If you already have a Windows 11 device and want to upgrade your operating system on another device, or need to reinstall Windows 11, Microsoft has a step-by-step process to help you do this.
What is the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool?
Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool allows you to create your own installation media using a DVD or a flash drive. If you already own a copy of Windows 11, you can use this tool to reinstall it on a device or upgrade a different device. Gone are the days of keeping track of multiple installation discs and reentering a product key thanks to the Media Creation Tool.
What are the requirements for the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool?
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 additional devices that you own as well. Similarly, if you’re making hardware upgrades to your computer and need to reinstall Windows 11, having a physical copy of the software can be incredibly useful.
Before you get started, you’ll need a few things:
- A computer that is already loaded with Windows 11 and has a stable internet connection. The Media Creation software is a large file and the download may take some time, based on the speed of your internet connection.
- The computer you’re using to run the software must have enough free space on its system drive to hold the installation files.
- A USB flash drive with at least 5 GB of available space. If you have an empty drive that you can use, this is a smart idea because any existing files or content will be deleted or overwritten.
- If you choose to put the Creation Tool on a DVD, you’ll need a blank DVD and a DVD writer. This route requires you to have a DVD writer on the device you’re using to create the media in the first place and a DVD player on the device you’re performing the installation on.
You can download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool onto any computer but the device you’re going to install the operating system on must meet the minimum system requirements and specifications.
How to download and use the Media Creation Tool
If your computer meets the requirements, open Microsoft’s Download Windows 11 page. You’ll be given three choices for installing the operating system:
- Windows 11 Installation Assistant
- Create Windows 11 Installation Media
- Download Windows 11 Disk image (ISO file)
If your aim is to use the Media Creation Tool:
- Choose the middle option and click Download Now.
- Once you open the downloaded .exe file, you’ll be prompted to accept the license terms and confirm the language and edition for Windows 11 and allow the program to make changes to your computer.
- Next, you’ll be asked whether you’d like to use a USB drive or an ISO file, which you can burn to a DVD. If you choose a USB drive, make sure it has enough space and is connected to your computer before clicking Next.
- The setup guide will prompt you to make sure that you’ve selected the correct drive for your download; this is especially important if more than one removable device is connected to your computer.
- From here, the Media Creation Tool will download Windows 11 onto the USB drive you’ve indicated and creates installation media, too.
If you’d rather use a DVD:
- Choose ISO file instead of USB and click Next.
- Select a destination in the folder for the downloaded file and click Save.
- When the file is fully downloaded, the program will ask you if you’d like to burn the ISO file to a DVD. You’ll have the option to take this step immediately or wait to do it at a later time.
- When you do choose to burn the file to a DVD, the program will give you an Open DVD Burner link, which will automatically handle burning the file to a disc for you.
The Media Creation Tool offers an intuitive, easy-to-use interface for creating installation software for the Windows 11 operating system.
How do I install Windows 11?
Once you’ve created your installation media, installing it is a straightforward process. But before you get started, you’ll want to save any work and back up your PC before you get started. Then, attach your USB, or insert the DVD on the PC where you want to install Windows 11, and reboot your computer.
It should automatically boot to the USB or the DVD media, but if not:
- Access the boot menu.
- From here, you’ll select the USB drive or DVD, and the Windows 11 installation and setup should start automatically.
- Confirm your language, time, and keyboard.
- Next, click Install Now.
- If you’re prompted to choose where you want to install Windows, choose the primary partition (if there is no OS installed) or the Windows partition (if you want to wipe your current version of Windows with Windows 11), then click Next.
While using the Media Creation Tool you’ll find that it’s a user-friendly process, and that installing Windows 11 on other devices has never been easier.
Media Creation Tool
для Windows
Windows 11/10 Media Creation Tool — фирменная утилита от Microsoft Corporation, позволяющая создавать загрузочные образы операционной системы Windows 11/10 без использования ключа продукта непосредственно с сервера компании. Эта программа значительно упростила получение нужной Вам версии ОС Windows, не требуя сложных настроек и предоставляя возможность выбора необходимой архитектуры.
