Many users perform a clean install or reinstall of Windows 10 once in a year to fix issues and restore the lost speed.
To help users easily download ISO images of Windows 10, an official tool called Media Creation Tool has been available ever since the release of Windows 10, and the ISO image file that you download using Media Creation Tool now includes the latest Windows 10 feature update as well.
While the procedure to download Windows 10 ISO using the Media Creation tool is straightforward, many users who have used the Media Creation Tool have been complaining that there is no option to download the Windows 10 Pro edition.
That is, the screen where you are asked to select the edition of Windows 10 that you want to download doesn’t list the Windows 10 Pro edition. The list shows only Windows 10 and Windows 10 N editions, and there is no mention of Windows 10 Pro.
Well, the fact is that the Windows 10 ISO that you download using Media Creation Tool includes both the Home as well as Pro editions, meaning Microsoft is no longer offering separate ISOs for Home and Pro editions.
When you create a bootable USB of Windows 10 using the ISO and attempt to install Windows 10 from it, the setup of Windows 10 automatically checks your BIOS/UEFI for embedded product key (if available), and installs the right version based on its findings. And when you are installing Windows 10 on a new PC or a PC without the embedded product key, it displays the prompt asking you to select the edition of Windows 10 that you would like to install.
In simple words, for instance, if you had previously activated Windows 10 Home edition on a computer when you run the setup of Windows 10, it automatically installs the Home edition without allowing you to select the edition of Windows 10.
If you want to see the edition selection screen while installing Windows 10 on a PC that includes the product key in the BIOS, you need to edit the ISO file to include ei.cfg file or add ei.cfg file to the bootable USB.
Follow the directions in Method 1 to add ei.cfg file to the bootable USB, and follow Method 2 to include the ei.cfg file in the bootable ISO of Windows 10.
Method 1 of 2
Add ei.cfg to bootable USB to see the edition selection screen
Step 1: Create the bootable USB of Windows 10, either using Rufus, Media Creation Tool, or any other software. To create the same using Command Prompt, please refer to our how to install Windows 10 from the USB guide.
Step 2: Once the bootable USB of Windows 10 is ready, open This PC and double-click on the USB drive icon to open up the same.
Step 3: Open up Sources folder, download ei.cfg ZIP file by clicking here, extract the ZIP file to get ei.cfg file, and place it in the Sources folder.
NOTE: You can open the downloaded ei.cfg file with Notepad to see what it includes. The following is a picture of the same.
That’s all. You can now boot from the USB drive to see the edition selection screen, as shown below.
Method 2 of 2
Add ei.cfg file to bootable Windows 10 ISO
If you plan to reinstall or perform a clean install of Windows 10 from an ISO image file instead of a bootable USB/DVD, you can do so by following the step-by-step instructions given below.
Step 1: We need to extract the contents of the ISO file to the newly created Install Files using 7-Zip (free), WinRAR, or any other tool. We are using the free 7-Zip in this guide.
Step 2: Navigate to the folder containing Windows 10 ISO image, right-click on it, click 7-Zip, click Extract files, select a location with at least 5 GB of disk space. When you extract the file, 7-Zip will create a new folder and will name it after your ISO file name.
7-Zip might take a couple of minutes to complete the extraction job. Once done, proceed to the next step.
Step 3: Download ei.cfg ZIP file by clicking here, extract the ZIP file to get ei.cfg file, open up the Windows 10 folder containing extracted ISO file contents, open up the Sources folder, and then place the ei.cfg file under Sources folder as shown in the picture below.
Step 4: Next, to create a bootable ISO image of Windows 10 containing this newly added ei.cfg file, please follow the instructions in our how to create bootable 10 ISO of Windows from files/folders guide for step-by-step instructions.
NOTE: Some paid programs like UltraISO and MagicISO allow you to edit the bootable ISO without having to extract it. If you feel that this method is tiresome, simply download the ei.cfg file from the link mentioned above and place it in the Sources folder of the ISO file using one of these paid applications. Our how-to add files to bootable Windows ISO image guide might also help you.
HawkFest says
It seems to work for most people, thus thank you! Unfortunately it does not work for me. I’ve modified the ei,cfg file according to this article, but when I boot my portable the installer (a HP ENVY x360 m6-aq105dx), it still doesn’t give me the opportunity to select between Pro and Home… Maybe that I’m missing something, is there a particular BIOS setting that’s required, like having UEFI instead of Legacy or whatnot?
