Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Don’t have a Windows 10 installation media? Learn how to create a Windows 10 installation media with Media with the Media Creation Tool.
Windows 10 Media Creation Tool may be used to upgrade a PC directly. It may also be used to create an installation media.
Media Creation Tool Requirements
To create Windows 10 Installation Media you require:
- An internet connection
- A blank DVD or USB with at least 8GB free space
- Sufficient space on your computer for download
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
Steps to Download Media Creation Tool:
- Open Windows 10 upgrade/installation page.
- Scroll down to Create Windows 10 Installation Media. Then click Download tool now.
- Then save the file to a location on your computer
Step 2: Format Your USB Stick
To create a media installation file with a USB it has to be blank. One way to avoid errors is to format the drive.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Here are the quick steps to format a USB stick:
- Right-click the USB drive and select Format.
- Then select the options shown below. Then click Start.
- You will be prompted to confirm the format. Click OK.
You may also format the USB stick using the FORMAT command or with DISKPART.
Step 3: Create the Windows 10 USB Media
The steps covered in this guide are specific to creating a Windows 10 installation media with USB. Here are the steps:
Popular on Amazon
Sale
SamData 32GB USB Flash Drives 2 Pack 32GB Thumb Drives Memory Stick Jump Drive with LED Light for Storage and Backup (2 Colors: Black Blue)
- [Package Offer]: 2 Pack USB 2.0 Flash Drive 32GB Available in 2 different colors - Black and Blue. The different colors can help you to store different content.
- [Plug and Play]: No need to install any software, Just plug in and use it. The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- [Compatibilty and Interface]: Supports Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS. Compatible with USB 2.0 and below. High speed USB 2.0, LED Indicator - Transfer status at a glance.
- [Suitable for All Uses and Data]: Suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies, software, and other files.
- [Warranty Policy]: 12-month warranty, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy, it will be guaranteed for free.
- Plug a blank USB into your computer.
- Open the where you saved the media creation tool. Double-click to open the tool. If you receive a User Account Control prompt, click Yes.
- Then wait for the tool to get ready…
- At the Applicable notices and license terms screen, click Accept (there really isn’t any other option, is there!).
- Then, yet another wait…
- At the What do you want to do? screen, select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD or ISO) or another PC. Then click Next.
Ensure you make the right selection here. The default is Upgrade this PC now.
- On the Select language, architecture and edition screen, confirm that you are okay with the default selections. Then click Next. If you wish to modify the settings, uncheck the Use the recommended options for this PC box.
- At the screen to Chose which media to use, select your preferred option. For this guide I selected USB Flash drive (default). After making your selection, click Next.
If you wish to create Windows 10 installation media for a DVD, select ISO file. This toll will create an ISO file which you can then burn to a blank DVD.
- On the Select a USB flash drive screen, the tool automatically detects all USB flash drives on your computer. If you have more than one, select the one you want to use. Then click Next.
- The media creation tool will commence the first step: Downloading Windows 10. You can minimize the tool and continue using your computer. Depending on your internet speed it may take between 40 minutes and 1 hour to download Windows 10.
- When Windows 10 Media Creation Tool finishes downloading Windows 10, it will start creating Windows 10 media.
- And finally, the good news: Your USB flash drive is ready! To close Windows 10 Media Creation tool, click Finish.
Conclusion
Getting a Windows 10 installation files on a USB is that simple! I chose the USB option because it is the most convenient. Creating a DVD requires one more step: Creating a DVD from the ISO file.
I hope you found this guide useful. Share your feedback by responding to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.
Also popular on Amazon
USB Drive 32GB Flash Drives 10 Pack, Swivel Memory Stick Pendrive Jump Drives Multipack, Portable Memoria USB Storage Flash Drive Photo Stick Data Backup for Home, School, Office Supplies
- Bulk USB Flash Drives: 10 pack 32GB flash drives with 10 lanyards. MECHEER USB thumb drives with flexible storage and color options! Perfect for business needs, events, giveaways, or personal use. These versatile storage solutions work great whether you're handling corporate projects, or just organizing your digital life.
