To create Windows 10 installation media, download Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool from the official Download Windows 10 page, run it, and choose Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC. Pick your language, edition, and architecture (usually 64-bit), choose USB flash drive, select an empty USB drive of at least 8 GB, and click Next. The tool downloads Windows 10 and makes the drive bootable.
Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Microsoft has continued to offer the download page, but availability can change. If your PC supports Windows 11, consider creating Windows 11 installation media instead.
What you need
- A working Windows PC with an internet connection.
- A USB flash drive with at least 8 GB. Everything on it will be erased.
- A Windows 10 product key or digital license, if the target PC hasn’t run activated Windows 10 before.
How to create a Windows 10 USB drive
- Go to Microsoft’s Download Windows 10 page and click Download Now under Create Windows 10 installation media.
- Run MediaCreationTool and click Yes on the User Account Control prompt.
- Accept the license terms.
- Choose Create installation media and click Next.
- Uncheck Use the recommended options for this PC if you’re making media for a different computer, then choose the language, edition, and 64-bit (x64).
- Choose USB flash drive, select your drive, and click Next.
- Wait for the download and setup to finish, then click Finish.
How to create an ISO file instead
In step 6, choose ISO file and pick where to save it. You can use the ISO to install Windows in a virtual machine, burn a DVD, or create a USB drive later. On a Mac or Linux PC, the download page offers the ISO directly.
Alternative: Rufus
Rufus is a free, open-source tool that turns an ISO into a bootable USB drive with more options, such as choosing GPT or MBR. Download it from its official website, select your USB drive and the Windows ISO, and click Start.
How to use the installation media
- Plug the USB drive into the target PC and restart it.
- Press the boot menu key, often F12, F11, F9, or Esc, and choose the USB drive.
- Follow the Windows Setup steps. See how to do a clean install of Windows 10.
Troubleshooting
- Error 0x80042405 or similar: Run the tool directly from the USB drive, or format the drive as NTFS first and try again.
- The PC won’t boot from USB: Check the boot order in the BIOS and disable Fast Boot. Try a different USB port.
- Download fails: Check your internet connection, disable VPNs, and make sure you have at least 8 GB of free space on the PC.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Media Creation Tool free?
Yes. You still need a valid license to activate Windows after installing.
Can I use the same USB drive on multiple PCs?
Yes. The installation media works on any compatible PC.
How long does it take?
Usually 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your internet speed and USB drive.
Matthew Burleigh is the head writer at solveyourtech.com, where he covers topics like the iPhone, Microsoft Office, and Google apps. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has over 15 years of IT experience.
He has been writing online since 2008 and has published thousands of articles that have been read millions of times.