Для получения полностью легального образа системы потребуется интернет-соединение, а также носитель — USB-флешка или DVD-диск. После запуска утилиты выберите язык ОС, тип издания (домашняя, Pro и др.) и архитектуру (32-bit или 64-bit). А далее просто определите, куда записать образ операционки. Если выберите DVD-диск, то будет создан ISO-образ, а при выборе USB flash drive загрузочная флешка создастся даже без предварительного ISO-образа. Далее все проходит в автоматическом режиме — Вам останется только дождаться окончания процедуры установки.
Кроме этого, вы можете использовать Media Creation Tool для обновления системы до последней версии Windows 10/11 непосредственно на вашем компьютере без создания загрузочного носителя.
ТОП-сегодня раздела «Обновления, патчи»
ASUS BIOS Update 7.18.03
ASUS BIOS Live Update — Фирменная утилита для обновления BIOS материнских плат ASUS через интернет…
Отзывы о программе Media Creation Tool
Артём про Media Creation Tool 21H1 Win10 / 21H2 Win11 [20-12-2022]
Люди, помогите пж у меня ошибка 0x800072f8f-0x20000
268 | 689 | Ответить
Правдоруб про Media Creation Tool 21H1 Win10 / 21H2 Win11 [13-10-2022]
Народ качать несоветую всё в сифаках, комп не включается после перезагрузки
33 | 185 | Ответить
Kerxa про Media Creation Tool 21H1 Win10 / 21H2 Win11 [09-09-2022]
Это какая-то особая версия? У меня при установке не требует активации и создания аккаунта. После установки windows уже активированный. Когда качаю через vpn с офф. сайта, то там при установке просят создавать аккаунт и windows устанавливается не активированный.
40 | 95 | Ответить
Liliya про Media Creation Tool 10.0.18362.418 (1909) [03-03-2020]
Спасибо! Замучил UEFI.
28 | 33 | Ответить
костя про Media Creation Tool 10.0.18362.1 (1903) [14-12-2019]
мне пишет не хватает компанента
28 | 37 | Ответить
Егор токситич в ответ костя про Media Creation Tool 22H2 Win10 / 24H2 Win11 [03-01-2025]
Чел реально думает что в этом виновата прога а не его железо..
8 | 11 | Ответить
Windows Installation Media Creation Tool (MCT) — официальный инструмент для создания загрузочной установочной флешки Windows 11 или Windows 10 или создания оригинального ISO файла для последующей записи на диск или иного использования. Несмотря на ограничения от Майкрософт, MCT продолжает исправно работать, а потому способ может быть удобен (Обновление 2024: похоже, уже нет. Если утилита сообщает об ошибках, для загрузки образов можно использовать способы из первой части этой статьи).
В этой инструкции о способах скачать Media Creation Tool для Windows 11 последней версии и, если понадобится — для Windows 10, не прибегая к использованию каких-либо посторонних средств при загрузке из России.
Варианты скачивания оригинального Media Creation Tool с официального сайта
Прежде всего, об официальных способах загрузки. Стандартно, Media Creation Tool может быть загружен с официальных страниц на сайте Microsoft:
В разное время загрузка Media Creation Tool была доступна или блокировалась для РФ, причем иногда блокировка сменялась возможностью скачивания напрямую без каких-либо ограничений, потому рекомендую проверить нужную вам страницу на официальном сайте Майкрософт.
На момент написания инструкции с MCT для Windows 10 проблем никаких нет (хотя и не исключены в дальнейшем), но они могут присутствовать для Windows 11, а потому, возможно, вам пригодится один из следующих подходов, исключающих применение каких-то ограниченных для России трюков (например, из-за нежелания устанавливать дополнительное ПО, или его блокировки со стороны Майкрософт).
Internet Archive Wayback Machine
Internet Archive или Интернет Архив — сервис, регулярно сохраняющий резервные копии со всех значимых сайтов в Интернете, в том числе — и копии файлов. Доступ к нему для нас никак не ограничен, потому его можно использовать для загрузки оригинального Media Creation Tool, который заблокирован для скачивания со стороны Майкрософт:
- Скопируйте адрес из адресной строки с заблокированной загрузкой в буфер обмена. Готовой прямой ссылки не даю, так как они время от времени меняются.
