There are times when Windows acts weird or doesn’t function the way it should, and reinstalling Windows is the only solution. But downloading and installing Windows can be a pretty frustrating thing. Thanks to Microsoft for introducing the Media creation tool, which can be used for installing the latest version of Windows 11/10. So the question is, how to use the Windows 11/10 media creation tool?
The media creation tool allows you to download the latest copy of Windows 11 or 10 to a flash drive or DVD drive. So you can use it for reinstalling Windows. And if you haven’t used it before, then below is the guide you need to follow.
What Will You Require?
Before we go ahead and talk about how you can download and install the tool. There are a few things that you should be clear about.
- At first, make sure to take a backup of your data. So in case of any data loss, you will have your backup. Also, backup is required if you are going to install Windows freshly.
- Make sure that you have a stable internet connection, as the media creation tool will be downloading Windows from Microsoft’s servers and installing it on your flash drive or DVD.
- Ensure that you are using a flash drive or DVD drive with at least 8GB of storage. In case if you are upgrading your PC, you don’t need a flash drive or DVD.
How To Download Windows 11 Media Creation Tool?
Downloading the Windows Media creation tool is extremely easy. It is available as a free download and uses the tool on Microsoft’s website.
However, Microsoft has two different versions of the Media creation tool for Windows 11 and 10. You can follow the below steps to download it on your Windows system:
- For Windows 11: go to this Microsoft Media creation download page | For Windows 10, go to this page.
- Click on the Download tool button under the Create Windows 11/10 installation media section to download the exe file.
- Once downloaded, double-click on the exe file to launch it, and now you are all set to use it.
How to use the Windows 11/10 Media Creation Tool?
- After launching the tool, you have to click on accept to agree with the Microsoft software terms.
- Next, you will encounter two options, Upgrade this PC now and Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC option.
- You need to choose the first option if you want to upgrade your Windows to the latest version.
- And for reinstallation, select the second option (Flash Drive/DVD required).
Now depending on your choice, you will need to follow the below steps:
Upgrade This PC
- At first, select the Upgrade this PC now option and click on Next.
- Now Windows Media Creation tool will start downloading Windows. So hold on, it will take some time.
- Once the process ends, you will again get asked to accept the terms and conditions. So do that.
- Next, it will check for updates and download them.
- Finally, you will get to see an Install button. Click on it and follow all the on-screen steps to upgrade your Windows.
Create Installation Media
- Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC. Or run the Windows 11 installation media.
- Select your preferred language and Windows edition > Next.
- Connect a USB Flash drive or DVD to your computer and select between USB Flash Drive or ISO File option > Next.
- Next, select your flash drive or DVD and click on the Next button.
- That’s it. The media creation tool will now start downloading Windows and create a bootable flash drive or DVD.
How do I use the Media creation tool to correct boot issues?
Most of the boot issues can be fixed using the Advanced Repair option available with Advanced Recovery Mode. It would be best if you booted the PC using the bootable device created using Media Creation Tool to access this mode. Once in recovery, you will have the option to Repair the PC. If nothing else works, you can always factory reset the PC.
Can you boot from the media creation tool?
Yes, you can boot from the media creation tool. However, you will first need to select your boot media from your system’s BIOS. Also, to boot from the media creation tool, you will need to create an installation media.
Can you use the Windows media creation tool on Mac?
The answer is no. The Windows Media Creation tool is a native application to the Windows ecosystem only, and it doesn’t have support for Mac or any other OS out there. However, if you have installed Windows on Mac, you can use the bootable USB the same way you use it on any other PC.
To boot from the USB on Mac, you will need to press the Option key immediately after you power on Mac. It will then offer you a list of drives from which you can boot.
So that was all for your how to use Windows 11/10 media creation tool question. I have explained both the ways on how you can upgrade your PC or create an installation media to reinstall Windows. So go ahead and try the methods out and see how they are working for you.