Readers like you help support this site. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. All opinions remain our own.
The Media Creation Tool builds a bootable Windows 11 USB drive for free.
The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool is Microsoft’s free app for making a bootable USB drive or ISO file, available from Microsoft’s official download page. You use the drive to install Windows 11 fresh, set up another PC, or repair one that will not start.
It always downloads the latest version, which is Windows 11 26H2. See our Windows 11 26H2 guide for what is new. Only want to upgrade the PC you are on? The Installation Assistant is simpler.
Share how your install went in the comments, or contact us if you get stuck.
Price
Free
Straight from Microsoft
You need
8 GB USB
Or a blank DVD. It gets erased
Installs
Windows 11
Latest version, x64 PCs
Best for
Clean installs
And setting up other PCs
What Is the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool?
It is a small app that downloads Windows 11 from Microsoft and writes it to a USB drive or saves it as an ISO. The drive it creates can start a PC on its own, which is what lets you install Windows 11 on an empty drive or a PC that will not boot.
For Windows 10 media, see our Windows 10 Installation Media guide. To keep Windows 10 updated, try the Windows 10 Update Assistant.
When to Use It
Clean install
Wipe the drive and start over with a fresh copy of Windows 11, with none of the old clutter.
Set up another PC
Build one USB drive and use it to install Windows 11 on as many PCs as you have licenses for.
Repair a broken PC
Start from the USB drive to reach recovery tools when Windows will not load.
Save an ISO
Keep a copy of the installer for a virtual machine or for later.
How to Create Windows 11 Installation Media
Before you start, back up anything on the USB drive. The tool erases it.
2
Under Create Windows 11 Installation Media, select Download now.
3
Run the tool and accept the license terms.
4
Pick your language and edition, or keep the recommended options for this PC.
5
Choose USB flash drive and select your drive, or choose ISO file to save it for later.
6
Wait while it downloads Windows 11 and builds the drive, then select Finish.
To install, plug the drive into the target PC, start it, and open the boot menu (usually F12, F11 or Esc at startup, depending on the maker). Pick the USB drive and follow the setup screens.
Tips for Getting Started
Use a fast USB drive
An 8 GB drive is the minimum. A USB 3.0 drive makes both building and installing much quicker.
Back up first
A clean install wipes the PC. Copy your files to OneDrive or an external drive before you start.
Stay connected
The tool downloads all of Windows 11, so use a stable connection and keep the PC plugged in.
Have your key ready
Most PCs activate on their own after install. If yours does not, you will need your product key or Microsoft account.
Watch: Create a Bootable Windows 11 USB
This video shows the tool building a bootable Windows 11 USB drive, step by step.
What You Need
Common Issues and Fixes
USB drive not detected
Try another USB port or another drive, and remove other USB storage while the tool runs.
Compatibility errors on the target PC
Run the PC Health Check app and turn on TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot in the BIOS if they are off.
Slow download
Use a wired connection and close other apps that are downloading.
The tool will not start
Right-click it and select Run as administrator, and check your antivirus is not blocking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool free?
Can it do a clean install?
Does it work on Arm-based PCs?
Support and Community
Get help on Microsoft Support, read more on the official Windows site, or ask other users on r/Windows11.
More Windows software guides: Windows 11 26H2 · Windows 11 ISO · Upgrade to Windows 11 · Installation Assistant · Microsoft PC Manager
Discover more from Windows Mode
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Add your first comment to this post