The W10 media creation tool does what Rufus does, but automatically. They both create bootable drives from .iso files, but the MCT downloads and mounts it in 1 process for easy use. The media creation tool only does W10 so people use Rufus to install other operating systems like Linux distros etc. Answer from DanPlaysVGames on reddit.com
Microsoft Support
support.microsoft.com › en-us › windows › create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d
Create installation media for Windows | Microsoft Support
The following items are required to create the installation media: A PC with a reliable internet connection. The download time varies depending on the internet connection. A USB flash drive. A blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space. It's recommended to use a blank USB flash drive because any content on the drive is deleted. For VMs, a USB flash drive isn't required.
Microsoft
microsoft.com › en-us › software-download › windows10
Download Windows 10
3 weeks ago - You need to be an administrator to run this tool. If you agree to the license terms, select Accept. On the What do you want to do? page, select Create installation media for another PC, and then select Next. Select the language, edition, and architecture (64-bit or 32-bit) for Windows 10. This table will help you decide which edition of Windows 10 you’ll choose: ... USB flash drive.
Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Does Not Give Me The Option to Install to USB
Download the iso instead and use rufus to write it to usb. More on reddit.com
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November 7, 2021Media creation tool for Windows 10 available on Windows 11?
You can create the installer on one pc for use on another. Just make sure you pick the correct usb. https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11 More on reddit.com
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October 30, 2023PSA: How to download a Windows 10 ISO, directly from Microsoft (Without the media creation tool)
All I'm going to say is it's pretty fucking stupid you have to jump through hurdles or use an additional tool to get the OS that's been mandated, in effect, if you have to repair devices or reinstall when something breaks. It shouldn't require changing your browser settings, it should just be a fucking link for the fucking iso. Simple. Grouchy sysadmin rant end. More on reddit.com
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November 26, 2019Used the official Media Creation Tool to create a Win10 ISO which I then used via Rufus to create a bootable drive which I installed on a brand new Dell that came with no OS. Find out that Windows 11 got installed! What gives?
Somewhere along the line you picked Windows 11 instead of Windows 10. There is no need for Rufus, the media creation tool will put Windows 10 on a flash drive for you. More on reddit.com
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June 18, 2024Why Should I Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool?
Downloading the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool gives you a direct way to manage your Windows installation process. When dealing with slow, outdated, or corrupted systems, having this tool available provides a dependable path to resolution. It handles the technical details of the installation process automatically, so you can focus on other tasks. · The main benefit is that you can download the official, verified version of Windows 10 directly from Microsoft's servers, removing the risk associated with third-party ISO sources. The guarantee of receiving a clean, unmodified copy of the operating
gizmodo.com
gizmodo.com › download › utilities › windows 10 media creation tool
Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (free) for Windows | Gizmodo
Is Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Free?
Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is completely free to download and use. Microsoft provides it at no charge for creating Windows 10 installation and upgrade media. You do not need a license to run the tool itself, though you will need a valid Windows 10 product key or digital license to activate the operating system after installation. If you are reinstalling on a machine that previously ran an activated copy of Windows 10, the activation should happen automatically.
gizmodo.com
gizmodo.com › download › utilities › windows 10 media creation tool
Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (free) for Windows | Gizmodo
What Operating Systems Are Compatible with Windows 10 Media Creation Tool?
Windows 10 Media Creation Tool works with Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. You can run it on any PC that operates under one of these supported Windows versions to create installation media or perform a system upgrade. · The tool supports both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures, so you can select the version that matches your hardware requirements. For best results and maximum compatibility, run the tool on a system that meets the minimum specifications for Windows 10. An internet connection is required throughout the process for downloading the latest system image from Microsoft
gizmodo.com
gizmodo.com › download › utilities › windows 10 media creation tool
Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (free) for Windows | Gizmodo
Videos
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How To Download Free Windows 10 Media Creation Tool - YouTube
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How to Download Windows 10 For Free (Official) - YouTube
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Install Windows 10 using a USB Drive (Media Creation Tool) - YouTube
Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildapc › downloading windows media creation tool & installing on new pc
r/buildapc on Reddit: Downloading Windows Media Creation Tool & installing on new pc
May 2, 2020 -
First time builder so I just want to make sure I understand the process & don’t jack something up.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but from what I understand;
in order to download Windows 10 onto a new pc with no OS, I need to use another Windows pc to download the Windows 10 ISO file onto a USB Flash Drive. Then once the new pc is built, I can simply plug in the USB, turn on the pc, and it will install Windows. Then once it’s installed, I can use a 25-character key/license I purchased to authenticate Windows 10 Pro.
