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The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool is Microsoft’s free download for creating a bootable USB installer or saving Windows installation files as an ISO. Get it from Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page, not a third-party mirror. Important limitation: the tool creates x64 media only; it cannot make an installer for an ARM-based PC.
Use it to install or reinstall Windows on a compatible PC, including a different PC from the one used to create the media. For a straightforward upgrade on the PC you are using, Microsoft’s Installation Assistant is usually the better fit. Creating media does not erase your PC, but the tool will erase the USB drive you select, and a later clean installation can erase files on the target computer.
What the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool does
Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool downloads Windows 11 installation files and turns them into either a bootable USB flash drive or an ISO file. The executable is named MediaCreationTool.exe. The tool is intended for creating media for an installation, reinstall, or clean install; it does not itself grant a Windows license or activate Windows.
The computer running the tool and the computer receiving Windows do not have to be the same. You can create the installer on a working PC and use it on another compatible x64 PC. The target still needs compatible hardware and a valid license or upgrade entitlement.
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- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
Microsoft’s download page currently identifies the release as Windows 11 2025 Update, version 25H2. Release labels and downloads can change, so check the current Microsoft page when downloading.
Choose the right Windows 11 download method
| Your goal | Use this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade the supported PC you are using | Installation Assistant or Windows Update | The Assistant is designed to upgrade the current PC; Windows Update is the normal route for supported updates. |
| Create a bootable installer, reinstall Windows, or install on another PC | Media Creation Tool | It creates USB installation media or an ISO. |
| Save an ISO, use it in a virtual machine, or make media another way | Direct ISO download | Download the image from Microsoft, then mount it or use a suitable ISO-writing utility. |
| Install on an ARM-based PC | Microsoft’s ARM64 download or the device maker’s supported recovery method | The Media Creation Tool creates x64 media only. |
| Get Enterprise or subscription-specific media | Microsoft’s enterprise download channels | Microsoft directs Enterprise users to the Microsoft 365 admin center or Visual Studio Subscriptions, as applicable. |
A recovery drive is different: it is primarily for recovering a particular Windows installation and device environment, not a general-purpose Windows 11 installer.
Before you start: requirements and data safety
- Administrator access: You may need to approve the Windows administrator prompt to run the tool.
- Internet access: The tool downloads Windows installation files, so use a reliable connection.
- USB option: Have a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of storage. Microsoft’s process deletes the contents of the selected drive. Back it up first and verify the drive name before proceeding. Eight GB is the documented minimum, not a guarantee that an old or faulty drive will work.
- ISO option: Choose a location with enough free space for the download and saved file.
- Target compatibility: The tool’s media is for x64 processors. The target must also meet Microsoft’s current Windows 11 hardware requirements. The published minimums include 4 GB of memory and 64 GB of storage, but those figures alone do not establish eligibility; other hardware and security requirements apply. Check Microsoft’s Windows 11 page and specifications.
- Backup: Back up personal files before installing or reinstalling Windows. The creation step does not erase the target PC, but installation choices—especially deleting or formatting partitions during a clean install—can remove files, apps, and settings.
- License and edition: The tool does not provide a license. A digital license or product key may activate Windows, and the installed edition must match the license. For an upgrade, Microsoft advises matching the installation language to the current Windows language.
Download the official Media Creation Tool
- Open Microsoft’s Windows 11 software-download page.
- Find Create Windows 11 Installation Media and select Download Now.
- Save
MediaCreationTool.exe, then run it. Approve the administrator prompt if Windows displays one. - Accept the license terms to continue.
Avoid unofficial sites offering repackaged tools or “activated” Windows images. The official download is available directly from Microsoft.
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- In the tool, at What do you want to do?, choose Create installation media for another PC, then select Next.
- Choose the language, edition, and architecture. The Media Creation Tool creates 64-bit (x64) media; it has no ARM64 option. Keep the language aligned with the existing Windows installation if you intend to upgrade it.
- Choose USB flash drive, then select Next.
- Insert a blank USB drive of at least 8 GB, select the correct drive in the list, and continue. Selecting it erases its contents, so stop if you have not backed up anything you need.
- Let the tool download Windows and create the installer. When it reports completion, safely eject the USB.
You can use the finished USB on another compatible x64 PC. Creating it does not install Windows or activate it; that happens later on the target computer.
Create or use an ISO instead
Choose ISO file instead of USB when you want to archive the installation image, use it in a virtual machine, mount it in Windows, or create media with another utility. Select a save location with adequate free space and allow the tool to finish downloading.
To start an in-place upgrade from Windows, right-click the ISO, choose Mount, open the virtual disc, and run setup.exe. This is different from booting the PC from USB: Setup runs within the existing Windows installation and offers upgrade choices. For a virtual machine, attach the ISO through the virtualization software’s virtual optical drive. If burning a DVD, Microsoft says an 8 GB blank DVD and DVD burner can be used; a dual-layer disc may be needed if the image is too large for the selected disc.
