If you’ve ever tried to install Windows and felt completely lost, you’re not alone. Choosing between the Windows 10 and Windows 11 Media Creation Tools, figuring out USB compatibility, and dodging installation errors can be confusing or even frustrating. Many users give up before even starting but don’t worry: this guide is here to simplify everything. I’ll walk you through every step, so by the end, you’ll have a bootable USB in hand and confidence to match.
Windows 10 Media Creation Tool – Step-by-Step Guide
The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is a free utility from Microsoft that helps you install, reinstall, or upgrade to Windows 10. Whether you're setting up a fresh PC or replacing an old operating system, this tool is your go-to. It’s incredibly user-friendly and gives you the flexibility to create either a bootable USB drive or an ISO file to burn to a DVD later.
Why It’s the Best
Direct download from Microsoft, no shady third-party links
Intuitive and straightforward interface
Allows USB or ISO file creation for maximum flexibility
Steps to Download and Install the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool:
Step 1: Open your browser and navigate to the official Windows website, where you can download the Windows 10 installation media.
Step 2: On the website, scroll down to the "Create Windows 10 installation media" section. Click on the "Download Now" button to begin your download.
Once the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is downloaded, you can begin the installation process. This tool lets you either upgrade your current PC or create a bootable USB drive for a fresh installation. You'll be able to choose the language, edition, and system architecture, details that I'll guide you through in the upcoming steps.
Step 3: Go to your Downloads folder and find the file you just downloaded. Double-click it to launch the tool.
Step 4: Once the tool opens, you’ll see Microsoft’s license terms. Read through them if you wish, then click “Accept” to move forward with the setup.
Step 5: Choose “Create installation media for another PC” if you're making a bootable USB or ISO for another PC—just a quick pick from the two options you'll see.
Step 6: On the next screen, select the language for your Windows 10 installation, and then click "Next".
Step 7: After that, select where you want to create your installation media and then click "Next".
Step 8: The tool will now download Windows 10 and either write it to your USB or save the ISO file. This might take a while, so be patient.
Now that you’ve completed these steps, you have a fully prepared Windows 10 installation USB (or ISO file) at your fingertips. You can plug it into any compatible PC, boot from the drive, and follow the on‑screen prompts to install, reinstall, or upgrade Windows 10 with ease.
Key Features
Direct upgrades or clean installations
Customizable options for language and system architecture
USB and ISO support
Use Case: This is ideal if you’re moving from Windows 7/8 or simply want a clean reinstall without bloatware.
Windows 11 Media Creation Tool – Step-by-Step Guide
With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft also updated its Media Creation Tool to handle modern hardware requirements, such as TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. The process is largely similar to Windows 10, but optimized for newer systems.
Why It’s the Best
Specifically tailored for newer devices
Seamless upgrade or clean installation options
USB and ISO support just like Windows 10
Steps to Download and Install the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool:
Step 1: Open your browser and navigate to the official Windows website, where you can download the Windows 11 installation media.
Step 2: On the website, scroll down to the "Create Windows 11 installation media" section. Click on the "Download Now" button to begin your download.
Step 3: Go to your Downloads folder and find the file you just downloaded. Double-click it to launch the tool.
Step 4: Once the tool opens, you’ll see Microsoft’s license terms. Read through them if you wish, then click “Accept” to move forward with the setup.
Step 5: After that, select where you want to create your installation media and then click "Next".
Step 6: Pick your preferred language and confirm that the edition is Windows 11. Architecture-wise, Windows 11 only supports 64-bit, so there are no other options here.
Step 7: The tool will download the Windows 11 installation files and write them to your selected media. Once completed, your bootable USB is ready to go.
Key Features
Handles modern hardware requirements
Guided, simple process
Full control over installation preferences
Use Case: Best for those upgrading from Windows 10 or doing a fresh install on newer devices that meet Windows 11 specs.
