If you are creating a fresh install of Windows 10, you can create an up-to-date patched version so you don’t have to go through the patching (including the Anniversary Update) for each installation.
You will require: a Windows 10 machine and a thumb drive at least 4GB.
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Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/software-download/windows10
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Click the “download tool now” button.
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Update your reference Windows 10 installation if it is not already up to date.
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Run the tool once it is downloaded. Follow the prompts and you will create a patched Windows 10 ISO. Note that it will not include 3rd-party programs, but it will create a fully-patched version of Windows 10 (including the Anniversary Update.) This is a change from the Windows 7 Sysprep images.
For the language, architecture, and edition, you should use the defaults. You can select these at install time, and choosing other options here can limit your choices later. (Note: that although it only specifies Windows 10 and not explicitly Pro, it will create Pro installation options)
Choose whether to make an ISO or a bootable thumb drive. Ensure that any thumb drive you use is one that you no longer want to use for any other purpose.
Make sure you pick the right drive. You can always unplug any other thumb drive.
Next, download and patch Windows 10.
The install will progress over time, and the screen will change as it goes through the various steps. Once it is done, you can remove the thumb drive and use it to boot and install a fresh and patched version of Windows 10. Note that you do have to have a valid license code to activate Windows. This only replaces the DVD with a patched version on a thumb drive.