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Microsoft also offers a direct ISO download on its Windows 11 download page. Its x64 ISO is described there as multi-edition, with the product key determining the edition; do not assume this covers Enterprise or other specialized deployment images. The page provides a separate ARM64 download path.
Boot the target PC from USB
- Back up the target PC and confirm it meets Windows 11 requirements. Connect the installer USB.
- Restart the PC and open its boot menu, or change the boot order in UEFI/BIOS settings. Common menu keys include F2, F12, Delete, and Esc, but the correct key depends on the manufacturer and model.
- Select the USB device, preferably its UEFI entry if more than one option appears.
- At Windows Setup, choose the language, time, and keyboard preferences, then select Install Windows.
- Follow Setup carefully. If you are performing a clean install, partition deletion or formatting can destroy data on the selected drive. Do not proceed unless your backup is complete and you have identified the correct disk.
If the computer starts its existing operating system instead, reopen the boot menu and check whether the USB appears under UEFI boot options. Try a full shutdown and restart, a different port, or a known-good drive. Consult the computer maker’s instructions before changing firmware settings. Secure Boot or another firmware setting may affect whether media appears, but do not disable Secure Boot as a universal fix. If you change boot order, restore it after installation so the PC starts from its internal drive rather than restarting Setup.
Clean install, reinstall, and in-place upgrade are different
- Creating media: Downloads files and writes them to the USB or ISO location. It does not wipe the target PC.
- In-place upgrade: Run
setup.exefrom the ISO while Windows is running. Available choices depend on compatibility and Setup options. - Clean install: Boot from USB and install Windows through Setup. The choices made during installation can replace or remove existing partitions, apps, settings, and files. Back up first.
For a supported PC that simply needs an upgrade, Windows Update or Installation Assistant is less manual. Microsoft lists the Assistant for the current PC; its requirements include a Windows 10 or Windows 11 license, Windows 10 version 2004 or later for an upgrade from Windows 10, and 9 GB of free disk space. It does not run on ARM-based PCs.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting
The tool will not open
Confirm that the file came from Microsoft, then try right-clicking it and choosing Run as administrator. Restart Windows and try again. On a managed work or school PC, security software or policy may block the download or execution; ask the administrator rather than bypassing controls.
The USB drive is not listed
Reinsert it, try another USB port, and use a known-good blank drive with at least 8 GB. Disconnect other removable drives so you can identify the right one. Running the tool as administrator may help. If it still cannot use the drive, select the ISO option and create media from the downloaded image using a reputable utility.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe download fails or appears stuck
Check the internet connection and free space, then restart the PC and retry. A temporary network or service problem, a firewall, endpoint security, or insufficient permissions can interrupt a download. On a corporate network, contact IT. If repeated attempts fail, use Microsoft’s direct ISO download instead of repeatedly reusing an incomplete download.
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- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC with no prior version of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
- PRODUCT SHIPS IN PLAIN ENVELOPE | Activation key is located under scratch-off area on label.
- GENUINE WINDOWS SOFTWARE IS BRANDED BY MIRCOSOFT ONLY.
The USB is created but will not boot
Confirm the firmware recognizes the USB, select the correct device in the boot menu, and check whether the PC expects a UEFI boot entry. Try another port or known-good USB. Firmware changes are manufacturer-specific; seek the PC maker’s instructions before changing settings such as Secure Boot. If you temporarily change boot order, restore it after Setup.
Setup asks for a product key
Creating media is free, but it is not a Windows license. If the PC has an applicable digital license, you may be able to choose the option to continue without entering a key; a firmware-embedded key may also be applied automatically when it matches the installed edition. Activation depends on a valid license and the correct edition, so skipping key entry is not the same as activating Windows.
The PC is reported as unsupported
Check the current Windows 11 requirements and the PC manufacturer’s documentation. Firmware or driver updates and correctly configured TPM, Secure Boot, or UEFI settings may be relevant, but do not assume a setting change will make every PC eligible. Microsoft warns that installations on unsupported hardware can have compatibility and support consequences and may not be entitled to updates. Back up data and understand those risks rather than treating bypasses as routine.
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Stop before installing if the selection is not appropriate. Language and edition can affect upgrade options and activation. For an upgrade, use the same language as the existing Windows installation and an edition that matches the PC’s license.
The target is ARM-based
Do not use this tool for an ARM PC: it creates x64 media only. Use Microsoft’s ARM64 download path or the device maker’s supported recovery or upgrade process instead.
Windows 10 users: support ended, but compatibility still matters
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025, including free software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes. That date does not mean every Windows 10 PC can run Windows 11. Check the target hardware against Microsoft’s current requirements before upgrading or installing.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Microsoft: Download Windows 11
- Microsoft Support: Create installation media for Windows
- Microsoft: Minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 (PDF)
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