David Carmack says
This is great. Works like a charm. I was so frustrated.
chaney says
This works perfectly – if you’re unable to find the ei.cfg file from the hyperlink, just open up notepad on a Windows machine and copy in the text in the format that’s in the screenshot above:
[Channel]
_Default
[VL]
0
After you type this in, click “Save As”, then change the file type from .txt to “All files” and name the file “ei.cfg” hit save. This will save a .cfg file, and you can drop that in the sources folder.
charles says
It works perfectly, thanks buddy
DEVANIR NUNES FILHO says
It works. Just add the ei.cfg to the pendrive, on sources folder.
Anon says
As of August 2022 : This DOES NOT WORK !
First, the ei.cfg zip file referred to in this article is no longer located at the hyperlink provided and all you get is a “server not found” message.
Second, you cannot just “place” or “copy” the ei.cfg file from …say…. a location on your desktop or elsewhere on your computer (depending on where you extracted the file to ) INTO the “sources” folder of the ISO. The operation is prohibited by the permissions set up on the target “sources” folder… and… you can’t successfully change the attributes on that “sources” folder for some reason.
Is there some workaround for these obstacles ?
If there is please post it here because I haven’t found it.
Thanks !
Also does the OFFICIAL ISO also contain Windows for Workststions or just Windows Pro ??
T says
Thanks so much! Not sure why microsoft makes this so hard.
admin says
Glad to know that, Joseph.
Joseph says
Many thanks to the Team at Into Windows.
My matter is now solved!
Patience says
Worked for me for Windows 11
Thanks for sharing
Groot says
To change windows to another edition, you just need to change product key from setting .
N Starck says
FYI, the download link seems broken. But if you just create a notepad file in the directory, title it ei.cfg (delete the native extension) and type in the values in in the pic, it’ll work just the same….
Greg says
You sir, have saved me a lot of time. Thank you
sam says
hi
you saved my life …. :)
thkx a lot
Rosamel Fierro Delgado says
it works! thanks you, i had an usb with uefi made using rufus and i just copied the file and worked, thanks ;)
Towepat says
Works like charm! Good work
Eqra says
Worked like a charm!
but just curious.. how does this file actually work? is it a pirate thing or what?
Dark says
Still works!
I am currently installing windows 10 pro, coming from windows 10 home let’s just hope my CD key stays alive!
Muhammad Shafi says
It works, thank you so much : )
David Kalondo says
Thank you so much. It has worked for me so perfect
Waqas ul hasan says
thank you very much . really appreciated. its works
Bega says
Very good work, thank you
Charlie says
Working as of 20/08.2020.
Installed on a new SSD within an HP 840 EliteBook G3.
Steve says
Microbrains Inc thought they would save people one second to choose “home” or “pro”, by wasting an hour of people’s time running around doing this stupid crap like this.
Really some of the most idiotic people making decision at Microsoft now. Close the place down, the idiots have taken over.
Scuba King says
I have used this method with every single version I have done clean installs of Win10 after downloading using MS Media Creation Tool. Even with machines that were bios locked to Home and then upgraded to Pro (before I did a clean install).
It works, and it works perfectly. HP, Toshiba, Dell have all worked
angelar says
This does not work on Lenovo Flex 5 14.
Stefan Edlich says
I had Windows 10 PRO and wanted to install HOME.
Same here: inserting source/ei.cfg did not help. No menu showed up.
Why is it so difficult for MS to let the user select PRO or HOME??
admin says
Hi Fernando. This method works great for the current version (1909) as well as the upcoming 2004 (installed the MSDN release this way) just a day ago.
Fernando says
I am not sure this is still working, I bought a Lenovo Yoga – S740-14IIL which comes with Windows 10 Home with the serial in the BIOS.
I created a Windows 10 USB installation drive and then added the “ei.cfg” file but it seems like if its being ignored by the installer.
Any clues?
This is happening today: 14th of May 2020.
Thanks for your help
MiguelAngel says
EXCELLENT WORK JUST DO NOT USE RUFUS………..
I tried 4 times trying to save the modified ISO( meaning whit the fix) using Rufus in A 36 USB DRIVE. It gets to 97%. And nothing. I choose NTFS AND FAT32. NOTHING WORKED. Finally when Rufus finish with the USB.
The BIOS of my laptop could detected.
Microsoft Media Tool is the way to go.
One time and it works. No problems.
04/27/2020 12:20pm ET.
Good luck folks.
Null says
This one is working up to now for me
2 April 2020
Thank admin.
