How to Create Windows 10 Bootable USB Installation Media in 2026
You can still create official Windows 10 bootable USB installation media using Microsoft's Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
The USB can be used to reinstall Windows 10, perform a clean installation or install Windows 10 on another compatible PC.
Important in 2026: normal Microsoft support for Windows 10 ended on 14 October 2025. Windows 10 still works and Microsoft still provides installation media, but a normal Windows 10 installation no longer receives free security updates or normal Microsoft technical support.
Eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 personal PCs can enrol in Microsoft's Consumer Extended Security Updates programme for critical and important security updates through 12 October 2027.
Quick answer: Connect a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB of space → download Microsoft's Windows 10 Media Creation Tool → run it as an administrator → accept the licence terms → choose Create installation media for another PC → select language, edition and architecture → choose USB flash drive → select the correct USB → allow Microsoft to download Windows and create the bootable drive.
What You Need Before Creating Windows 10 Installation Media
Before starting, prepare the following:
Blank USB flash drive
Microsoft currently specifies a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of available space when using the Media Creation Tool.
Internet connection
The tool downloads the Windows 10 installation files directly from Microsoft, so a stable broadband connection is recommended.
Administrator access
You need administrator permission on the PC being used to run the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
Enough free storage
The computer needs sufficient free disk space for the temporary Windows installation files while the media is being created.
The USB drive will be erased. Microsoft formats the selected USB while creating the bootable Windows 10 media. Copy anything important from the USB somewhere else before starting.
Does the USB need to be empty?
Yes, or at least contain nothing you need to keep.
The safest approach is to use a completely blank USB drive specifically for Windows installation media.
Step 1: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
Use Microsoft's official Windows 10 software download page:
On Microsoft's page, find the section:
Create Windows 10 installation media
Then select the button to download the Media Creation Tool.
Download the tool directly from Microsoft. There is no need to use a torrent, third-party ISO website or modified Windows installer.
Where will the file download?
Unless you have changed your browser settings, the Media Creation Tool will normally be saved in your computer's Downloads folder.
The filename may change as Microsoft updates the tool, so do not rely on an old filename shown in another guide.
Step 2: Connect the USB Drive
Insert the USB flash drive you want to use.
Before continuing:
- Confirm it is the correct USB drive.
- Copy anything you need from it.
- Disconnect other unnecessary USB storage devices where practical.
Be especially careful if several USB drives or external hard drives are connected. Selecting the wrong drive during media creation can erase the wrong storage device.
Step 3: Run the Media Creation Tool
Open the downloaded Media Creation Tool.
If Windows displays a User Account Control message asking whether you want to allow the application to make changes to the device, select:
Yes
The tool will prepare itself and then display Microsoft's licence terms.
Read the terms and, if you agree, select:
Accept
Step 4: Select “Create Installation Media for Another PC”
The Media Creation Tool will ask:
What do you want to do?
Select:
Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC
Then select:
Next
This is the correct option when your aim is to create a reusable Windows 10 installation USB rather than immediately upgrade the computer you are currently using.
Step 5: Choose Language, Edition and Architecture
Microsoft will ask you to confirm the Windows installation settings.
These can include:
- Language
- Edition
- Architecture — 64-bit or 32-bit
64-bit or 32-bit?
Most Windows PCs still in normal use should use the 64-bit version.
32-bit Windows is mainly relevant to older hardware or a specific legacy requirement.
To check the architecture of an existing Windows 10 installation:
Settings → System → About → System type
Creating 64-bit installation media does not require the PC currently running the Media Creation Tool to have Windows 10 Pro. The architecture is about the processor and Windows installation you intend to use.
What does “Use the recommended options for this PC” mean?
The Media Creation Tool can automatically select settings based on the computer currently running the tool.
If you are creating media for a different PC, check that those recommended settings are appropriate for the target computer before continuing.
Step 6: Select USB Flash Drive
Microsoft will ask which media you want to use.
Select:
USB flash drive
Then select:
Next
The Media Creation Tool will display available removable drives.
Step 7: Select the Correct USB Drive
Select the USB drive you prepared earlier.
Check the drive carefully before selecting Next. Everything on the selected USB drive will be deleted during the creation process.
If you are unsure which drive is correct:
- Cancel or go back.
- Open File Explorer.
- Check the USB drive's name and capacity.
- Return to the Media Creation Tool only when you are certain which drive should be used.
Step 8: Let Microsoft Download Windows 10
After selecting the USB, Microsoft will begin downloading the Windows 10 installation files.
The time required depends on:
- Your broadband speed.
- Microsoft server load.
- The speed of the PC.
- The speed of the USB drive.
The tool will then verify the download and prepare the USB drive automatically.
