If you’ve been putting off upgrading from Windows 10—or if you’re holding onto hardware that won’t run Windows 11—this one’s for you. Microsoft quietly made the Media Creation Tool available for anyone who needs to reinstall Windows 10, even after official support ended on October 14, 2025. The tool lets you build a bootable USB or ISO file using Microsoft’s own files, completely free. This guide walks you through downloading it, creating installation media, and what to watch out for if you’re using Windows 10 in 2025 and beyond.

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Support End Date: October 14, 2025 · Official Download Page: microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 · Tool File Name: MediaCreationTool.exe · Supported Media: USB or ISO · Compatible OS: Windows 7, 8.1, 10

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether the Media Creation Tool will receive updates for future cumulative patches
  • The exact timeline for Windows 12 and whether it will be a free upgrade path
  • Long-term third-party antivirus compatibility with Windows 10 post-EOL
3Timeline signal
  • Windows 10 support ended October 14, 2025 (Microsoft Official)
  • Extended Security Updates (ESU) available through October 13, 2026 (Microsoft Official)
  • Microsoft 365 Apps security updates on Windows 10 continue until October 10, 2028 (Microsoft Official)
4What’s next
  • Windows 10 PCs continue to function but without security updates or technical support (Microsoft Learning Center)
  • Windows 11 is positioned as the direct successor with modern security by design (Microsoft Learning Center)
  • The Media Creation Tool can also create Windows 11 installation media (UK Gaming Computers Blog)

The following table summarizes the key specifications and timelines for the Media Creation Tool and Windows 10 support lifecycle.

Specification Detail
Developer Microsoft
Latest Use Create installation media for Windows 10
File Size Requirement 8GB USB minimum
Supported Media Types USB flash drive, DVD, ISO file
Windows 10 EOL October 14, 2025
Final Version Windows 10 version 22H2
ESU End Date October 13, 2026
Microsoft 365 Apps Protection Ends October 10, 2028

Where can I download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool?

The official Microsoft Software Download page is the only trusted source for the Media Creation Tool. Microsoft has confirmed that the tool remains downloadable after the October 14, 2025 support end date, allowing users who need to reinstall Windows 10 to access official files.

Official Microsoft download page

Navigate to microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 (Microsoft’s official Windows 10 download portal). Click the “Download tool now” button to save MediaCreationTool.exe to your computer. The tool may also be named MediaCreationTool_22H2.exe depending on when you downloaded it, according to Microsoft Support documentation.

Requirements for download

The Media Creation Tool requires administrator privileges to run, as documented on the Microsoft Download Center. You need a working internet connection to download the tool and the Windows 10 files it retrieves. The tool runs on Windows 7, 8.1, or Windows 10—you cannot run it from Windows 11 to create Windows 10 media, though it can create Windows 11 installation media instead.

The upshot

Microsoft keeps the download page live specifically so users can reinstall Windows 10 when needed—even on older hardware that won’t run Windows 11. If your PC still meets Windows 10 requirements, you have a legitimate, free path to a clean installation.

The catch: without that official page staying live, users with older hardware would have no way to obtain verified Windows 10 files—a security gap Microsoft appears determined to avoid even after support ends.

How do I make a bootable USB for Windows 10?

The Media Creation Tool automates most of the process, making it the easiest method for most users. It handles partitioning, file copying, and boot sector creation—all the technical steps that would otherwise require command-line tools.

Using Media Creation Tool

  • Insert a USB flash drive with at least 8GB of storage (Corsair Support documentation confirms this is the minimum capacity required)
  • Run MediaCreationTool.exe and accept Microsoft’s license terms
  • Select “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC”
  • Choose your language, Windows edition (Home or Pro), and architecture (32-bit, 64-bit, or both)
  • Select your USB flash drive from the list of available drives
  • Wait while the tool downloads Windows 10 files and writes them to the USB—the process speed depends on your internet connection, according to Corsair Support documentation)

Manual methods

If the Media Creation Tool won’t run on your system or you need more control, you can create a bootable USB manually using the Windows 10 ISO file. Tools like Rufus (for Windows) or dd (for Linux/macOS) can write an ISO to a USB drive. This approach gives you more options for partition schemes and file systems, but requires more technical know-how. The Media Creation Tool creates bootable USB drives compatible with both UEFI and Legacy BIOS, according to Ten Forums tutorials.

