Download Windows 10 Pro 21H2 & Create a Bootable USB for GameLoop (Step-by-Step Guide)

To achieve maximum performance, stability, and compatibility with GameLoop, we strongly recommend installing Windows 10 Pro 21H2 (Build 19044.1288) — a clean, lightweight version free from the bloated security layers and background services introduced in newer builds like 22H2.

⚠️ Why Not the Latest Version?

Newer builds such as 22H2 and beyond introduce features like:

• Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)

• Smart App Control

• Heavy Background Telemetry

These features may benefit enterprise environments but significantly reduce FPS and introduce latency in performance-critical applications like emulators.

Since Microsoft no longer provides direct access to 21H2 ISO files, we’ve listed two verified and safe sources below.

PART 1: Download the Correct ISO

1. Use one of the following links to download the English version of Windows 10 Pro 21H2 (x64):

   • 📥 Mirror 1 – Archive.org
     Download from Archive.org

   • 📥 Mirror 2 – Google Drive (Hosted by Us)
     Download from Google Drive

   🌍 Only the English version is provided.
   If you need another language (e.g., Turkish, German, Spanish), language packs can be installed manually after setup.

2. Save the ISO file to your computer.
   💡 File size: approx. 4.3 GB

3. Make sure the filename resembles:
   Windows_10_21H2.iso

PART 2: Create a Bootable USB with Rufus

🛠 Requirements:

• A USB drive (min 8 GB, USB 3.0 recommended)

• Rufus (free & portable)

🔧 Step-by-Step Guide

📍 Step 1: Download and Open Rufus

• Visit rufus.ie

• Download the portable version

• Launch Rufus.exe

Rufus Home

📍 Step 2: Plug in Your USB Drive

• Insert your USB drive

• In Device, select the USB from the list

Rufus USB Selected

📍 Step 3: Load the ISO

• Click SELECT under “Boot selection”

• Locate and choose Windows_10_21H2.iso

📍 Step 4: Configure Settings

Rufus USB Configured

📍 Step 5: Start the Process

• Click Start

• Accept any warnings (all USB contents will be erased)

• Wait 5–10 minutes

Rufus Erase Warning

“Tamam” means OK :)

Rufus Progress Bar

✅ Done!

Once complete, you’ll see “READY” at the bottom of the Rufus window. Your USB stick is now ready to install Windows 10.

⚠️ Final Notes

• Don’t remove the USB yet — you’ll need it to boot into Windows setup.

• Disable Secure Boot in BIOS before proceeding.

• Avoid connecting to the internet during installation. (We explain why in the Installation step.)