Do not remove the USB while the Media Creation Tool is working. Interrupting the process can leave the installation media incomplete or unusable.
Step 9: Wait for “Your USB Flash Drive Is Ready”
When the process has completed, Microsoft should confirm that the USB flash drive is ready.
Select:
Finish
The USB can now be removed safely and used as Windows 10 installation media.
Label the USB. If you keep several installation drives, marking this one as “Windows 10” can prevent confusion later.
Can You Create a Windows 10 ISO Instead?
Yes.
The Media Creation Tool also provides the option to create an ISO file rather than writing directly to a USB drive.
At the media-selection screen choose:
ISO file
and select where you want the ISO to be saved.
What can you do with the ISO?
A Windows 10 ISO can be used to:
- Create installation media later.
- Burn a Windows installation DVD.
- Mount the ISO inside Windows.
- Use the Windows setup files for an appropriate repair or upgrade installation.
- Use supported virtual-machine software where a Windows ISO is required.
An ISO file copied onto a USB drive is not automatically the same thing as a bootable installation USB. If you want the simplest bootable USB process on a Windows PC, use the Media Creation Tool's USB flash drive option.
Downloading an ISO directly from Microsoft
Microsoft also provides a Windows 10 ISO download page for devices or operating systems that do not support the Windows Media Creation Tool.
How to Use the Windows 10 Bootable USB
Creating the USB does not install Windows on the PC used to create it.
The USB only contains the installation media.
To use it on the target PC:
- Back up anything important from the target computer.
- Insert the Windows 10 USB.
- Restart the PC.
- Open the computer's boot menu.
- Select the USB installation device.
- Allow Windows Setup to load.
A clean Windows installation can erase files, programs and settings. Creating the USB is safe for the target PC; what you choose later inside Windows Setup determines whether existing data is retained or removed.
For the full installation process, use our:
How Do You Boot From the USB Drive?
The exact method depends on the computer manufacturer.
Common boot-menu keys include:
- F12
- F11
- F9
- Esc
- Delete
The key is normally pressed immediately after switching the computer on.
Check the manufacturer's instructions for your exact PC or motherboard. There is no single boot-menu key that works on every Windows computer.
What if Windows starts normally instead?
If the existing Windows installation starts rather than Windows Setup, the PC probably booted from its normal internal drive rather than the USB.
Restart the computer and use its boot menu to select the USB device.
UEFI USB option
On modern hardware you may see the USB listed with UEFI before its name.
For a normal modern UEFI system, use the appropriate UEFI boot option unless the PC manufacturer provides different instructions.
Does the USB Contain Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro?
Microsoft's Windows 10 installation media can be used with different standard Windows 10 editions.
The edition ultimately installed can depend on:
- The product key entered during setup.
- An existing digital licence.
- A Windows product key embedded in the PC firmware.
- The edition selected by Windows Setup where an edition-selection screen is shown.
A bootable Windows 10 USB is not itself a Windows licence. Installation media and Windows activation are separate things.
What if the PC automatically installs Windows 10 Home?
Some computers contain a Windows Home product key embedded in their firmware.
Windows Setup can detect that licence automatically and install Home without asking which edition you want.
If you already have an activated Windows 10 Home installation and simply need to move to Pro, a clean installation may not be required.
See our:
Do You Need a Windows 10 Product Key to Create the USB?
No product key is required simply to create the installation media.
Windows licensing becomes relevant when Windows is installed and activated.
During Windows Setup you may be able to:
- Enter a valid product key.
- Select I don't have a product key and activate later.
- Have Windows activate automatically using a digital licence already associated with that hardware.
Skipping the product-key screen does not give you a free Windows licence. It only allows installation to continue before activation is completed.
Is the Windows 10 USB a Backup of Your Computer?
No.
This is an important correction to the old version of this article.
A Windows 10 installation USB contains Windows setup files. It does not automatically contain:
- Your documents.
- Your photographs.
- Your installed applications.
- Your browser data.
- Your email files.
- Your Windows settings.
Create a separate backup of personal files before reinstalling Windows. Do not rely on a Windows installation USB as a backup of the computer.
Common Windows 10 Media Creation Problems
The Media Creation Tool cannot see my USB drive
Try the following:
- Disconnect and reconnect the USB drive.
- Try another USB port.
- Restart the Media Creation Tool.
- Check whether File Explorer can see the USB.
- Try another USB drive if available.
There is not enough space on the USB
Use a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space as specified on Microsoft's current Media Creation Tool page.
A larger USB drive is fine.
The download fails
Check:
- Your internet connection.
- Available storage space on the PC.
- Whether Windows is waiting for a restart.