Why this matters

A correctly created bootable USB is the foundation of a clean Windows installation. If the USB isn’t bootable—due to wrong partition scheme or corrupted files—the installer won’t recognize it when you restart your PC. The Media Creation Tool eliminates this guesswork by handling everything automatically.

What this means: manually created USBs work, but they require understanding your system’s firmware type—UEFI vs. Legacy—before you start.

Can you still create a Windows 10 bootable USB?

Yes—the Media Creation Tool remains downloadable and functional after October 14, 2025. Microsoft has not removed the download page, and the tool can still create valid Windows 10 installation media. This matters for anyone who needs to reinstall Windows 10 on older hardware, set up a new (to them) PC, or create a recovery drive.

Availability post-support

Support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025, meaning Microsoft no longer provides security patches, feature updates, or technical assistance to Windows 10 PCs, according to Microsoft’s official end-of-support page. PCs running Windows 10 will continue to function, however they will no longer receive software and feature updates, security updates and fixes, or technical support. The Media Creation Tool itself is still available because it’s a download tool, not a security update.

Alternatives if tool unavailable

If you can’t access the Media Creation Tool, you have a few options. Third-party tools like Rufus or balenaEtcher can write a Windows 10 ISO to USB. You can also download the Windows 10 ISO directly from Microsoft’s Software Download page by selecting the ISO file option instead of USB, then use a tool to mount or write it. Enterprise users may have access to volume licensing media through their organization.

Bottom line: The Media Creation Tool still works and is still available. Even with Windows 10 end of support, Microsoft has kept the official download page live. If you need to reinstall Windows 10, this remains the most straightforward path.

How do I install Windows 10 from a bootable USB?

Once you have a bootable USB with Windows 10 installation files, the actual installation process takes 15–30 minutes depending on your hardware. The steps below work whether you’re installing on a new drive, doing a clean install on an existing PC, or reinstalling to fix a broken system.

Boot from USB steps

  • Restart your PC and enter the BIOS or UEFI firmware settings (usually by pressing F2, F12, Delete, or Esc during startup—varies by manufacturer)
  • Navigate to the Boot order or Boot priority settings
  • Set your USB flash drive as the first boot device
  • Save changes and exit—your PC will restart from the USB

Installation process

When the Windows 10 setup screen appears, select your language, time format, and keyboard input. Click “Install Now” and follow the prompts. If prompted for a product key, you can skip this step and enter it later—or use the generic Windows 10 installation key for your edition. On the “Which type of installation do you want?” screen, select “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” for a clean install, then choose your target drive.

After Windows 10 installs, you’ll be prompted to configure basic settings: region, keyboard layout, and network connection. You can skip entering a Microsoft account by clicking “Domain join instead” and creating a local account—this is useful if you’re setting up an older PC without network drivers.

The trade-off

Installing Windows 10 in 2025 means accepting an operating system that no longer receives security patches. Without regular security updates, Windows 10 devices become more vulnerable to viruses and malware, according to Microsoft’s official guidance. Antivirus software alone is insufficient protection for Windows 10 after end of support without regular security updates. If you’re installing Windows 10, you should plan your migration to Windows 11 or a supported alternative. If you’re considering installing Windows 10, it’s important to understand the implications, and for more details on this, you can learn What is an adverb.

Bottom line: The implication: anyone choosing to install Windows 10 now must accept elevated security risk as a deliberate trade-off for compatibility with older hardware.

Is there a free version of Windows 10 ISO?

Yes—Microsoft offers the Windows 10 ISO file for free download. The ISO contains all Windows 10 installation files and can be used to create a bootable USB, burn a DVD, or mount as a virtual drive. There’s no cost for the ISO itself.

Download ISO with Media Creation Tool

In the Media Creation Tool, select “ISO file” instead of “USB flash drive.” Choose your save location, and the tool will download the complete Windows 10 ISO file. The file size is approximately 4–5GB, so ensure you have enough disk space and a stable internet connection.

