However, caution is paramount. The power of an ISO file is also a potential pitfall. Downloading Windows ISOs from untrusted websites or torrent trackers is a leading cause of malware infection. These malicious files can contain keyloggers, ransomware, or hidden backdoors embedded directly into the installation files. The official sources are Microsoft’s dedicated software download page or the Media Creation Tool, which automatically downloads the latest, verified ISO for your license key. Furthermore, before performing a clean installation, back up all personal data—documents, photos, and videos—to an external drive or cloud storage. The process will wipe the hard drive completely.