- Перейдите на страницу https://web.archive.org
- Вставьте адрес в поле «Enter URL» и нажмите Enter.
- На календаре внизу выберите день (будет выделен), когда была сохранена последняя копия этого файла, нажмите по нему, а затем — по времени сохранения.
- Файл будет скачан и сохранен как при обычной загрузке и готово к использованию.
Несмотря на то, что загрузка выполняется с сайта Интернет Архива, мы можем быть уверены, что это именно оригинальный файл по состоянию на выбранную дату (сайт известный и с долгой историей, какой-либо подменой файлов не занимается). А уже скачанный Media Creation Tool как для Windows 11, так и для Windows 10 может загружать файл ISO или создавать загрузочную флешку (подробнее: Как скачать Windows 11, Способы создать загрузочную флешку Windows 11):
Этот же подход можно использовать для того, чтобы скачать старые версии программ или программы удаленные с официального сайта.
Изощренные способы
Если вам требуется выполнять скачивание Media Creation Tool именно с официального сайта, можно прибегнуть к одному из следующих, более сложных (но, на мой взгляд, интересных) методов:
- Прямая загрузка в облако по URL с помощью https://save.thoaimedia.com/. Суть: вы указываете ссылку для скачивания файла и выбираете облако, в которое нужно его загрузить, предоставляете сервису доступ в ваше облако (я бы использовал не личное, а какое-то временно созданное, так как сервис получает доступ и к другим данным облака) и он автоматически напрямую выгружает файл по ссылке в него. Обратите внимание:
- в поле URL копируем именно ссылку в адресной строке заблокированной загрузки (403 Forbidden или аналогичной, ссылка на файл .exe), а не ссылку кнопки загрузки Media Creation Tool.
- В моем тесте я проверял работу с Яндекс Диск, OneDrive и DropBox. Сервис успешно заработало только для DropBox (есть возможность бесплатной регистрации и получения хранилища 2 Гб), выгрузив в него нужный файл. Сторонние отзывы говорят также о правильной работе с Google Drive, но, опять же, рекомендую быть осторожнее, предоставляя доступ к личным хранилищам (я бы этого делать не стал).
- Использование бесплатных облачных виртуальных машин. Возможности есть разные, например:
Кстати, метод с виртуальными машинами позволяет получить прямую ссылку для загрузки Windows 11 ISO на русском языке на официальном сайте Майкрософт: она работает 24 часа, но не блокируется при использовании из РФ — загрузка выполняется без каких-либо ограничений (во всяком случае, на момент написания этой статьи).
Not just an Universal MediaCreationTool wrapper script with ingenious support for business editions,
A powerful yet simple windows 10 / 11 deployment automation tool as well!
If you had no success launching the script so far, this latest version will work
Presets
1 Auto Upgrade with detected media, script assists setupprep for upgrading directly
— can keep files and apps on more scenarios where os and target edition does not match
— can switch detected edition by adding EditionID to script name
— can troubleshoot upgrade failing by addingno_updateto script name
— auto defaults to 11, so pass version as well for 10:auto 21H2 MediaCreationTool.bat
2 Auto ISO with detected media in current folder directly (or C:\ESD if run from zip)
— can override detected media by adding edition name / language / arch to script name
— example:21H1 Education en-US x86 iso MediaCreationTool.bat
3 Auto USB with detected media in specified usb target
— for data safety, this is not fully automated — must select the usb drive manually in GUI
4 Select with user picked Edition, Language, Arch (x86,x64,both) — on specified target
— implicit choice, includes setup override files (disable by adding
defto script name)
5 MCT Defaults runs unassisted, creating media without script modification
— no added files, script passes
products.xmlto MCT and quits without touching media
1-4 presets will modify created media in the following ways:
— write
auto.cmdto run on demand for auto upgrade with edition switch and skip tpm
— write$ISO$folder content (if it exists) at the root of the media
if you previously used $OEM$ content, must now place it in$ISO$\sources\$OEM$\
— writesources\PID.txtto preselect edition at media boot or within windows (if configured)
— writesources\EI.cfgto prevent product key prompt on Windows 11 consumer media (11 only)
— writeAutoUnattend.xmlin boot.wim to enable local account on Windows 11 Home (11 only)
— patchwinsetup.dllin boot.wim to remove windows 11 setup checks when booting from media (11 only)
— can disable by addingdefto script name for a default, untouched MCT media
Simple deployment
auto.cmd is behind Auto Upgrade preset via GUI
Can run it fully unnatended by renaming script with auto MediaCreationTool.bat
Makes it easy to upgrade keeping files and apps when the OS edition does not match the media
Should allow upgrade from Ultimate, PosReady, Embedded, LTSC or Enterprise Eval as well
Generated script is added to the created media so you can run it again at any time
It is fairly generic — it will detect available editions in install.esd, pick a suitable index,
then set EditionID in the registry to match; can even force another edition, keeping files and apps!