- That the tool is being run with administrator permission.
Restart Windows and run the official Microsoft tool again if necessary.
The USB was erased
This is expected.
The Media Creation Tool formats the selected USB as part of the process.
This is why Microsoft recommends using a blank drive.
The PC will not boot from the USB
Check:
- The Media Creation Tool completed successfully.
- The USB is connected before the PC starts.
- You selected the USB through the correct boot menu.
- The manufacturer does not require a particular UEFI setting.
- The USB appears as a boot option.
If the USB is not listed at all, check the manufacturer's BIOS/UEFI instructions.
I accidentally started the installer again after Windows restarted
During a clean Windows installation, the computer restarts several times.
After Windows has copied the initial installation files, avoid manually selecting the USB again unless Windows Setup specifically requires it.
Otherwise you can return to the beginning of the setup process.
Should You Still Create Windows 10 Media in 2026?
Yes, when there is a genuine reason to install or maintain Windows 10.
Examples include:
- An older PC that cannot run Windows 11.
- Legacy software requiring Windows 10.
- Specialist hardware with Windows 10-only drivers.
- Restoring an existing Windows 10 computer.
- Maintaining a tested legacy environment.
However, normal Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025.
Normal Windows 10 support
Ended 14 October 2025
Normal free security updates, feature updates and Microsoft technical support have ended.
Consumer ESU
Available through 12 October 2027
Eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 personal PCs can receive critical and important security updates after enrolment.
Consumer ESU is not a new version of Windows 10. It extends important security updates for eligible devices while users transition away from Windows 10. It does not provide normal feature development or full Microsoft support.
Should you install Windows 11 instead?
If the target PC fully supports Windows 11 and you do not have a specific Windows 10 compatibility requirement, Windows 11 is normally the better long-term installation.
Before creating Windows 10 media for a modern PC, you may want to check:
Windows 10 Bootable USB Checklist
Back up the USB
Everything already stored on it will be erased.
Use an 8 GB or larger USB
Microsoft specifies at least 8 GB for Media Creation Tool USB media.
Download from Microsoft
Use the official Windows 10 software download page.
Run as administrator
Approve the Windows security prompt when requested.
Create installation media
Select the option for another PC rather than Upgrade this PC now.
Check architecture
Choose the appropriate 64-bit or 32-bit Windows installation.
Select the correct USB
Double-check before allowing the tool to format it.
Wait for completion
Do not remove the USB until Microsoft confirms it is ready.
Back up the target PC separately
The Windows USB is installation media, not a backup of your files.
Related Windows Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool in 2026?
Yes. Microsoft still provides the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from its official Windows 10 software download page.
How large does a Windows 10 bootable USB need to be?
Microsoft currently specifies a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space when creating Windows 10 installation media with the Media Creation Tool.
Will creating Windows 10 media erase my USB?
Yes. The Media Creation Tool formats the selected USB drive and deletes its existing contents. Back up anything important first.
Do I need a Windows 10 product key to create the USB?
No. A product key is not required simply to create Windows installation media. Licensing and activation are dealt with when Windows is installed or activated.
Can I create Windows 10 Home and Pro media with the same tool?
Microsoft's standard Windows 10 installation media supports the normal consumer editions. The edition installed can depend on the product key, existing digital licence, firmware licence and choices presented during Windows Setup.
Should I choose 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 10?
Most PCs should use 64-bit Windows. Use 32-bit only where older hardware or a specific legacy requirement makes it necessary.
Can I download a Windows 10 ISO instead of creating a USB?
Yes. The Media Creation Tool can save a Windows 10 ISO file, and Microsoft also provides a direct ISO download page for systems where the Media Creation Tool is not available.
Is copying an ISO file to a USB enough to make it bootable?
No. Simply copying the ISO file onto a USB does not normally create bootable Windows installation media. The simplest supported Windows method is to let Microsoft's Media Creation Tool create the USB for you.
Does creating the USB install Windows 10 on my computer?
No. Creating the media only prepares the USB. Windows is not installed until you deliberately start Windows Setup on the target PC.
Is a Windows installation USB a backup?
No. It contains Windows setup files and does not automatically back up your personal files, applications or settings. Create a separate backup before reinstalling Windows.
Is Windows 10 still supported in 2026?
Normal Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025. Eligible Windows 10 version 22H2 personal PCs can enrol in Microsoft's Consumer Extended Security Updates programme for critical and important security updates through 12 October 2027.
Should I create Windows 10 or Windows 11 installation media?
If the PC fully supports Windows 11 and there is no specific requirement for Windows 10, Windows 11 is normally the better long-term choice. Windows 10 installation media remains useful for older hardware and legacy compatibility requirements.
