Media Creation Tool is Microsoft’s Windows utility for downloading Windows setup files and preparing installation media. It creates a bootable USB drive or saves an ISO file for installing or reinstalling Windows on a PC. Microsoft provides separate tools for Windows 10 and Windows 11, with different processor targets and setup options.
USB drive or ISO file
The USB option combines the Windows download with preparation of a drive that can start Windows Setup. The finished drive can be used on another PC, so the computer downloading the files does not have to be the installation target. Creating this media erases the USB drive’s existing contents.
Choosing ISO instead saves a disc image on the computer. This keeps the installation files together in a single file that can be used to create an installation DVD.
Language, edition and architecture choices
Media Creation Tool includes language, edition and architecture choices for the Windows installation being prepared. Those selections concern the destination PC. Matching the language and edition matters when preparing media for an existing Windows installation, and installing Windows still requires an appropriate license.
The Windows 11 tool creates media for x64 processors. It does not create installation media for Arm PCs. The Windows 10 tool offers 32-bit and 64-bit architecture choices, but Windows 10 Enterprise is excluded. Windows 10 has reached the end of free support; obtaining its installation media does not extend that support.
Upgrading the current PC
The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool also has an option to upgrade the PC on which it is running. This downloads Windows and starts setup on the current computer. Setup presents a recap and controls for keeping personal files and applications, keeping personal files only, or keeping nothing.
A Windows 10 reinstall on a PC that was previously activated can use its existing digital license for activation. The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool focuses on preparing installation media; Microsoft offers a separate Installation Assistant for installing Windows 11 on the current PC.
