Need a Windows 10 USB stick or ISO, or want to reinstall Windows 10 on this PC? Windows 10 Media Creation Tool offers both paths and guides the selected workflow, including downloads for a USB drive or an ISO file.
How does the upgrade option work?
Choose the option to upgrade the current PC, and the tool downloads and installs Windows 10 on that computer. Before installation, it presents a summary of the selected settings and what will remain on the PC.
For the upgrade, choose to keep apps and personal files, keep personal files only, or keep nothing. Save open work before starting the installation; the PC restarts during the process.
What can the tool create?
Select the option to create media for another PC to choose a language, Windows edition, and 32-bit or 64-bit architecture. The tool can write the installation files to a USB drive or save them as an ISO file.
- USB media: use a blank drive with at least 8 GB of space; its contents are erased.
- ISO file: save the image on the PC, then use it to make a DVD or mount it to start an upgrade.
Which installation choices should be matched?
When creating media for another computer, select the language, edition, and architecture that suit that PC. The setup process requires an internet connection and enough storage for the downloaded files. Windows 10 Enterprise is not available through this tool.
Pros
- Upgrades the current PC or creates media for another PC
- Creates installation media on USB or as an ISO file
- Lets users choose which personal files and apps to keep during an upgrade
Cons
- Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025, so new installs get no regular security updates
- Creating USB media erases everything on the drive
- Windows 10 Enterprise is not available through the tool
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
Can the tool upgrade the PC it is running on?
Yes. Choose the upgrade option to download and install Windows 10 on the current PC.
Can it create an ISO instead of a USB drive?
Yes. Choose ISO as the media type and save the file on the PC.
Can I decide what to keep during an upgrade?
Yes. You can keep apps and personal files, keep personal files only, or keep nothing.