The Media Creation Tool is a free utility from Microsoft designed to help users upgrade their current Windows installation or create installation media for Windows 10. This tool can be used to download the latest version of Windows and create a bootable USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file, which can then be used to install or reinstall Windows on any compatible device.
To get started, you will first need to have a licence to install Windows 10. You can then download and run the media creation tool.
Media creation tools are software applications, platforms, or devices that enable users to design, produce, and edit various forms of media content, including:
Video editing software (Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro)
Audio editing software (Audacity, Adobe Audition)
Graphic design software (Adobe Photoshop, Canva)
Screen recording software (Camtasia, OBS Studio)
Social media management tools (Hootsuite, Buffer)
Download the Tool: Visit the Microsoft Software Download page and download the Media Creation Tool.
Run the Tool: Open the downloaded file and accept the license terms.
Choose Your Action: You will be given two options: upgrade your current PC or create installation media for another PC. Select the option that suits your needs.
Select Language, Edition, and Architecture: Choose the appropriate settings for the Windows version you want to install.
Create Installation Media: Select whether you want to create a USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Install Windows: If you created a USB or DVD, insert it into the PC where you want to install Windows, restart the PC, and follow the installation instructions.
Visit the official Microsoft website (search for "Download Windows 10/11") and download the Media Creation Tool for your version of Windows.
Once downloaded, locate the executable file (MediaCreationTool.exe) in your Downloads folder.
Right-click the file and select Run as administrator to avoid any permission issues.
After the tool launches, you’ll see the Microsoft Software License Terms. Click Accept to continue.
You’ll be prompted to choose between two options:
Upgrade this PC now
Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC
Choose Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
The Media Creation Tool will now download the latest version of Windows directly from Microsoft. This process may take some time, depending on your internet speed.
Once the download is complete, the tool will automatically prepare your PC for the upgrade.
You will be given the option to:
Keep personal files and apps
Keep personal files only
Keep nothing (clean install)
Choose the appropriate option based on your preference. If you want to retain all your files and installed applications, select Keep personal files and apps.
Now, the tool will start upgrading your Windows OS.
After the upgrade is complete, your computer will restart for the final time.
You will be asked to sign in to your Windows account and complete any final setup tasks such as privacy settings or account configurations.
Once the setup is done, you’ll be running the latest version of Windows with all your files and applications intact (if you chose to keep them).