Creating a Bootable USB for Windows 10 & 11
Regardless of whether you’re using the Windows 10 or 11 tool, the most common goal is to create a bootable USB. This section merges both approaches into a single, streamlined guide.
Why It’s the Best
One tool for both Windows versions
Clean and easy process
Works with USBs and DVDs
Steps to Download and Install the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool:
The steps to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool start with first prepping a USB drive with 8GB of free space. So before we can create a bootable USB to install or reinstall Windows, here is what you will have to do.
Step 1: To get started, you’ll need a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of space. Go ahead and plug it into your computer.
Step 2: If you have:
Windows 10: Search “Download Windows 10” and go to Microsoft’s official site.
Windows 11: Search “Download Windows 11” and scroll to the installation media section.
Step 3: Go to your Downloads folder and find the file you just downloaded. Launch the file and accept the license agreement.
Step 4: By default, the tool selects settings based on your PC. To customize, uncheck the “Use the recommended options for this PC” box. For Windows 10, you can choose 32-bit, 64-bit, or both. For Windows 11, it’s 64-bit only.
Step 5: Choose USB as your media type. You’ll see a list of connected drives, select the correct one carefully.
Step 6: The tool will now download the OS and copy it to your USB. This may take 15–45 minutes depending on your connection.
Step 7: Once the process is done, you’ll get a confirmation. Your bootable USB is ready to install or reinstall Windows on any compatible PC.
Additional Notes:
Windows 11 Requirements: TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and 64-bit processor. Check your BIOS settings if unsure.
Windows 10 Advantage: Still supports 32-bit architecture, making it a versatile option for older systems.
WPS Office for Windows 10 & 11 Users
Once Windows is installed, you’ll need an office suite to handle documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. I tried WPS Office, it opened my .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx files without issue and ran smoothly on both Windows 10 and 11. The interface is straightforward, so I could format text, insert tables, and build slides without hunting for features. Its layout and commands are similar to Microsoft Office, so creating papers, spreadsheets, and presentations felt straightforward.
If you’re considering using WPS Office on your newly installed Windows system, setting it up is straightforward. Here’s how you can get started:
Steps to Use WPS Office
Step 1: First, open your browser to visit WPS Office website.
Step 2: On the homepage, just click the "Free Download" button to start the download.
Step 3: The download will finish in a few seconds. Once done, run the installation file like you would for any other app or software.
Step 4: WPS Office will show you a few simple terms and conditions. Accept them, then click the "Install" button to begin the installation.
Step 5: After installation, open WPS Office. You’ll see the main dashboard with options like Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation. These work similarly to Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Step 6: If you want to save your work online, click the cloud icon or sign in to your WPS account. Once logged in, your files can be backed up and accessed across different devices.
Once WPS Office is installed and set up, you’ll have what you need to start working on documents, spreadsheets, or presentations. And if you choose to sign in, the cloud feature makes it easy to pick up your work from another device when needed.
Key Features
Compatible with Microsoft Office formats
Lightweight and performance-friendly
Includes cloud syncing for added convenience
Use Case: Ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who needs an Office suite without the hefty price tag.
FAQs
1. Is the Media Creation Tool compatible with both Windows 10 and 11?
Yes. Separate tools are available for each version, tailored to their specific requirements.
2. Can I use the Media Creation Tool on a Mac?
Not directly. Mac users can try Boot Camp or third-party tools to create a bootable USB.
3. Do I need a license to use the Media Creation Tool?
No, the tool is free but you’ll need a valid Windows license for installation or activation.
Power Up Productivity with WPS After Windows Setup
The Windows Media Creation Tool is an essential utility for anyone needing to install or upgrade Windows. Whether you’re using it for Windows 10 or 11, the process is smooth, intuitive, and entirely in your control. With your bootable USB ready, you’re empowered to handle OS installation like a pro. And once you're done? Don't forget to install WPS Office, it's the perfect companion for Windows users, offering a full-featured experience without slowing down your system. Whether you're writing reports or building presentations, WPS Office has everything you need to hit the ground running.
