Windows 10 version 1511 (codenamed ‘Threshold 2’) is here, and it’s smarter, faster, with new features for Cortana, Microsoft Edge, Mail, Maps, Photos, Xbox and a whole lot more.

Windows 10 updates can take a while to roll out to everyone, though, so if you want to jump the queue – or you’d like to set up a new system or virtual machine from scratch – then it’s quicker and easier to download an ISO image of the latest build.

Search the web for news stories, scour the comments sections, and you might find a direct ISO download link. Which actually works. And isn’t for some pre-release build.

A better option is just to download Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, which automatically grabs the latest version for you.

Choose your preferred language and 32/ 64-bit build in a click or two

The program arrives as a single executable which runs on Windows 7 and later, no installation required.

Select “Create installation media for another PC” on the opening screen, and click Next.

By default the program downloads an image matching your current operating system (language, 32 or 64-bit).

If you want something else, clear the “Use the recommended options…” box, make your own choices, and click Next.

If you’re able to install or update Windows 10 from a USB key, then choose “USB flash drive” and the Media Creation Tool will build a bootable drive for you.

But if it has to be an image, select “ISO file” on the “Choose which media…” screen, click Next, specify a file name and wait as the ISO is downloaded.

Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool is available now for Windows 7 and later.