The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool is available from the official Microsoft software download website.
To get it and use it to reinstall Windows 11:
- Go to the Windows 11 download page: Download Windows 11.
- Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select Download Now to download MediaCreationTool.exe.
- Run MediaCreationTool.exe and follow the prompts to create either:
- A bootable USB flash drive, or
- An ISO file you can use for a clean install or repair install.
If reinstalling on a device that already has a Windows 11 digital license, choose the same edition of Windows 11 that is currently licensed. During setup, if asked for a product key, select I don't have a product key; Windows 11 will activate automatically after installation when online and signed in with the Microsoft account linked to the digital license.
References:
- Create installation media for Windows
- Reinstall Windows with the installation media
- Activate Windows
- Windows 11, version 25H2 update history
Microsoft Support
support.microsoft.com › en-us › windows › deployment › install-upgrade › create-installation-media-for-windows
Create installation media for Windows | Microsoft Support
Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select Download Now. The MediaCreationTool.exe tool is downloaded. Run MediaCreationTool.exe. The media creation tool walks through creating installation media.
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microsoft.com › en-us › windows › learning-center › windows-media-creation-tool
How to Use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool | Microsoft Windows
The Media Creation Tool can be downloaded directly from Microsoft and is especially useful if you need to create installation software for the operating system. This is best used when you have Windows 11 on one computer and want to upgrade ...
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Windows Media Creation Tool - YouTube
Why do I need the Windows Media Creation Tool?
The Media Creation Tool allows you to create installation media (USB drive or DVD) to install a new copy of Windows 10, perform a clean installation, or reinstall Windows 10. The tool will guide you through the process and present the options and files you might need to get the best installation experience. If you're not sure which files are required to install Windows 10, this tool is your best option.
techspot.com
techspot.com › downloads › 6734-windows-10-installation-tool.html
Microsoft Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Download Free - 22H2 | ...
Can I use the Microsoft Windows Media Creation Tool to upgrade to Windows 10?
Yes, the Media Creation Tool can be used to install Windows 10 for the first time or upgrade from a previous Windows version. You will need a valid Windows 10 license to complete the process. This tool includes:
techspot.com
techspot.com › downloads › 6734-windows-10-installation-tool.html
Microsoft Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Download Free - 22H2 | ...
Can I use this tool to upgrade to Windows 11?
No, Microsoft offers a different tool for Windows 11. You can download it here: Microsoft Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.
techspot.com
techspot.com › downloads › 6734-windows-10-installation-tool.html
Microsoft Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Download Free - 22H2 | ...
Microsoft
microsoft.com › en-us › software-download › windows11
Download Windows 11
1 month ago - After downloading, run the media creation tool. 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) for Windows 11.
Softonic
windows-media-creation-tool.en.softonic.com › home › utilities & tools › windows media creation tool
Windows Media Creation Tool (Windows) - Download
1 week ago - Windows Media Creation Tool allows users to either upgrade their current system to the latest version of Windows or create bootable USB drives and ISO files for clean installations.
Top answer 1 of 2
34
The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool is available from the official Microsoft software download website.
To get it and use it to reinstall Windows 11:
- Go to the Windows 11 download page: Download Windows 11.
- Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select Download Now to download MediaCreationTool.exe.
- Run MediaCreationTool.exe and follow the prompts to create either:
- A bootable USB flash drive, or
- An ISO file you can use for a clean install or repair install.
If reinstalling on a device that already has a Windows 11 digital license, choose the same edition of Windows 11 that is currently licensed. During setup, if asked for a product key, select I don't have a product key; Windows 11 will activate automatically after installation when online and signed in with the Microsoft account linked to the digital license.
References:
- Create installation media for Windows
- Reinstall Windows with the installation media
- Activate Windows
- Windows 11, version 25H2 update history
2 of 2
13
Hi Kevin Duane,
At this point, I recommend that you review and try the steps provided in the AI generated answer on your thread. That reply typically include the most relevant checks for this scenario.
As an additional note, before creating the installation media, please prepare a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space, because the content on the USB drive will be deleted during the process.
Before reinstalling Windows, I recommend backing up your personal files to an external drive or cloud storage to help avoid data loss. If you are reinstalling Windows 11 on the same device, please make sure to select the same Windows edition that is currently licensed on the device, such as Windows 11 Home. Windows activation should complete after the device is connected to the Internet if the correct edition is installed and the device already has a digital license.