I also read somewhere that I need to download something called “Rufus” in order to download the Windows media creation tool to a USB flash drive.
Is that all accurate? (If anybody is able to provide links for the necessary downloads that would be very helpful)
Thanks for any and all help. I wouldn’t have been able to piece together my first pc if it wasn’t for you guys & this subreddit.
Top answer 1 of 3
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The W10 media creation tool does what Rufus does, but automatically. They both create bootable drives from .iso files, but the MCT downloads and mounts it in 1 process for easy use. The media creation tool only does W10 so people use Rufus to install other operating systems like Linux distros etc.
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This is a really good guide. https://www.partitionwizard.com/clone-disk/windows-10-media-creation-tool.html
Softonic
windows-media-creation-tool.en.softonic.com › home › utilities & tools › windows media creation tool › download
Download Windows Media Creation Tool - Free - latest version
January 22, 2026 - Download Windows Media Creation Tool · Ladda ner Windows Media Creation Tool · Free · 22h2 · 21h2 · 21H1 · 10.0.19041.572 · 0 · January 22, 2026 · Windows · Windows Vista · English · German · English · Spanish · French · Italian · Dutch · Polish · Portuguese · 335.1K · 6.2K · 3.34 MB · Microsoft · More programs (992) Iso For Windows 7 · Create Bootable Usb ·
Corsair
help.corsair.com › hc › en-us › articles › 14206252671117-Windows-How-to-Install-Windows-10-11-Using-the-Media-Creation-Tool
Windows: How to Install Windows 10/11 Using the Media Creation Tool – Corsair
Visit the official Microsoft website to download the Media Creation Tool for the Windows version you want to install: For Windows 10: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 · For Windows 11: https://www.microsoft.com/e...
Ten Forums
tenforums.com › installation-upgrade › 176671-windows-10-media-creation-tool-2.html
Windows 10 media creation tool - Page 2 - Windows 10 Forums
If you downloaded the tool and ... you download the tool and double-click it on a working Windows computer. Please be advised that everything on the stick will be erased. Ben · Last edited by Ben Myers; 29 Mar 2021 at 05:20. ... You can't just copy anything to a stick. This will never work. You must use something like the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable flash drive with Windows 10 on it. Using the Media Creation Tool to create the Windows 10 setup USB flash ...
Medium
medium.com › @kapilvarshney › create-windows-10-installer-usb-media-using-media-creation-tool-f8aa5111392b
Create Windows 10 installer USB media (using Media Creation Tool) | by Kapil Varshney | Medium
July 20, 2018 - I am using a standard 8 GB (recommended size) USB drive to create the installed media. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft. Click on “Download tool now”. ... 4. The previous step will launch the Windows 10 Setup window.
Gizmodo
gizmodo.com › download › utilities › windows 10 media creation tool
Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (free) for Windows | Gizmodo
3 weeks ago - The streamlined process is especially valuable when you need to get a computer up and running quickly after a failure. Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is completely free to download and use.
Tom's Hardware
tomshardware.com › software › operating systems › windows
How to Make a Bootable Windows USB Install / Recovery Drive | Tom's Hardware
July 4, 2024 - For both OSes the idea is to download ... OS, you need only navigate to the appropriate link (specified above), insert a target Flash or other USB-attached drive into your PC, then download and run the tool....
Reddit
reddit.com › r/buildapc › windows 10 media creation tool does not give me the option to install to usb
r/buildapc on Reddit: Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Does Not Give Me The Option to Install to USB
November 7, 2021 -
Hi guys, I'm trying to put Windows 10 on a USB so I can install it on my new PC. I'm following this guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn0kwsQhXxA
I choose "Create Installation Media" but when I proceed it tries to install Windows 10 on my C: harddrive and says theres not enough room and then my only option is to close the installer.
I have a Kingston 32gb USB, so plenty of room. I've formatted as 32FAT and as NTFS and it didn't work as either. I've gone to Device Manager and did update drivers on all my USB stuff.
It's a brand new USB I bought the other day.
I'm not sure what else to do. Any ideas on how to fix this?
EDIT: I figured it out, I had to some reason clear up more space on my C: Drive so Windows could recognize my USB F: drive. Makes no sense, but its working at least.
UNIQ
uniq.software › home › help centre › getting started › windows 10 › how do i create installation media for windows 10?
How do I create installation media for Windows 10? | UNIQ
Scroll down and download the most up-to-date version of Rufus in the Download section. Connect the USB and then open the Rufus programme. Click on Select and find the Windows 10 .iso file you wish to set up.