- Durable & Portable: This pocket-sized USB flash drive(2.27" x 0.75") travels effortlessly with you. USB thumb drive featuring a 360-degree metal swivel cap that safeguards the USB port, the USB stick rugged aluminum casing withstands daily wear & tear. The flash drive USB is equipped with a detachable lanyard and easily attach to your key chain or bags to avoid from losing and for easy carrying.
- Zero-Setup Convenience: Plug and play flashdrive, no need to install any software - even your grandma can use it. USB memory stick can instantly works on any device - just plug in and start transferring files. Jump drive universal compatibility with windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 & 11. USB 2.0 flash drive pack backwardly compatible with 1.1 ports, perfect for older laptops and car stereos.
- FAT32 Format: The default file system for 32GB thumbdrive is FAT32, providing read/write compatibility with both Windows and macOS. This format is ideal for storing music, photos, videos, software installers and general document files. Pro Tip: Maximize performance by reformatting to your optimal file system.(FAT32: Universal compatibility (files under 4GB); exFAT: Cross-platform large file support; NTFS: Advanced Windows features (encryption/compression))
- LED Indicator: The end of the USB key is designed with an indicator. The LED indicator lights up when you plug the zip drive USB into the devices, the light blinks while write/read activities are in process. In this case, do not remove the memoria USB pen drive. Otherwise, data integrity and the service life of the memorias USB are affected.
Lastly, visit our Windows How To page to get more Windows guides.
Recommended: Crashes or Glitches? A Free Driver Scan Usually Finds the Culprit →Recommended: PC Feels Slow? A Free Scan Shows What's Dragging Windows Down →Recommended: Update Every Outdated Driver on Your PC in One Scan - Free →
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 1
SaleBestseller No. 4
Also popular on Amazon
SIMMAX 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives Swivel Thumb Drive Pen Drive (32GB Purple)
- GOOD VALUE PACKAGE - 1 Pack 32GB Memory Stick USB 2.0 Flash Drives with great cost performance and high quality.
- BIG CAPACITY - The available capacity: 29.10GB-29.8GB, You can save the data of movies, music, photos, designs, programs, manuals, handouts in a high speed.Good performance in digital data storing, transferring and sharing with families, friends, workmates, clients and machines.
- EASY TO USE & PLUG AND WORK - Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, Compatible with USB2.0 and below.
- TWISTTURN DESIGN & EASY CARRY - The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which with rubber oil skin feeling finish. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- WARRANTY & SUPPORT - SIMMAX logo is laser printed on the USB connector surface, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy.
Also popular on Amazon
Sale
PNY 32GB Turbo Attaché 3 USB 3.0 Flash Drive 5-Pack | Up to 100MB/s Read, Grey, Lightweight, Sliding Collar, Durable, Data Storage and Transfer
- The durable, light-weight design of the Turbo Attaché 3 USB 3.0 Flash Drive is the essential mobile storage solution
- Perfect for transferring large files such as movies, videos, photos, music & documents
- Transfer speeds up to 10 times faster than standard USB 2.0 flash drives
- Convenient sliding collar, and cap-less design protects your content when not in use
- Compatible with most PC and Mac laptop and desktop computers with USB 3.0 ports
Also popular on Amazon
Sale
SANDISK 32GB Cruzer Blade USB 2.0 Flash Drive- SDCZ50-032G-B35, Black
- Ultra-compact and portable contoured styling
- Share your photos, videos, songs and other files between computers with ease
- Protect your private files with included SanDisk SecureAccess software (Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Mac OS X v10.6+ (Software download required for Mac, see official SanDisk Secure Access website for more details.))
- Store more with capacities up to 32GB (1 gigabyte (GB) = 1 billion bytes. Some capacity not available for data storage.)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
