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🪟 Windows Installation Media / Recovery Media Creator (Official Microsoft Tool)
Category: System Repair & Recovery
Author: jmarket (PCHF Founder)
Verified by: PCHF Staff • October 2025
Overview
The Windows Installation Media / Recovery Media Creator (Media Creation Tool) is Microsoft’s official utility for downloading and creating bootable Windows 11 installation or recovery media.
It allows users to prepare USB flash drives, DVDs, or ISO files for reinstalling, repairing, or upgrading Windows systems.
All files are retrieved directly from Microsoft’s content delivery network (CDN), ensuring authenticity and integrity.
This tool is recommended for users performing a clean installation, repairing damaged installations, or upgrading to the latest Windows 11 build — including version 25H2.
The Media Creation Tool eliminates the need for third-party downloaders and provides a verified method to obtain the latest installation image.
Key Features
- Official Source: Downloads the latest Windows 11 ISO directly from Microsoft servers.
- Multiple Output Options: Create bootable USB drives, burn DVDs, or save ISO files for later use.
- Version Flexibility: Supports Home, Pro, and Education editions within a single unified package.
- Automatic Architecture Selection: Detects system type (x64 or ARM64) automatically.
- Built-in Integrity Verification: Verifies each download segment for accuracy and security.
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (x64)
- Storage: At least 8 GB of free space for USB media or ISO creation
- Internet Connection: Required for file download
- Administrative privileges
Creating Installation or Recovery Media
- Visit the official Microsoft download page.
- Download and run
MediaCreationTool.exe. - Accept the license terms and choose Create installation media for another PC.
- Select the desired language, edition, and architecture.
- Choose one of the following output options:
– USB flash drive (minimum 8 GB)
– ISO file for manual burning or use with Rufus/Ventoy - Allow the tool to download and prepare the image.
Once completed, the media is ready for installation or repair.
Repairing Windows Using Installation Media
The same USB or ISO created by the Media Creation Tool can be used to repair an existing Windows installation:
- Boot the PC from the created media.
- At the Windows Setup screen, select Repair your computer.
- Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced Options to access System Restore, Startup Repair, Command Prompt, or Image Recovery.
This process can resolve boot failures, missing system files, or corruption caused by failed updates.
Verification and Integrity
All installation media created through the Media Creation Tool is cryptographically verified during download.
For additional confirmation, you can manually check the ISO’s SHA-256 hash using PowerShell:
Code:Get-FileHash "C:\Users\Username\Downloads\Win11_25H2_Englis h_x6 4.iso" -Algorithm SHA256
Compare the hash value with those published on Microsoft’s download page to ensure the image is unmodified.
Troubleshooting
- Error 0x80072F8F: Check system date and time, then retry.
- Error 0x80070005: Run the tool as Administrator.
- USB creation fails: Format the drive as NTFS and rerun the tool, or select ISO creation instead.
- Boot media not detected: Confirm BIOS/UEFI boot order and disable Secure Boot if necessary.
Best Practices
- Always obtain the Media Creation Tool directly from Microsoft’s website.
- Create a new USB after each major Windows 11 feature update (e.g., 25H2) to ensure compatibility.
- Label recovery media clearly with version and build number for future reference.
- Store the media in a safe, static-free location.
Download
Official Microsoft Windows 11 Download Page
Technical Information
- Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
- Version: 25H2 (Build 26100.***)
- Release Date: October 2025
- License: Freeware (Official Microsoft Utility)
Related Articles
- DISM — Complete Guide for Windows 11 25H2
- Windows ADK + WinPE Add-on (Deployment Tools for Windows 11)
- Windows Image Repair Sequence (SFC + DISM)
All content © 2025 PC Help Forum. The Windows Media Creation Tool is developed and maintained by Microsoft Corporation.
All download links provided lead directly to official Microsoft sources. Redistribution of the installer is not permitted.