I remember installing Windows 10 for the first time using just my pen drive and a simple media creation tool. Since you are already here, you probably want to do something similar.
What is a Windows 11 media creation tool?
This article is all you need to read if you want to grasp all the information related to the media creation tool and how to use it, whether it’s to install Windows 11 or fix a problem.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait much longer, so get a cup of coffee and start reading.
Check our latest post on how PC won’t go to sleep mode in Windows 11.
What can you Do with the Microsoft Media Creation Tool?
You can download the latest Windows iso file, flash it to a pen drive or DVD or install Windows directly with the Microsoft Media Creation Tool. The pen drive or DVD can be used to install Windows on any Windows-compatible laptop.
One benefit of using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool is that it will automatically detect whether your computer is compatible with the latest Windows or not. If it’s not consistent, it will refuse to install Windows 11 on your system.
An important point to note is that this tool only works with x64 processors, but it shouldn’t be a problem for most users since the majority of the PCs are built with that processor.
Keep in mind that you can always use alternatives like Rufus or BalenaEtcher to flash the iso to your pen drive still, even if it’s not compatible.
Another place where the media creation tool can come in handy is before updating Windows. I’m sure you already know that major Windows updates can sometimes lead to unexpected bugs or errors.
If you flash a pen drive with the Windows iso before updating, you will be able to use that pen drive to clean install, or boot into Windows recovery if anything fails.
In addition, if you update from Windows 10 to 11 using the media creation tool, you won’t lose any of your personal files or apps.
Also, check out our separate post on how to fix Windows can’t access network drive on Windows 11.
How to Use The USB Media Creation Tool?
The method to use the USB media creation tool will differ depending on the purpose you want to use the tool. Don’t fret as I am going to show you the process of using the tool for each purpose step-by-step.
I should also mention that this tool will work flawlessly if you are currently using an untouched and original version of Windows, and I can’t say the same if you are using any modified Windows OS.
Here are the steps to use the USB media creation tool shown in separate sections:
1. How To Use the USB Media Creation Tool to Install Windows On Current PC
The best and most straightforward method to get the media creation tool is from the official Microsoft website.
Follow these steps to download it:
- Launch any browser and go to the Google homepage.
- Search for ‘Windows 11 Media Creation Tool’ and hit enter.
- Click on the first result from Microsoft.
- Scroll down and click on the ‘Download Now’ button under Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
- Go to the Downloads folder on your PC once the download completes, right-click on the file named ‘Windows11InstallationAssistant’ and select ‘Run as administrator’.
- Click on Yes when a confirmation pop-up appears. In some cases, you might need to enter your password.
- After that, the tool will assess if your system specifications meet the minimum requirements and if it does, it will present some license terms and conditions. Go through them and click on the ‘Accept and Install’ button.
- The tool should start downloading the latest Windows 11 installation file now. If the percentage is stuck at 0, reconnect to the internet.
- After the download is completed, the tool will automatically start a 30-minute timer to restart Windows and complete the installation process. You can start the installation process immediately by clicking on ‘Restart Now’.
- Your PC will restart multiple times automatically to install Windows 11.
- After it reaches a hundred percent, you will boot into Windows 11, and all your login data, settings, and apps will stay untouched.
Follow our guide to fix the keyboard not working on windows 11.
2. How To Use the USB Media Creation Tool to Flash Windows Installation to USB
You can’t use the tool you downloaded in the previous method to flash Windows to a pen drive.
Follow these steps to download the proper tool:
- Launch a browser and visit the Google homepage.
- Type ‘windows 11 media creation tool’ and click on the first result from Microsoft.
- Once it loads the next page, scroll down, look for the ‘Create Windows 11 Installation Media’ section, and click on the blue ‘Download Now’ button. 10.
- Go to the download location after the download is completed, which is usually the Downloads folder unless you changed it.
- Do a right-click on ‘MediaCreationToolW11.exe’ and click on ‘Run as Administrator’.
- Click on Yes, and enter your password if necessary when a pop-up appears on the screen.
- Some licensing terms and agreement text should appear. Go through it properly before clicking on Accept.
- After that, you need to select the language pack and Windows edition you want to install. You can also automatically copy the current Windows settings by checking the ‘Use recommended options for this PC’ option. Click on Next.
- Plugin your pen drive, which should be at least 8GB, and select the USB flash drive option. You can also download the ISO file and flash that manually using Rufus by clicking on the ISO file.
- You should be asked to select a pen drive on the next page. If your pen drive doesn’t appear in the list, reconnect and click on ‘Refresh drive list. After selecting the drive, click on Next.
- The Windows installation files will start downloading and automatically flash to your pen drive.
- Once the flashing is complete, you will see a ‘your USB flash drive is ready’ message on the window. Click on Finish.
- Now, your pen drive is ready to install Windows 11 on any PC.
Related guides: Fix Windows License will Expire Soon on Windows 11, Fix We couldn’t Find Wireless Devices on this PC on Windows 11.
FAQ
Is Windows Media Creation Tool safe?
Yes, Windows Media Creation Tool is safer than any third-party application for creating installation media like Rufus or BalenaEtcher since Microsoft builds it, the makers of the Windows operating system.
Does the media creation tool delete files?
No, the media creation tool doesn’t delete any files. In addition to that, you won’t lose any of your personal data if you upgrade Windows using the Windows 11 installation media. The same cannot be said if you install from your pen drive or CD.
Is upgrading to Windows 11 worth it?
Yes, upgrading to Windows 11 is definitely worth it. Despite the fact that you lose a few Windows 10 features, Windows 11 is significantly more optimized and stable. As a bonus, you also get a modern design aesthetic that most people prefer over Windows 10.
Can I use a Windows 10 key for Windows 11?
Yes, you can use a Windows 10 key for Windows 11 activation in the same way you were able to use a Windows 7 product key to activate Windows 10. The product key is used for all Windows versions once you purchase it.
Is Windows 10 being discontinued?
No, Windows 10 is not being discontinued yet. However, Microsoft has released a statement confirming that they will stop updating and maintaining Windows 10 support in the year 2025.
Final Thoughts
That’s all you need to know about the media creation tool and how to use it. I hope I have cleared all the doubts in your mind about this. Just keep in mind that the tool won’t be able to install Windows directly if your system doesn’t meet minimum specifications.
However, you should still be able to create installation media on your pen drive even with low specifications.
Have a nice day, and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.