Usage options

Once you have the ISO, you have several options: write it to a USB drive using the Media Creation Tool or a third-party tool, burn it to a DVD, or mount it directly in Windows 10/11 by double-clicking the ISO file. Mounted ISOs appear as a virtual drive and can be used to run Windows Setup without creating bootable media.

“Windows 10 version 22H2 will be the final version of Windows 10, and all editions will remain in support with monthly security update releases through that date.”

— Microsoft Lifecycle documentation

“While your Windows 10 PC will continue to function, it will no longer receive regular security updates, making the device more vulnerable and susceptible to viruses and malware.”

— Microsoft Official End-of-Support Statement

Upsides

  • Completely free, official Microsoft files
  • Can reinstall Windows 10 on compatible hardware indefinitely
  • Creates clean installation media without bloatware
  • Supports both UEFI and Legacy BIOS systems
  • Available even after October 14, 2025 support end

Downsides

  • Windows 10 receives no security updates post-EOL
  • Antivirus alone cannot fully protect unpatched systems
  • Performance and functionality may degrade over time
  • Windows 11 is the only path for new features
  • Limited third-party software support for older Windows 10 versions
Bottom line: The pattern: the free ISO is a one-time download that remains valid indefinitely for reinstallation, but the OS it installs will never receive another security patch—making offline or air-gapped use the only rational deployment scenario.

Related reading: Chromebook features and differences · how to manage browser cookies

Additional sources

youtube.com, udtonline.com, microsoft.com, microsoft.com, youtube.com

Microsoft’s Windows 10 Media Creation Tool simplifies bootable USB creation, much like the complete download guide that covers latest installation files and setup steps.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I still upgrade my Windows 10 to 11 for free?

The free upgrade offer from Windows 10 to Windows 11 officially ended in 2022. However, Microsoft still allows users with genuine Windows 10 licenses to clean-install Windows 11 using a product key. If your hardware meets Windows 11 requirements (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, compatible processor), you can install Windows 11 and activate it with your existing Windows 10 product key. If your hardware doesn’t meet the requirements, you may need to purchase a new license.

How to boot from USB on Windows 10?

Restart your PC and press the BIOS key (usually F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) during startup. In the BIOS/UEFI settings, change the boot order to prioritize USB. Save and exit. Your PC will boot from the USB if it’s properly created with bootable media. Some PCs also show a temporary boot menu with F12 or F8 without entering full BIOS.

What if Media Creation Tool fails?

Common fixes: run the tool as administrator, temporarily disable antivirus software, use a different USB drive (some drives have write-protection or compatibility issues), or try downloading the tool again (the file may be corrupted). If the tool gets stuck during download, check your internet connection and firewall settings. For persistent issues, use third-party tools like Rufus to create bootable media from the ISO file.

Can I use Media Creation Tool on Windows 11?

You can run the Media Creation Tool on Windows 11, but it will default to creating Windows 11 installation media rather than Windows 10. To create Windows 10 media from a Windows 11 PC, you need to download the Windows 10 ISO separately and use a third-party tool to write it to USB, or use the Media Creation Tool in “another PC” mode and specify Windows 10 manually.

Is Windows 10 Media Creation Tool safe to download?

Yes—the Media Creation Tool from microsoft.com/software-download/windows10 is completely safe. It’s an official Microsoft utility with digital signatures that verify its authenticity. However, be cautious of third-party sites claiming to offer the tool, as these may bundle malware. Always download from Microsoft’s official website.

How to get a Windows 10 product key?

If Windows 10 was previously activated on your PC, the product key is stored in your system firmware or Microsoft Account. During reinstallation, you can skip entering a key and Windows should activate automatically once connected to the internet. If you purchased a retail license, the key is on your confirmation email or physical packaging. Generic product keys are available for installation but don’t activate Windows.

Differences between USB and ISO?

USB is faster, more portable, and reusable—ideal for most users. ISO is a disc image file that can be burned to DVD, mounted as a virtual drive, or written to USB later. ISO files are useful for creating multiple USB drives, archiving, or virtual machine installations. Both methods create identical Windows installations.