Windows Media Creation Tool
Windows Media Creation Tool: A free, focused utility for creating Windows USB installers and ISO files. Ranked #24 of 38 in Bootable USB Software by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for official Windows installation media creation.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOfficial Windows installation media creation
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Founded1975 · Redmond, Washington, USA
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Creates bootable USB media and saves Windows ISO files
- Supports language, edition, and 64-bit architecture choices
- Can prepare installation media for another PC
Where it doesn't
- Runs only on Windows
- Windows 11 media supports x64 processors only
- Requires administrator privileges and a blank USB drive of at least 8 GB
Our verdict on Windows Media Creation Tool
Windows Media Creation Tool is Microsoft's desktop utility for creating official Windows installation media. It is intended for clean installations, reinstallations, and installing Windows on another PC. Users can select a language, edition, and 64-bit architecture, then create a bootable USB drive or save an ISO file for DVD creation or use with virtual machines. The Windows 11 version supports multi-edition ISO downloads and creates media for x64 processors.
The pricing is straightforward: the tool is free, with no paid tiers described. Its main value is a focused workflow for Windows media rather than a broad bootable-drive toolkit. Users need administrator privileges to run it, and USB creation requires a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB. The available workflow covers both creating media directly and saving an ISO, giving users options for USB installation, DVD creation, or virtual-machine use.
Platform fit is its clearest boundary. Windows Media Creation Tool runs on Windows and is designed specifically around Windows installation media, so it suits solo users and small organizations that need Microsoft's official creation workflow. The Windows 11 tool is limited to x64 processors; Microsoft directs users with Arm-based PCs to other installation options. Choose it when the goal is creating Windows USB media or an ISO with edition and language controls. Choose an alternative when you need support for other operating systems, Arm-based Windows 11 media, or a broader multi-platform bootable USB tool.
Your product? Our editors can test Windows Media Creation Tool in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Windows Media Creation Tool pricing
Windows Media Creation Tool fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Windows app | Yes |
| macOS app | Not verified |
| Linux app | Not verified |
| Multiboot support | Not verified |
| Persistent storage | Not verified |
| Image downloads | Catalog_only |
| Partition schemes | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Windows Media Creation Tool
- VentoyA free, open-source multiboot USB utility with broad image and boot-mode support.9.4
- Universal USB InstallerA free, broad USB creation toolkit with multiboot, persistence, downloads, and QEMU testing.9.2
- Easy2BootA free, format-flexible choice for advanced multiboot USB and hard-disk setups.9.1
See all Windows Media Creation Tool alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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