Windows Central
windowscentral.com › microsoft › windows help
How to install Windows 10 from USB with UEFI support | Windows Central
August 2, 2024 - On Windows 10, you can use at least two tools to create a bootable USB flash drive. You can use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to download the files onto a removable drive with support for both firmware types (UEFI and legacy BIOS).
Micro Center
microcenter.zendesk.com › hc › en-us › articles › 24675962291607-How-to-Create-a-Windows-10-Installation-Flash-Drive-from-a-Windows-10-PC-Community
How to Create a Windows 10 Installation Flash Drive from a Windows 10 PC - Community – Micro Center
July 5, 2024 - 8. The tool has 2 options. Select the option to Create installation media. The other option is to immediately install Windows 10 on the computer you are using. Select Create Installation Media and then click on Next. 9. Uncheck the box to “Use the recommended options for this PC” and select the settings you want here (language, edition, 64/32bit). Then click on Next. 10. On the next page, choose the option to create a USB flash drive, then click on Next.
TechSpot
techspot.com › downloads › 6734-windows-10-installation-tool.html
Microsoft Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Download Free - 22H2 | TechSpot
February 2, 2026 - Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool - The media creation tool can be used to upgrade your current PC to Windows 10 or to create a USB/DVD and install Windows 10.
Pendrive Linux
pendrivelinux.com › home › bootable usb creator software › universal usb installer (uui) bootable usb creator
Universal USB Installer (UUI) Free Bootable USB Creator
1 month ago - Universal USB Installer (UUI) is a free bootable USB creator. Boot Live Linux ISOs, Windows installers & system repair tools from a single USB drive
UK Gaming Computers
ukgamingcomputers.co.uk › blog › how-to-create-a-bootable-windows-11-usb-media-tool
How to create a bootable Windows 10 or 11 USB Media Tool | Articles from UK Gaming Computers
You will also need an internet connection to download the required files. Also please note this guide is for Windows PCs only. First you will need to download the Windows Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft Website, a direct link to the download link can be found here.
ASUS
asus.com › support › faq › 1039507
[Windows 11/10] How to Create and Use a USB Flash Drive Installation Media to Reinstall Windows | Official Support | ASUS Global
To provide you more detailed ... based on the Windows operating system you want to install: ... Go to Microsoft website, click [Download now]① in the Create Windows 11 Installation Media field....
Softonic
windows-media-creation-tool.en.softonic.com › home › utilities & tools › windows media creation tool
Windows Media Creation Tool (Windows) - Download
January 22, 2026 - Performance-wise, this installer is lightweight and fast, completing downloads and media creation efficiently depending on your internet speed and USB drive performance. Microsoft continuously updates the tool to accommodate the latest Windows updates, ensuring that installations are secure, ...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/windows10 › media creation tool for windows 10 available on windows 11?
r/Windows10 on Reddit: Media creation tool for Windows 10 available on Windows 11?
October 30, 2023 -
Hi,
I came home from work to find my Windows 10 laptop not working. It has been sitting on preparing automatic repair for hours at this point. I have seen online to download the media creation tool and create a bootable USB to fix the problem, though I do not have access to another Windows 10 system, would this be possible to do on Windows 11?
Also will I lose data using this fix? I would obviously rather avoid losing data but if there is not a alternative that would keep everything I believe this sounds like my best option.
Thanks in advance!
Top answer 1 of 3
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You can create the installer on one pc for use on another. Just make sure you pick the correct usb. https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
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Just download this to a USB flash drive: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 You don't need Windows 10 to create bootable Windows installation media using this. It's like making your installation DVD. You boot to it and install Windows. Install, but do not format the drive. I think you won't lose anything except you will have to reinstall your apps since they won't yet be installed in this new installation of Windows.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/sysadmin › psa: how to download a windows 10 iso, directly from microsoft (without the media creation tool)
r/sysadmin on Reddit: PSA: How to download a Windows 10 ISO, directly from Microsoft (Without the media creation tool)
November 26, 2019 -
I posted this as a comment earlier, and kinda feel that it may warrant it's own PSA.
Downloading the ISO from MS is simple.
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Go here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-au/software-download/windows10ISO
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Press F12 (This opens the developer options of your browser)
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Enable mobile device emulation (On Chrome, it's phone/tablet icon in the top-left of the dev tools pane)
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Refresh the page.
What you'll see now is the option to select your Windows version and language, and it'll download the ISO.
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All I'm going to say is it's pretty fucking stupid you have to jump through hurdles or use an additional tool to get the OS that's been mandated, in effect, if you have to repair devices or reinstall when something breaks. It shouldn't require changing your browser settings, it should just be a fucking link for the fucking iso. Simple. Grouchy sysadmin rant end.
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Using Linux you can always download an ISO directly from Microsoft. It's based on User-agent.