🧰 Windows 11 Media Creation Tool (Official Microsoft Utility)

Category: Installation & Media

Author: jmarket (PCHF Founder)

Verified by: PCHF Staff • October 2025

Overview

The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool is Microsoft’s official utility for downloading and preparing the latest Windows 11 installation media.
It allows users to create bootable USB drives, DVDs, or ISO files directly from Microsoft’s servers, ensuring all files are authentic and digitally signed.
The tool automatically includes the latest feature updates and cumulative patches for the current Windows 11 release — including version 25H2 (Build 26100.***).

Designed for simplicity and reliability, the Media Creation Tool is ideal for performing clean installations, upgrades, or creating recovery media without the need for third-party downloaders or external tools.

Key Features

• Official Source: Downloads Windows 11 installation files directly from Microsoft’s CDN with verified signatures.


• Automatic Updates: Always retrieves the latest build with integrated updates and language packs.


• Flexible Options: Create bootable USB drives or generate ISO files for later use.


• Edition & Architecture Detection: Automatically selects the correct configuration for your PC.


• In-Place Upgrades: Supports upgrading the current system without data loss.

System Requirements

• Host Operating System: Windows 10 or later


• Internet Connection: Required for file download


• Storage: Minimum 8 GB free space (USB or ISO creation)


• Privileges: Administrative rights required to execute the tool

How to Use the Media Creation Tool

1. Visit the official Microsoft Windows 11 download page.


2. Click Download Now under Create Windows 11 Installation Media.


3. Run MediaCreationTool.exe and accept Microsoft’s license terms.


4. Select one of the following options:
   
   – Upgrade this PC now: Installs Windows 11 directly on the current system.
   
   – Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file): Generates external media for other devices.


5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup or save the ISO.

Hashes and Integrity

Checksum verification is not required.
All downloads and media created through the Media Creation Tool are automatically validated and cryptographically signed by Microsoft during the creation process.
This ensures every byte originates from verified Microsoft servers and cannot be tampered with.

Using Created Media

• USB: Boot directly from the created USB drive to perform a clean installation.


• ISO: Mount the ISO within Windows or use Rufus/Ventoy to create installation media manually.


• Upgrade: Run setup.exe from within Windows for an in-place upgrade preserving files and applications.

Important Notes

• Always download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website only.


• The tool automatically retrieves the latest build for all editions (Home, Pro, Education, Enterprise).


• Ensure TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are enabled before attempting a clean install on supported systems.


• For unsupported hardware, review PCHF’s Bypass Requirements Guide where applicable.

Policy

PCHF strictly enforces use of official Microsoft links.
Redistributed or modified versions of the Media Creation Tool are not permitted.
This ensures user safety and compliance with Microsoft licensing standards.

Download

Official Microsoft Media Creation Tool Download Page

Technical Information

• Publisher: Microsoft Corporation


• Version: 25H2 (Build 26100.***) – Latest Release


• Release Date: October 2025


• License: Freeware (Microsoft Official Utility)

Related Articles

• Windows 11 ISO (Official Microsoft Download)


• DISM — Complete Guide for Windows 11 25H2


• Windows Image Repair Sequence (SFC + DISM)

All content © 2025 PC Help Forum.
The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool is developed and distributed by Microsoft Corporation.
All download links point directly to Microsoft’s official sources. Redistribution of the executable is not permitted.