How to Create Windows Installation Media for Windows 11, 10, and 8.1 using the Media Creation Tool Complete Guide

Creating Windows installation media can be very handy for upgrading or reinstalling your operating system. Using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, you can make a bootable USB or DVD to install Windows 11, 10, or 8.1. Here's a simple guide to help you through the process.

Why You Might Need Installation Media

The Media Creation Tool is useful for various reasons:

Upgrading multiple devices you own.
Reinstalling Windows after hardware upgrades.
Keeping a physical copy of the OS for future use.

What You Need Before Starting

1. A Computer with Internet: You'll need a stable internet connection for the download, which is about 4 GB.

2. USB Flash Drive or Blank DVD:

USB: At least 8 GB of space (any existing content will be erased).
DVD: Requires a DVD writer and a blank DVD.

Creating Windows 11 Installation Media

1. Download the Tool:

Go to Microsoft's Windows 11 download page.
Click "Download Now" under the Create Windows 11 installation media section.

2. Run the Tool:

Launch the downloaded MediaCreationToolW11.exe file.
Accept the terms and conditions.

3. Set Up the Media:

Clear the "Use the recommended options for this PC" if you are creating media for another device.
Select "USB flash drive" and click "Next."
Choose your USB drive from the list (ensure it has no important files as it will be erased).
Click "Next" and then "Finish."

4. Use the Media:

Once done, you can use the USB to install Windows 11 by booting your device from the USB.

Creating Windows 10 Installation Media

1. Download the Tool:

Visit Microsoft's Windows 10 download page.
Download the tool suitable for your computer's version (32-bit or 64-bit).

2. Run the Tool:

Locate and run the downloaded .exe file as an administrator.

3. Set Up the Media:

Choose "Create installation media for another PC" and click "Next."
Select the language, edition, and architecture (32 or 64-bit).
Choose either "USB flash drive" or "ISO file" (for burning to a DVD).
Follow the prompts to complete the process and click "Finish."

Creating Windows 8.1 Installation Media

1. Download the ISO:

Go to the Microsoft Software Download page for Windows 8.1.
Select the correct edition and language to avoid activation issues.

2. Set Up the Media:

Download the ISO file for your computer's version (32-bit or 64-bit).
Follow Microsoft's instructions to create a bootable USB or DVD using the ISO file.

Final Notes

No Need for Product Key: You don’t need to enter your Windows product key when creating the installation media or ISO file.
Backup Your Data: Ensure that any important data is backed up before creating the installation media, as this process will erase any existing content on the USB or DVD.

By following these steps, you can easily create Windows installation media for Windows 11, 10, and 8.1, making OS upgrades and reinstalls straightforward and hassle-free.