: Use the DISM tool to apply the install.wim file from your mounted ISO directly onto the VHD drive letter.

You will be greeted by a blue boot menu asking you to choose between your primary operating system and the new Windows 10 instance living on your VHD. Security and Safe Downloading Practices

Choose your architecture (typically ) and preferred language.

Once finished, you will have a full Windows 10 desktop environment. Benefits of Using a Pre-Built VHD

Windows allows physical hardware to boot directly from an operating system contained inside a VHD file without a running host OS. This provides 100% hardware performance (GPU, CPU) for testing. Open as Administrator.

Microsoft provides pre-configured virtual machines for developers that include Windows 10 and various developer tools. Windows Dev Center Virtual Machines

Once you have downloaded a pre-built VHD or created your own, you can deploy it using two main methods. Method A: Running via Hyper-V (Virtualization)

Once you have downloaded the VHDX file, you need to configure your virtualization software to use it. Using VHD in Hyper-V Open Hyper-V Manager. Click .

This comprehensive guide covers the official methods to download a Windows 10 VHD, alternative creation strategies, installation procedures, and critical configuration steps. Official Methods to Download Windows 10 VHDs

: These are typically evaluation versions that expire after 90 days.

When prompted to configure the Hard Disk, choose .