On 11, it will try to skip setup checks (can disable this behavior with script var)
Finally, it sets recommended setup options with least amount of issues on upgrades
Let’s say the current OS is Enterprise LTSC 2019, and you use the business media to upgrade:
auto.cmd selects Enterprise index and adjust EditionID to Enterprise in the registry (backed up as EditionID_undo)
Maybe you also want to switch edition,
ex. by renaming the script toProfessionalWorkstation MediaCreationTool.bat:
auto.cmd selects Professional index and sets EditionID to ProfessionalWorkstation in the registry.Let’s say the OS is Windows 7 Ultimate or PosReady, and you use the consumer media to upgrade:
auto.cmd selects Professional index, and sets EditionID to Professional or Enterprise, respectively.
In all cases, the script tries to pick an existing index, else a compatible one to keep files and apps on upgrade.Let’s say you have a dozen PCs spread with versions: 7, 8.1, 10 and editions: Ultimate, Home, Enterprise LTSB..
If you need to upgrade all to the latest 10 version and only use Pro, you could rename the script as:
auto 21H2 Pro MediaCreationTool.batCan even add a VL / MAK / retail product key in the same way to take care of licensing differences.
The script also picks up any$ISO$folder in the current location — for $OEM$ branding, configuration, tweaks etc.
Changelog
No need to right-click Run as Admin, script will ask itself. Directly saving the Raw files no longer breaks line endings
We did it! We broke the previous gist 
So this is the new home. Thank you all!
discuss on MDL
2018.10.10: reinstated 1809 [RS5]! using native xml patching for products.xml; fixed syntax bug with exit/b
2018.10.12: added data loss warning for RS5
2018.11.13: RS5 is officially back! + greatly improved choices dialog - feel free to use the small snippet in your own scripts
2019.05.22: 1903 [19H1]
2019.07.11: 1903 __release_svc_refresh__ and enable DynamicUpdate by default to grab latest CU
2019.09.29: UPDATED 19H1 build 18362.356 ; RS5 build 17763.379 and show build number
added LATEST MCT choice to dinamically download the current version (all others have hard-coded links)
2019.11.16: 19H2 18363.418 as default choice (updated hard-coded links)
2020.02.29: 19H2 18363.592
2020.05.28: 2004 19041.264 first release
2020.10.29: 20H2 and aniversary script refactoring to support all MCT versions from 1507 to 20H2!!!
