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ZarinaMeher's avatar
ZarinaMeher
Iron Contributor
Jul 17, 2025

The best windows 10 media creation tool for making bootable usb?

Hi all,

I received a legacy Dell XPS 13 laptop as gift and there is no os on it. I just checked the Windows 11 system requirements and found out the CPU is not supported. So I am going to install Windows 10 on it. What is the best windows 10 media creation tool for making a bootable usb? 

The processor is Core i5-7200U.

8GB RAM.

256 SSD.

Intel UHD Graphics 620

7 Replies

  • DaskSdaily's avatar
    DaskSdaily
    Iron Contributor

    Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is the best tool for making Windows 10 bootable USB drive.

  • Olaann's avatar
    Olaann
    Iron Contributor

    I've used Windows 10 media creation tool to reinstall or repair Windows on different machines, and it’s been smooth sailing. Sometimes, the process takes a little time depending on your internet speed and PC, but overall, it’s pretty foolproof. Just be patient, follow the prompts, and don’t turn off the PC during the creation process.

    Make sure your USB drive has at least 8GB of space and is formatted correctly (the tool will handle that). Also, run the tool as administrator to avoid permissions issues.

    No real danger here if you are going to Windows 10 media creation tool—just be sure to backup your files and don’t interrupt the process once it starts. It’s a safe way to get a clean Windows installer that you can use to fix or reinstall your system.

  • TrinhHong's avatar
    TrinhHong
    Iron Contributor

    How to Download Windows 10 ISO without Media Creation Tool

    1. Visit: https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10
    2. Open Developer Tools (F12 in Chrome/Edge/Firefox).
    3. Click the "Toggle Device Toolbar" (📱) icon or press Ctrl+Shift+M.
    4. Change the user agent to "iPad" or "Android" (this tricks the site into showing the ISO option).
    5. Refresh the page. You should now see an option to "Download Windows 10 Disc Image (ISO File)".
    6. Choose your Windows 10 edition (Home, Pro, etc.) and click "Download".
    7. Pick your preferred language and click "Confirm".
    8. Choose between 32-bit (x86), 64-bit (x64), or Both (multi-edition ISO). The ISO file (around 4-5 GB) will download directly.

    While Microsoft prefers users to use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, you can still download a clean Windows 10 ISO directly using these methods. The F12 trick (Method 1) works best for most users.

  • Gaopen's avatar
    Gaopen
    Iron Contributor

    To create a bootable USB for installing Windows 10, Microsoft provides a free official Windows 11 Media Creation Tool. It's reliable, easy to use, and the best option for making a bootable Windows 10 USB drive.

    Official Free Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

    • Name: Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
    • Purpose: Download Windows 10 ISO and create bootable USB or DVD
    • Availability: Free from Microsoft

     

    How to get Windows 10 Media Creation tool:
    1. Visit the official Microsoft download page and scroll down to "Create Windows 10 installation media" and click "Download tool now".
    2. Run the downloaded MediaCreationTool, exe.
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions to:
        Select language, edition, and architecture (make sure to choose 64-bit for your Core i5-7200U).
        Choose USB flash drive as the media type.
        Insert a USB drive (at least 8GB of free space).
        Let the tool download Windows 10 and create the bootable media.

    Notes:
    Your Core i5-7200U processor is compatible with Windows 10.
    Make sure to back up any important data from the USB drive, as it will be formatted during the process.

  • Mangown's avatar
    Mangown
    Iron Contributor

    The best and free media creation tool for Windows 10 is the Windows Media Creation Tool provided by Microsoft. It allows you to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for Windows 10, upgrade your current PC to Windows 10, or perform a clean installation.

    You can download it directly from Microsoft's official website here: Download Windows 10.

    Features:

       * Free to use
       * Official Microsoft tool
       * Supports creating bootable USB/DVD media
       * Allows upgrading existing Windows systems
       * Provides options for downloading ISO files for manual installation

    Note: Always download such tools directly from the official Microsoft website to ensure safety and authenticity.

  • ElleryPike's avatar
    ElleryPike
    Iron Contributor

    When using Windows 10 media creation tool, there are important factors to keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience. Below are key points to consider before and while using the tool.

    1. Backup Important Data

    If you're performing a clean install, back up all critical files to an external drive or cloud storage.

    The tool can erase data on the USB drive used for installation.

    2. Stable Internet Connection Required

    The tool downloads Windows 10 files (around 3-5 GB), so a fast and stable connection is necessary to avoid corruption.

    3. Activation After Installation

    You’ll need a valid Windows 10 product key or a linked Microsoft account for activation.

    If upgrading from a genuine Windows 7/8.1 license, activation should be automatic.

    4. Disable Antivirus & Close Background Apps
    Some security software may interfere with the tool’s operation. Temporarily disable antivirus programs before running it.

    The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is a reliable way to install or upgrade Windows 10, but proper preparation is essential. By following these guidelines, you can minimize risks and complete the process smoothly. If issues arise, Microsoft’s support forums and alternative tools like WiinBootMate can serve as helpful backups.

  • ladallon's avatar
    ladallon
    Iron Contributor

    The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is a useful utility provided by Microsoft to download and create installation media for Windows 10. Whether you're upgrading your current system, performing a clean install, or creating a bootable USB for another PC, this tool simplifies the process.

    How do I get the Windows 10 media creation tool? This is your question, correct?

    Please follow these steps to download Windows 10 media creation tool.

    Step 1: Go to Microsoft’s Download Page:

    https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10

    Step 2: This will download the MediaCreationTool.exe (about 18-20 MB).

    Step 3: Open the downloaded file and accept the license terms.

    Step 4: Choose "Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC".

    Step 5: Select your preferred language, edition (Home/Pro), and architecture (32-bit, 64-bit, or both).

    Step 6: Choose whether to create a USB flash drive (min. 8GB) or save an ISO file.

    This will help you make a bootable Windows 10 USB for os installation.

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