Windows 10 22H2 (Build 19045)

Windows 10 22H2 (Build 19045) is the latest version of Windows 10, Microsoft's operating system for personal computers released on July 29, 2015. You can download Windows 10 from Microsoft's official software download page, but before installing it, check its support status: Microsoft ended support on October 14, 2025.

What is Windows 10?

Windows 10 is a proprietary operating system from Microsoft, built on the foundation of Windows 8.1. It received regular updates through Windows Update and ran on a huge range of desktops, laptops and tablets. Over the years Microsoft released a series of versions, and 22H2 became the last one: builds of the 19045 line continued to receive monthly updates, with 10.0.19045.6456 dated October 14, 2025. The interface is available in dozens of languages, from Arabic and Chinese to Ukrainian and Turkish, and the system remains familiar to people at home and at work.

Is Windows 10 still supported?

No. According to Microsoft Support, after October 14, 2025 Microsoft no longer provides free software updates from Windows Update, technical assistance or security fixes for Windows 10. Your PC will still work, but Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11. Without security fixes, a computer connected to the internet becomes more exposed to new threats every month.

What are the system requirements?

• Processor: 1 GHz or faster, or an SoC.
• RAM: from 1 GB, depending on the edition.
• An existing, up-to-date system if you upgrade: Windows 7 SP1 or Windows 8.1 Update.

The full list is on the Microsoft Support page linked above.

Where do I download it?

Use the Windows 10 download page on microsoft.com. It offers official tools to upgrade a PC or prepare installation media. The ISO is about 4.46 GB according to catalogue data. Do not download pre-activated images from torrent sites: they are a common way to plant malware in a system from the very start.

Is it free?

No, Windows 10 is paid software and needs a valid licence. Many PCs came with a licence already activated; check its status in the activation settings before reinstalling.

Should I install it now?

For a new installation, Windows 11 is the better choice if your hardware supports it. Windows 10 still makes sense for older PCs that cannot run Windows 11, for offline machines or for software that requires it, but then keep the computer behind a firewall and use updated browsers and antivirus. Check release details on the release information page.

Before you reinstall

Back up documents, photos and browser data to an external drive or cloud storage, note the programs you use, and download drivers for network adapters in advance, so you can get online after a clean installation.

Pros and cons

• Pro: familiar interface, wide software compatibility.
• Pro: runs on older hardware.
• Con: no more free security updates.
• Con: paid licence required.

Alternatives

Our listings include Windows 11 and, for older systems, Windows 7; for security testing, Kali Linux.