2020.10.30: hotfix utf-8, enterprise on 1909+
2020.11.01: fix remove unsupported options in older versions code breaking when path has spaces.. pff
2020.11.14: generate latest links for 1909,2004; all xml editing now in one go; resolved known cannot run script issues
2020.11.15: one-time clear of cached MCT, as script generates proper 1.0 catalog for 1507,1511,1703 since last update
fixed compatibility with naked windows 7 powershell 2.0 / IPv6 / optional import $OEM$ / 1803+ business typo
updated executables links for 1903 and 2004
2020.11.17: parse first commandline parameter as version, example: MediaCreationTool.bat 1909
2020.12.01: attempt to fix reported issues with 1703; no other changes (skipping 19042.630 leaked esd because it is broken)
2020.12.11: 20H2 19042.631; fixed pesky 1703 decryption bug on dual x86 + x64; improved cleanup; label includes version
2021.03.20: pre-release 21H1; optional auto upgrade or create media presets importing $OEM$ folder and key as PID.txt
2021.05.23: 21H1 release; enhanced script name args parsing, upgrade from embedded, auto.cmd / PID.txt / $OEM$ import
2021.06.06: create iso directly; enhanced dialogs; args from script name or commandline; refactoring is complete!
2021.08.04: done fiddling
2021.09.03: 21H2, both 10 and 11 [unreleased]
2021.09.25: Windows 11
with Skip TPM Check on media boot as well as on dynamic update (standalone toggle script available)
final touches for improved script reliability; enhanced auto upgrade preset; win 7 powershell 2.0 compatible
2021.09.30: fix Auto Setup preset not launching.. automatically
2021.10.04: fix for long standing tr localization quirks; Skip TPM Check v2 (ifeo-based instead of wmi)
2021.10.05: 11 22000.194 Release (rofl W11 MCT has limited capabilities, so still using 21H1 MCT because it works fine)
2021.10.09: outstanding refactoring around Windows 11 MCT; minimize while waiting MCT; unified 7 - 11 appearence
2021.10.20: create generic iso if no edition arg; use Downloads folder; no 11 setup checks on boot in VirtualBox; fixes #2
2021.10.23: 11 22000.258
more intuitive presets; 11 setup override via AutoUnattend.xml or via boot.wim (for VirtualBox 5.x) with FIX arg
only reliable ui automation; enhanced script output
2021.11.03: multiple download methods; improved automation; improved auto.cmd; moved autounattend.xml to boot.wim
revising 11 setup bypass (wip) - not being content with any methods is the reason why I've not updated in a while
2021.11.09: skip windows 11 upgrade checks with setup.exe (not just auto.cmd); no server label; local account on 11 home
auto.cmd has more fixes to keep files and apps on upgrade; reliable ui automation; alternative downloaders
2021.11.15: 11 22000.318
write output to script folder (or C:\ESD if run from zip); style: more consistent separation of arguments
20H2 builds with esd size above 4GB that had to be reverted at 19042.631: en,de,es,pt,fr,it,jp,zh (MCT limits)
2021.11.16: 10 19044.1288 - official release of 10 21H2
10 19043.1348 - newest 10 build - don't ask why ms is releasing these as such, it's not the first time
2021.12.07: skip windows 11 upgrade checks only via auto.cmd - just ignore server label, please
2021.12.15: fix regression with 1507-1709 not getting the correct fallback esd; fix dev '-noe' not autoclosing script
2021.12.22: improved auto.cmd handling of mismatched OS and target edition, obey 'def', 'auto' upgrades 7 to 10, not 11
2022.03.16: prevent launch errors when run from non-canonical paths; USBLayout progress; pickup $ISO$ dir to add on media
DU in 11: auto installs 22000.556 atm; older skip_11_checks, without Server label; Home offline local account
2022.03.18: fix regression with Auto Upgrade; removed powershell -nop arg (issue #41); enhanced 11 AutoUnattend.xml
2022.03.20: stable - all issues ironed out; improved script ui; upgrade keeping files from Eval editions too
last squash I promise ;)
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The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool can be used for multiple purposes.
Whatever the reason you have in mind in order to do a complete OS installation, this tool is one of the easiest ways to achieve your goal. It is also ideal for creating a USB flash drive to install Windows 11 on another device.
Windows Update can sometimes lag in rolling out newer versions, but this Media Creation Tool will always support you. You may create the Windows 11 installation media by downloading it from the Microsoft website.
The official Windows 11 Media Creation Tool is the most popular and widely used program to quickly perform these actions. Plus, you can use this Windows Update Assistant to get the newest updates on your device.
