Windows Media Creation Tool: Download & Create Bootable USB
If your Windows 10 PC has stopped receiving updates now that support has ended, you’re not alone. The Windows Media Creation Tool offers a free and official path to upgrade to Windows 11 or create a bootable USB for a clean installation.
Windows 10 Support End Date: October 14, 2025 ·
Free Windows 11 Upgrade Availability: Still available in 2026 ·
Media Creation Tool Purpose: Create installation USB or DVD for Windows 10 and 11
Quick snapshot
- The Media Creation Tool is available on Microsoft’s official download page (Microsoft Download Windows 11)
- It creates installation media for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 (Microsoft Support)
- Free upgrade to Windows 11 remains available as of 2026 (Microsoft Download Windows 11)
- When Microsoft will end the free upgrade offer for Windows 11
- Whether the tool will continue to support future hardware
- October 14, 2025 – Windows 10 support ended (Microsoft Support)
- Free upgrade to Windows 11 is still available via the Media Creation Tool (Microsoft Download Windows 11) (WindowsForum)
- Users on unsupported hardware may need alternatives like Rufus (WindowsForum)
The table below breaks down the core specifications of the Media Creation Tool.
| Tool Name | Windows Media Creation Tool |
|---|---|
| Developer | Microsoft Corporation |
| Latest Version | Varies (check Microsoft support site) |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows 10, Windows 11 |
| File Size | ~1.5 MB (MediaCreationTool.exe) |
How do I get the Windows Media Creation Tool?
Download from Microsoft Support
The tool lives on Microsoft’s official Windows 11 download page. Head to Microsoft’s download site (official software distribution) and look for the “Create Windows 11 Installation Media” section. Click “Download Now” to get MediaCreationTool.exe (Microsoft Support).
The file is tiny (about 1.5 MB) – don’t mistake that for the whole installer. It’s a lightweight launcher that downloads Windows directly from Microsoft’s servers.
Run MediaCreationTool.exe
Double‑click the downloaded file after it finishes. Accept the license terms, and you’ll see two choices: upgrade this PC now, or create installation media for another PC (HP Tech Takes (PC manufacturer guide)). For a bootable USB, pick the second option.
“The Media Creation Tool can create installation media on a USB flash drive or create an ISO file for VMs or DVD burning.”
The pattern is clear: the tool itself is just the gate. The real payload – the Windows 11 installation files – downloads during the wizard.
How to create a bootable USB for Windows 11?
Step‑by‑step using Media Creation Tool
After selecting “Create installation media for another PC,” choose your language, edition, and architecture (64‑bit is the default) (HP Tech Takes). Then pick “USB flash drive.” The tool will warn you that the drive will be wiped – confirm, and it downloads Windows 11 and makes the drive bootable.
- You need a USB with at least 8 GB of space (YouTube – Windows 11 Bootable USB in 3 Minutes).
- A USB 3.0 drive is recommended for faster performance (HP Tech Takes).
- The whole process takes about 30 minutes on a typical broadband connection.
Creating a bootable USB for Windows 10
The same tool also works for Windows 10. Go to Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page (official download site) and grab the Media Creation Tool there. The steps are identical – it just pulls the Windows 10 ISO instead (WindowsForum user discussion).
If your PC doesn’t meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11 (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot), the Media Creation Tool won’t block you – but Windows Update will. A clean install with the tool still works on many unsupported devices.
The trade‑off is that unsupported PCs won’t receive future feature updates, only security patches – if that.
Can Rufus create a Windows 11 bootable USB?
Rufus vs Media Creation Tool
Rufus is a third‑party utility that many advanced users prefer. It can create bootable USB drives from an existing ISO file and, according to community posts on WindowsForum (user community), may bypass some Windows 11 hardware checks during installation. The Media Creation Tool is simpler and always downloads the latest official Windows build, but Rufus gives you more control.
- Media Creation Tool: official, automatic, no third‑party risk.
- Rufus: lightweight, supports legacy BIOS, can remove TPM and Secure Boot requirements.
Manual bootable USB creation
You can also use the command line with diskpart to manually set up a bootable USB, but that requires formatting and copying the ISO contents manually (HP Tech Takes (manufacturer’s step‑by‑step)). Most users find the Media Creation Tool or Rufus far more convenient.
The implication: for a one‑time upgrade or a clean install on a modern PC, the official tool is the safest route. For unsupported hardware or frequent reinstalls, Rufus offers flexibility that Microsoft’s tool doesn’t.
Can you still upgrade to Windows 11 for free in 2026?
