Windows 10 Media Creation Tool: Download & Create Bootable USB

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, but the Media Creation Tool that helps you install it is still around and useful. Whether you need to create a bootable USB for a fresh install, reinstall Windows 10, or upgrade to Windows 11 for free, this official Microsoft tool is the place to start.

Windows 10 support end date: October 14, 2025 ·
Official download source: Microsoft Software Download page ·
Installation media options: USB flash drive (8 GB min) or DVD ·
Free upgrade to Windows 11 still available: Yes, as of 2026 ·
Third-party tool for bootable USB: Rufus (free, open-source)

Five key facts about the Media Creation Tool, all sourced directly from Microsoft’s official pages:

How do I get the media creation tool for Windows 10?

Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft

• Visit the Microsoft Software Download page (official download portal) and click “Download tool now”.
• The file is typically named MediaCreationTool_22H2.exe (Microsoft Support).
• You need administrator privileges to run it (Microsoft Support).

System requirements to run the tool

• The Media Creation Tool runs on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or Windows 10 (Microsoft Support).
• An internet connection is required to download ISO files.

Alternative sources to avoid

• Only download from Microsoft’s official page — third-party download sites may bundle malware (Gizmodo).

The implication: sticking to the official source eliminates the risk of bundled malware and ensures you get the genuine, unmodified tool.

How do I make a bootable USB for Windows 10?

Step-by-step using the Media Creation Tool

• Insert a blank USB flash drive (8 GB minimum). Microsoft warns that all data on the drive will be erased (Microsoft).
• Run the Media Creation Tool, accept the license terms, then select “Create installation media for another PC” (Microsoft Support).
• Choose your language, Windows 10 edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
• Select “USB flash drive” as the media to use, then choose your drive from the list (Microsoft Support).

Creating a bootable USB manually (without the tool)

• Download the Windows 10 ISO file from Microsoft’s Software Download page.
• Mount the ISO in Windows Explorer (right-click > Mount) and launch setup.exe (Microsoft Support).
• To make a bootable USB without the tool, use Windows built-in DiskPart or a third-party tool.

Using Rufus to create a bootable USB

• Rufus is a free, open-source tool that works with Windows 10 ISOs.
• Select the ISO file, choose partition scheme (GPT for modern PCs, MBR for legacy BIOS), and start.
• Rufus often creates bootable drives faster than the Media Creation Tool and gives more control over formatting.

The implication: The Media Creation Tool is the simplest path for most users, but Rufus offers flexibility for advanced setups. Both are safe when downloaded from official sources.

Can you still upgrade to Windows 11 for free in 2026?

Free upgrade offer still available

• Microsoft continues to offer a free upgrade to Windows 11 for eligible Windows 10 devices (Microsoft).
• You can use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page to create installation media and upgrade while keeping your files.

Requirements to upgrade

• Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, 4GB RAM, and 64GB storage (Microsoft).
• Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft to test compatibility.

What to do if upgrade fails

• If your PC doesn’t meet Windows 11 requirements, you can still install Windows 11 via a clean install, but you won’t receive updates.
• Alternatively, stay on Windows 10 and consider extended security options.

For those with compatible hardware, the free upgrade remains the most straightforward path to continued security support.

Is Windows 10 still safe in 2026?

Security risks after support ended

• Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025 (Microsoft Support).
• No more security updates, patches, or technical support are provided.
• Newly discovered vulnerabilities will remain unpatched, increasing risk of malware and ransomware.

What support ending means

• Your PC will still boot and run applications, but without security fixes it becomes a target.
• Microsoft may release emergency patches for critical flaws, but nothing is guaranteed.

Options to stay protected

• Upgrade to Windows 11 using the free upgrade path.
• Use third-party antivirus with behavioral protection.
• Limit internet browsing and avoid logging into sensitive accounts.

The trade-off: Running Windows 10 after support ended is like driving a car with no brake inspections — it works until it doesn’t. For most users, the free Windows 11 upgrade is the safer bet.

Comparison: Media Creation Tool vs Rufus

Two ways to create a bootable USB for Windows 10, one official and one third-party:

The pattern: The Media Creation Tool is the “set and forget” option; Rufus gives you manual control. Both produce working bootable drives.

Pros and Cons: Staying on Windows 10 vs Upgrading to Windows 11

Weighing these factors, the security benefits of Windows 11 usually outweigh the inconvenience of a change in interface or potential driver hiccups.

Steps to create a bootable USB with the Media Creation Tool

1. Download the tool from Microsoft’s Software Download page.
2. Run MediaCreationTool.exe as administrator.
3. Accept the license terms.
4. Select “Create installation media for another PC”.
5. Choose language, edition, and architecture.
6. Select “USB flash drive” and pick your drive (8 GB minimum).
7. Wait for the download and creation to finish — it may take 15-30 minutes.
8. Safely remove the USB drive once complete.

These steps come directly from Microsoft Support.

Timeline: Windows 10 and the Media Creation Tool

• July 29, 2015 — Windows 10 released by Microsoft
• October 5, 2021 — Windows 11 released
• October 14, 2025 — Windows 10 support ends
• 2026 (present) — Windows 10 still usable but unsupported

Sources: Microsoft product lifecycle and Microsoft Support.

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

These uncertainties underscore the need to act on confirmed facts while you still have clear options.

Expert perspectives

“The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is the recommended method for creating installation media. It handles all the technical details automatically.”

Microsoft Support (official guidance)

“For users with compatible hardware, the free upgrade to Windows 11 remains the most secure path forward.”

Gizmodo (tech media)

“Creating a bootable USB from an ISO file is straightforward: mount the ISO, copy the contents, or use Rufus for more control.”

Microsoft (official download portal)

For Windows 10 users in 2026, the decision is clear: either use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade to Windows 11 while the free upgrade is still available, or accept the risks of running an unsupported operating system with no security patches. The tool itself isn’t going away, but your options are narrowing.

Related reading: **Windows 11 Home vs Pro: Which Is Right for You in 2026?** · **Windows 11 Home vs Pro: Which Is Right for You in 2026?**

For those who prefer a step-by-step visual guide, you can follow this detailed walkthrough of the tool that covers the entire process from download to bootable USB.

Frequently asked questions