First of all, you can install the Media Creation tool directly from Microsoft Download Center as it’s the official source. Briefly, you can perform the installation with the next steps:
- Download the Windows 11 installation media.
- Open the installation assistant on your PC.
- Accept the Terms and Conditions to continue.
- Pick whichever option you need to install Windows 11.
- Tick Use the recommended options for this PC and click Next.
- Continue the process to finish the installation.
Prepare yourself for using Windows 11 Media Creation Tool
Before anything else, you should make sure to back up your data. Even if this tool is supposed to save all your personal files if you choose this way, it’s always a good idea to be cautious.
Verify if your device meets the minimum Windows 11 requirements. Also, check if you have a good Internet speed for downloading it.
Owning a USB or DVD drive with at least 8GB of storage is an essential condition as well. You can easily check it from File Explorer.
This article will show you how to use Windows 11 Media Creation Tool in 3 different ways. They are extremely simple to apply, so do not worry about not having enough experience.
1. Try it as an upgrade tool
- After you downloaded the tool from the Microsoft Store, run it, then choose to Upgrade this PC now, and click on Next.
- Wait a few seconds until your OS is completing the process. Note that this also depends on your PC’s capabilities and internet speed.
- Your operating system will also check settings and configurations.
- After this, choose to keep your personal files and apps. For a clean install you should click on the Change what to keep option, then select the files you got to remove.
- Your PC will restart and will power on the latest Windows 11 OS.
2. Use it as a bootable USB tool
- To simply do it, you should open the downloaded tool, choose to Create installation media, instead of Upgrade this PC now, then click on Next.
- It will automatically populate the configuration of your computer. If you need to change it you can uncheck the Use the recommended options for this PC option and make the necessary changes and click Next.
- Select the USB flash drive option, then click on Next.
- Insert a USB flash drive, with a minimum of 8 GB, then the tool will automatically detect it.
- The creation of Windows 11 OS installation media will begin.
- Once it is finished you will get a Windows 11 bootable USB.
For more information, check out this guide on how to make a bootable USB drive for Windows 11.
In addition, because protection is mandatory, take a look at the best antivirus software for USB flash drives. Choosing one of these options will keep you away from infecting with malware or other harmful threats.
3. Try it using an ISO file
- Follow the same two steps as in the above solution.
- Instead of the USB flash drive option, choose ISO file, then click on Next.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
If there are times when you need to run Windows 11 on VM, this option represents an important step in achieving your goal.
Note that if you choose the ISO file option, the Windows 11 ISO file will be downloaded. You can later burn it using certain burning tools.
Check out the best software to create and open ISO files, then decide which one suits you the most.
Also, you should take a look at how to burn ISO files in Windows 10. Considering the latest OS model works similarly to the previous one, this article will surely help you.
Why should I use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool?
You’ve seen how Windows 11 Media Creation Tool can be used, but let’s see now what its real advantages are. The following aspects really matter when it comes to creating a unique digital experience:
- Files protection – This tool won’t change any of your files while upgrading your PC or laptop to the latest version.
- It is quite easy to use – If you correctly follow an efficient guide, your OS will be upgraded without consuming time.
- No cost – It is a free utility developed by Microsoft, so you won’t have to pay for it.
Can I use Windows 10 Media Creation Tool on Windows 11?
Yes, you’re able to install Windows 10 Media Creation Tool on your Windows 11 OS in case you want to roll back to the previous version.
It’s possible to find the installation tool on the Microsoft website by simply searching it on your browser or from the Microsoft download center.
The above solutions will guarantee important help in your future Windows 11 activity. As you see, the Media Creation Tool is great and can reduce your effort considerably.
Because your opinion matters the most, you should share it with us by leaving a comment in the section below.
Vladimir Popescu
Being an artist his entire life while also playing handball at a professional level, Vladimir has also developed a passion for all things computer-related.
With an innate fascination for research and analysis, and realizing many other people share his passion for this subject, he delved into writing Windows-related articles, so other people can also benefit from the acquired information.
When not writing kick-ass articles, Vladimir likes to spend his time doing Crossfit and creating art.