How to Convert Windows ESD Files to ISO

Microsoft tries to solve every issue you encounter with Windows, even if it’s difficult to believe based on results. This either means new updates or even fresh iterations, which is the case with Windows 10. Although it’s not ready yet, you can install in on your system to check it out and report issues to make it a better product.

These are delivered in an encrypted image format, just like regular updates. The ESD file needs to be converted even for an existing Windows installation or third-party application to read and process it. Hints are already all over the Web on how it’s done, more or less complicated. In an attempt to make things easier for you, we put up a series of easy steps to follow.

What you need to know

Step 1a: Unblock the ESD file. Windows locks it by default for security reasons.

Step 1b: Right-click the target file and access the Properties panel.

Step 1c: Hit the Unblock button located at the bottom of the panel in the Security section.

Step 2: Download the esd-decrypter-wimlib-4 tool.

Step 3: Place the ESD file inside the utility folder.

Step 4: Run decrypt.cmd with Administrator privileges.

Step 5: Press 1 (the numerical key) on your keyboard and hit Enter.

Note: There are more options in order to create a compressed ISO file, as well as an install.wim, with the same two options. Don’t rush to hit 1 directly, as choices are subject to change in future versions.

Be ready to wait for some time, depending on the ESD file size and your PC’s specs. The new ISO file is delivered in the same directory. All that’s left to do is set it up, with the possibility to also store it on a bootable USB Flash drive. If you’re not aware of how it’s done, here’s a little insight.