Herman says
Still works on Windows 10 1909
2 March 2020
Nathan says
Good, clear solution to a really frustrating installation / activation problem – error Oxc004f050 . Thanks!
Lucas says
Thanks a lot!
Worked like a charm.
Best regards.
admin says
Joan,
Glad to know that. Thanks for the comment.
Joan Marc Guillamon says
20/12/2019 – Still works
Reypak says
thanks this perfectly worked for me.
Ashtor says
IT WORKS!!! 2019 NOV 17
Method 1
Add ei.cfg to bootable USB to see the edition selection screen
WITH Microsoft Media Creation Tool
microsoft.com/hu-hu/software-download/windows10
MediaCreationTool1903.exe
Yim says
The link to download the EICFG.zip file is not working
Anandakrishnan.M says
awesome… very helpful… i use it every time i make a bootable usb…
abd says
05-JULY-2019, confirmation this works, thanks!
Chia says
it works perfectly for me SHANKS BOSS
fyi : it only prompt edition selection after selecting keyboard n region.
Nathan Campton says
As of 5/7/2019 I do not have a sources folder
Nilanga Fernando says
worked perfectly Thank You
Louis Wu says
Thanks. Worked for me. PC last owner had Home, this allowed me to install new Pro.
Sam says
Really great thing
Trying since last few days bro
Keep it up
Thanking says
Thanks, that works
Dave says
Thanks!!! Been fighting this for 2 days. Simple fix & it works great..
Anthony says
@m85 I feel the same way, Microsoft (Dumbsoft) has made me HATE Windows 10 for the same reason plus others, like working on a project and suddenly BAM the computer restarts and says it’s updating!!! No warning nothing it just shut down while you’re working!!!
Then update 1705 came in and the laptop started playing up with many problems!
Going the pirate way because Microsoft has pushed that way even so I paid their “forced” garbage with the laptop anyways!
m85 says
Yea, this is such bs, Microsoft could have very easily add override button and forced version select, they honestly want everyone into HOME version and be a sheep for automatic updates?
I do want to keep my computer up to date, but only when i want it to! I am gamer, i dont want it to do anything on the background when i want 100% performance, so automatic updates are bull.
There is no reason they could not give us the very same button they have given in every previous windows updates.
Most laptops do come preinstall with HOME, and then these issues will happen…
If you have activated youre keycode once, and lets say youre ssd brakes up that has the oem on it, you aint gonna buy whole new computer, you just wana buy that new ssd on it and reinstall everything, yea?
If it does not recognise youre already once activated keycode, then this might work: install it offline (unplug youre internet connections), so it wont try to activate it, gotta do this via phone, atleast you have been able to do this on every past versions.
Thierry says
Very good guide. worked perfectly
ned dalari says
Worked Like a Charm. Thanks for you efforts.
GANGA says
Thank you so much.. I struggled for whole day for getting option pro.. Finally with your tip, i was able to solve the issue.. thank u..
Guillermo says
This just worked for me. A simple fix to a very frustrating issue.
Thank you very much indeed.
mkcar says
Windows 10 Download automatically recognises what edition you need when installing it on your computer. Seeing as if you already upgraded or installed windows 10 previously. There is no need for the ei.cfg file.
Windows 10 is activated digitally and assigns to the computer and edition you qualified for or purchased.
Jahn says
This worked for me. Ran factory install on brand new HP Envy. Discovered it had Win 10 Home which was activated. So ran Media Creation Tool to make a bootable USB stick. Ran that and still Win 10 Home was installed. Found this webpage, added the sources\ei.cfg to the USB stick. Re-ran the install and was prompted to select a version. Selected Win 10 Pro. After install, Win 10 Pro was installed but not activated. Entered our customer’s volume license key and activated. Now I can add it to the domain, unlike that pesky Win 10 Home version. We mostly purchase new computers with Win 10 Pro. Glad to have this workaround when a customer buys a Win 10 Home computer and needs to add it to their company domain.
Barry says
Just excellent. Has worked a treat and saved me a bucket of time. Thanks gang.
Todd says
Is this supposed to then make tis into a 32bit and 64 bit installer. For me it didn’t seem to change my USB at all as I was still offered Windows 10 Pro, Home, Home Single Language, and Windows 10 Education (all 64bit). This are the same options I was offered before I added the ei.cfg. Like the other comment I to was using the latest Windows 10 installer from Microsoft (July 2016)
Alan says
This didn’t work for me with latest build as of June 2016 of windows 10.
I added the ei.cfg to the sources folder but I’m never prompted for the HOME or PRO question