standard programs;
- creating your account.
Here you can decide on your own whether to keep the basic settings or adjust the parameters again. That's all, now you know how to create an ISO image of Windows 10. For more detailed information, we recommend watching the thematic video below. Good luck!
To restore the operating system after problems with any parameters, it is worth asking for help with the system image on a USB flash drive or disk, having previously created it.
With an OS image, you can reinstall everything from scratch. It is also possible to fix errors when starting the operating system or clean the PC of unnecessary and unnecessary programs. Main reasons for use:
- reinstalling the OS;
- OS recovery in case of problems.
You can create an image if you use programs such as:
- archiving wizard;
- installation program;
- third-party: Nero Express, etc.
We are working on creating a Windows 10 image
We prepare the necessary tools for this process. You might need things like:
- SSD drive (external);
- USB drives;
- DVDs.
Create an image using the backup wizard
Step-by-step instruction:
There are several options for the location of the Windows image:
- hard drives... There are 3 options for storing your image: 1) SSD (external); 2) internal additional hard drive; 3) one of the disk partitions that you are archiving. The most reliable is the first option. If the archive is stored internally on a disk, then if the hard drive breaks down, the archive will be lost;
- This option is not reliable, but still many people prefer to choose it;
- network folder... If you consider yourself an experienced PC user, then you can safely choose this option. To do this, you need a network connection and you must know the parameters for accessing the resource.
Where to store the Windows image
You can view the location of your archive files, as well as find out the volume occupied by it.
An intuitive view of storing an image of your system:
An example of the location of the image can be seen in the screenshot.
To find out the volume of the archive, click on the right mouse button while hovering over the folder and go to the "Properties" item.
Using the installer
To download the image, you can go to the official website or any other Internet resources.
We use third-party snitches
Please be aware that this recording on optical DVDs is gradually losing its relevance. After all, netbooks, ultrabooks and tablets do not have a floppy drive. We advise you to stick to writing to SSD or flash cards.
We first install the necessary program and then proceed to recording the operating system image.
Daemon tools
This product is the most popular on the software market. Create a system image to disk by performing the following steps:
We make a USB storage device as a system image.
We check the performance of the bootable USB flash drive.
Alcohol 120%
This program has been operating for many years, there is a huge disadvantage here - it only works with disks (optical media), so you will not be able to make a USB flash drive bootable media.
We begin the process by performing the following steps:
Upon completion, we check the performance of the disk.
Note! Also, the Alcohol 52% program has the right to exist, but its functions are further curtailed, it can only write an image to a virtual disk. Starting the system with these actions does not work properly.
Modern counterparts will provide you with a service you need more.
NERO
With this program, you will again be able to record only to external DVD-disks, but not to a flash drive.
The average process time is 30-40 minutes, it can even reach an hour (depending on the selected speed). At the end, we check the performance.
Nero Express
We are waiting for the end of the installation process and doing a disk health check.
Note! Alas, Nero does not have a version that can work with flash drives, so this program is not as effective.
ULTRAISO
This old tool is the most powerful for the job. With it, you can store a disk image both on flash drives and on various disks.
Making a bootable media from a USB flash drive
We are waiting for the end, checking for performance.
The boot disk is created in the same way.
- We select the required file.
- In the top menu item "Tools" select "Burn image to DVDCD".
- We start "Recording". We are waiting for the end of the program.
Other applications that may be useful
- Universal_USB_Installer;
- Win_Setup_FromUSB;
- BOOTLER;
- RUFUS;
- XBOOT;
- SARDU;
- Win2_USB Free etc.
Possible problems
If everything is followed according to the instructions, there should be no problems. However, consider the possible options:
: if the process hangs from the very beginning, then you need to check for an Internet connection and blocking the antivirus, perhaps it is blocking the service. Also check the amount of storage space (there may not be enough space);
- disk or flash drive does not work: replace the image and rewrite the installation disk again;
- lost connection with the drive: we will try to clean up the disk and run the installation again. There are situations when the only way out is to replace the disk.
In fact, writing a system image to disk is not such a difficult task, so problems are rarely encountered.
Restoring Windows 10 from a backup
To restore the system, you need to open the recovery menu.
When there are problems, but the system can still boot:
We've already talked about built-in recovery tools that can quickly return Windows 10 to a working state when a software problem occurs. Let's consider in detail the backup, which allows you to save settings, programs and files.
System imaging
You can create an image of Windows 10 using standard tools that were first implemented in Windows Vista. A Windows 10 backup will be a snapshot of the system with its settings, installed programs and user files that are stored on the system partition (usually drive C).
The image can be saved on another (non-system) hard disk partition, a second connected hard drive, multiple optical media or network resources. It is preferable to choose the second connected hard drive (if any) or a non-system partition of the hard drive. 
By default, disks containing the boot sector and the Windows 10 system partition will be added to the archive.
You can archive other partitions, but the built-in imaging tool is not the best way to do this. When restoring, there is a possibility that the sections with user files collected in the archive will be erased.
Therefore, leave the default configuration - a system-reserved partition and a volume with Windows files. 
After selecting the composition of the image, click the "Archive" button. When the image is ready, the system will offer to create a recovery disc that can be used in case Windows 10 stops loading. 
If you have an empty "blank" at hand, use this opportunity - it is easier to return Windows to a working state from a recovery disk than using the F8 key or installation media. Insert the optical media into your drive and click Create Disc.
You can create a recovery disc later - we talked about this in more detail in the article about
You don't need to do anything else: the backup copy will be stored in the location you specified until it becomes necessary to use it to restore Windows.
Restoring from a backup
The backup is stored on disk, it remains to do a restore to return Windows 10 to a working state. If the system is unstable, but boots:
If there is no such button in the Windows settings, or the system has stopped starting, then use the previously created recovery disc or installation media with the Windows 10 distribution kit.
The Recovery from Image Wizard will appear on the screen. By default, the last system snapshot by date of creation is selected, but you can manually specify the path to an earlier copy, if available. Click Next. 
In the second window of the wizard, you do not need to change anything - click "Next". Review the information provided and click Finish to start the Windows 10 recovery process from the previously created system snapshot. 
Confirm the data replacement and wait while the system is being restored from the image. After completing this process, restart your computer. On startup, you will see that Windows 10 is reverted to the state it was in when the system snapshot was taken.
AOMEI Backupper Standard
If the standard backup tool does not suit you, use the free AOMEI Backupper Standard program. This utility offers an easy and efficient way to create a copy and then restore your system.
If the system boots, then you can restore it from the created image in the program interface in the "Restore" section. The location of the copy is determined automatically, but if it did not, specify the path manually. Make sure you are restoring to the correct locations and click "Start Restore". 
Above was described the ideal option in which you can get into the system. In practice, users only resort to restoring from a backup if Windows 10 completely refuses to start. In this case, you will need a bootable USB flash drive that was previously created in the AOMEI Backupper Standard.
- Connect the USB flash drive to your computer.
- Run the program and go to the "Utilities" tab.
- Select "Create Bootable Media".
After booting from this flash drive, the main program window will open, through which you can start recovery from the image using the instructions above.
Another free way to create a Windows 10 image is to use the Macrium Reflect Free utility. It works on the same principle as AOMEI Backupper, offering to write a backup and create a bootable USB stick, which will come in handy in case the system does not start.
Other options could be cited - for example, backup tools from Acronis. They provide more options than the standard Windows tool and the programs listed above. In particular, Acronis True Image creates a snapshot of the system, which takes up 2 times less space than an image created using Windows tools. But you have to pay for Acronis products, so this option is unacceptable for most users.