I hope you can successfully create the Windows 11 installation media and reinstall Windows. Thank you so much for your understanding.
Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.
Dell
dell.com › support › kbdoc › en-us › 000132439 › how-to-create-windows-installation-media-for-windows-8-1-and-windows-10-using-the-media-creation-tool
Create a retail image of Windows with the Microsoft Media Creation Tool | Dell US
Create Windows installation media for Windows 11 and 10 with Media Creation Tool. Choose your media type (USB or DVD) and follow easy steps for OS upgrades or reinstalls.
Softpedia
softpedia.com › windows › system › boot manager/disk › media creation tool
Media Creation Tool - Download - Softpedia
October 1, 2026 - Download Media Creation Tool 26H2 (10.0.26100.7019) - Create a setup package to deploy Windows 11 either from an ISO file you can burn to disc, or through a bootable USB flash drive, with this powerful app
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.
Itechguides
itechguides.com › directory › bootable usb software › windows media creation tool
Windows Media Creation Tool Review (2026)
1 month ago - Windows Media Creation Tool is Microsoft's desktop utility for creating official Windows installation media. It is intended for clean installations, reinstallations, and installing Windows on another PC.
Microsoft
microsoft.com › en-us › software-download › windows10
Download Windows 10 Disc Image (ISO File)
4 weeks ago - To get started, you will first need to have a license to install Windows 10. You can then download and run the media creation tool.
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
Click the "Download tool now" button to download the tool for the desired version of Windows. Insert a USB drive with at least 8GB of storage into your computer. Launch the Media Creation Tool by double-clicking the downloaded file.
Softonic
windows-media-creation-tool.en.softonic.com › home › utilities & tools › windows media creation tool › download
Download Windows Media Creation Tool - Free - latest version
1 week ago - A free app for Windows, by Daniel Palme.
Gizmodo
gizmodo.com › download › utilities › windows 10 media creation tool
Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool (free) for Windows | Gizmodo
June 15, 2026 - The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is a Microsoft utility that helps users download and create installation media for Windows 10. It allows for upgrading the current system or creating bootable USB drives and ISO files for installation on other ...
CNET
download.cnet.com › windows-media-creation-tool › 3000-windows-windows-media-creation-tool.html
Windows Media Creation Tool for Windows - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download
May 2, 2025 - Designed for both fresh installations and system upgrades, this tool allows users to download the latest Windows ISO and create USB or DVD installation drives with ease. ... With an intuitive interface and minimal system requirements, Windows Media Creation Tool is an essential utility for users who need a hassle-free way to install or reinstall Windows.
TechRadar
techradar.com › computing › software › windows
How to use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool | TechRadar
May 2, 2021 - It’s called the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and its sole purpose is to prepare installations of the latest version either to upgrade your current PC or build a USB flash drive to perform a clean install of Windows 10.
Download
windows-media-creation-tool.en.download.it › software utilities › operating systems & installation › windows media creation tool
Windows Media Creation Tool - Free Download
Download Windows Media Creation Tool 22h2. Official Microsoft tool for system upgrades and bootable USB or ISO media.
Gamebezz
technobezz.com › home › how-to › windows and pc
How to Use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool | Technobezz
September 2, 2026 - Use the windows 10 media creation tool to upgrade, reinstall, or create a bootable USB or ISO for Windows 10 22H2.
MiniTool Partition Wizard
partitionwizard.com › home › clone disk › a complete guide to use windows 10 media creation tool
Essential Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Use Guide | Get It Now
September 18, 2026 - With this marvelous Windows 10 creation tool, you can upgrade Windows 10 to its latest version without a hassle and create a Windows 10 installation USB drive/DVD disc to perform a clean install or to repair a problematic PC. Windows Media Creation Tool is also a Windows upgrade tool as it can upgrade your PC to the latest Windows 10 version.
CNET
download.cnet.com › windows-10-media-creation-tool › 3000-18513_4-77499374.html
Windows 10 Media Creation Tool for Windows - Free download and software reviews - CNET Download
November 17, 2025 - The tool also enables you to either upgrade an existing Windows installation or create bootable media through a USB flash drive or ISO image file. ... The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool downloads the latest Windows 10 build, letting you select the language, edition, and architecture.