End of support for Windows 10
Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025 (Microsoft Support (lifecycle policy reference)). That means no more security updates, no bug fixes, and no technical support. Your PC still works, but it’s increasingly vulnerable.
Consequences of not upgrading
The most immediate risk is security. Without patches, any newly discovered flaw in Windows 10 stays unpatched. For businesses, that’s a compliance and insurance issue. For home users, it’s a gamble.
“The free upgrade to Windows 11 remains available through the Media Creation Tool as of early 2026.”
— Microsoft Download Windows 11 (official upgrade page)
If your PC doesn’t meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements, Microsoft won’t deliver the upgrade via Windows Update. But the Media Creation Tool can still install it – you just won’t get future feature updates, only security patches for the first year.
For users who delay, the choice narrows: upgrade now while the free path is open, or stay on an unsupported system where every day raises the risk of a critical vulnerability.
How do I create a Media Creation Tool and install Windows?
Using the tool to upgrade your PC
If you run MediaCreationTool.exe and select “Upgrade this PC now,” it will download Windows 11 and guide you through an in‑place upgrade. Your files and apps are preserved, but a clean install is recommended for best performance (HP Tech Takes (clean install recommendation)).
Clean install vs upgrade
An upgrade keeps everything; a clean install wipes the drive and starts fresh. The tool offers both paths. For a clean install, choose “Create installation media” and boot from the USB. During setup, select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” (HP Tech Takes (custom installation steps)).
- Upgrade: faster, less effort, but may carry over old driver issues.
- Clean install: slower initial process, but a more stable long‑term system.
The tool itself doesn’t care which you choose – it just makes the installation media and lets you decide. The installation media you create can be used on multiple PCs (Microsoft Download Windows 11 (multiple PC use)).
Upsides
- Official Microsoft tool – no third‑party risks.
- Simple wizard – works for Windows 10 and 11.
- Free upgrade still available in 2026.
- Can create media for multiple PCs.
Downsides
- Requires a reasonable internet connection (~5 GB download).
- May not work on very old hardware (no TPM 2.0).
- No direct way to bypass hardware checks – need third‑party tools for that.
Timeline
- October 2021: Windows 11 officially released.
- October 14, 2025: Windows 10 support ended (Microsoft Support (lifecycle)).
- 2026: Free upgrade to Windows 11 still available via Media Creation Tool.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025 (Microsoft Support).
- Media Creation Tool is available from Microsoft’s official download page (Microsoft Download Windows 11).
- Free upgrade to Windows 11 remains available as of early 2026 (Microsoft Download Windows 11).
What’s unclear
- When Microsoft will end the free upgrade offer for Windows 11.
- Whether the Media Creation Tool will continue to be updated for future hardware.
“The Windows Media Creation Tool is Microsoft’s official utility for downloading a Windows 11 ISO and creating bootable installation media directly.”
“The USB flash drive method downloads Windows 11 straight from Microsoft and then verifies files before transferring data to the USB drive.”
For anyone still using Windows 10 after its end‑of‑life date, the decision boils down to one question: accept the security risk of staying put, or invest a couple of hours to upgrade for free. The Media Creation Tool makes that upgrade accessible even to users whose hardware doesn’t officially qualify. The free upgrade window is still open in 2026, but it likely won’t stay open forever. For the Windows 10 holdout, the path forward is clear: download the tool, make a bootable USB, and move on.
Related reading: HubSpot Landing Page Templates: Free & Premium Guide 2026 · How to Scan a QR Code on My Phone Screen or Photos
Related coverage: Windows Media Creation Tool guide fördjupar bilden av Windows Media Creation Tool – Complete Download and Usage Guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Windows Media Creation Tool safe to use?
Yes, it’s an official Microsoft utility. Always download it from the official software‑download page to avoid malware.
Do I need a product key to create installation media?
No. You can create the USB without a product key. You’ll need one later to activate Windows, but you can skip the prompt during installation.
Can I use the tool to create a bootable USB for Windows 10 from a Windows 11 PC?
Absolutely. The tool pulls the version you select – just choose Windows 10 from the download page.
How long does it take to create installation media?
Download time varies by internet speed. The actual media creation takes 10–20 minutes after download.
Does the Media Creation Tool work on a Mac?
No, it’s a Windows executable. On a Mac, use Boot Camp or a third‑party tool like Rufus (via a virtual machine) to create a bootable Windows USB.
What size USB drive do I need?
At least 8 GB for Windows 11. 16 GB is recommended to allow for future updates.
Can I use the tool to repair or reinstall Windows?
Yes. Boot from the USB and choose “Repair your computer” or “Install now” for a fresh copy.
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