1. What Is the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool?

The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool is a utility provided by Microsoft. You download it from the official Windows 11 download page. Then you can:

2. Why Use the Media Creation Tool?

There are many reasons to use it:

Easy to use: A step-by-step wizard walks you through the process.
Free tool: Microsoft provides it at no cost.
Bootable media: You can make a USB or DVD installer.
ISO support: Save the installation file for future use or virtual machines.
Works on many PCs: You can install Windows on multiple computers.

This tool is ideal if you want to clean install Windows 11 or if Windows Update is not working.

3. Requirements Before You Begin

Before using the Media Creation Tool, be sure you have:

✔ A Compatible PC

Must meet Windows 11 system requirements like a 64-bit processor, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, etc.

✔ A Good Internet Connection

You need internet access to download Windows files.

✔ USB Flash Drive

If you’re making bootable media, you need a USB drive with at least 8GB of space.

✔ Admin Rights

You must run the tool with administrator rights to make changes.

4. How to Download the Tool

Follow these simple steps:

Open a web browser and go to the Windows 11 download page on the official Microsoft site.
Find the Create Windows 11 Installation Media section.
Click Download Now to save the tool (MediaCreationToolW11.exe) to your PC.

Always download from Microsoft to avoid scams or harmful files.

5. How to Use the Media Creation Tool

Here are step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Run the Tool

Find the downloaded .exe file and right-click → Run as administrator.
Accept the license terms when asked.

Step 2: Choose What You Want

You will see two choices:

Upgrade this PC now—Installs Windows 11 right away.
Create installation media—make USB or save ISO.

Choose Create installation media and click Next.

Step 3: Pick Options

Choose Language, Edition (usually Windows 11), and Architecture (64-bit).

Step 4: Select USB or ISO

USB flash drive: The tool will format it and make it bootable.
ISO file: Saves a file you can use later to make a USB or DVD.

Step 5: Wait for Download and Creation

The tool downloads Windows 11 and creates the media.
This can take 10–60 minutes depending on internet speed and PC.

After it finishes, you will see a message like “Your USB flash drive is ready.”

6. How to Install Using the USB Drive

After making the USB:

Insert it into the PC where you want to install Windows 11.
Restart the PC and open the Boot Menu Window 11 Media Creation Tool (usually F12, ESC, or DEL).
Choose the USB drive and follow the on-screen installer.

Always back up your data before installing Windows. This is especially important if you plan a clean install.

7. Common Problems and Tips

Tool Closing or Not Working

Some users reported that the Media Creation Tool may crash or close without warning on certain systems, especially during major updates.Windows 11 Media Creation Tool

Tip: Try running as administrator or download the tool again. If it still fails, you can download the Windows 11 ISO directly from Microsoft and use another tool like Rufus to create bootable media.

Drive Not Detected

If your USB drive does not show, replug it and restart the tool. Always double-check which USB you select because the tool will erase everything on it.

FAQs

Q1: Is the Media Creation Tool free?

A: Yes, it is a free tool provided by Microsoft to make Windows 11 installation media.

Q2: Can I use it to upgrade my current PC?

A: Yes, you can choose the “Upgrade this PC now” option.

Q3: Do I need a USB drive?

A: Only if you want to create bootable installation media. Otherwise, you can save an ISO file.

Q4: What size USB drive do I need?

A: At least 8 GB of space is required.

Q5: Can I use the tool on an older PC?

A: You can run the tool, but your old PC must meet Windows 11 requirements, or the installation may fail.

Windows 11 Media Creation Tool | Complete Information [2026]