Updated by Jerry on Jul 20, 2023
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The Windows 10 operating system holds the largest market share among desktop Windows versions globally, and many computer users still intend to install it on their machines. In this scenario, utilizing Windows 10 installation media is the simplest and most straightforward method. But do you know how to create Windows 10 installation media?

Don't worry. This article from tools will explain how to create Windows installation media using three different methods. So, quickly read this comprehensive guide to making Windows 10 installation media.

Why Create Windows 10 Installation Media?

Statistics reveal that Windows 10 is the most widely used operating system globally, with its market share continually expanding. In comparison to Windows 11, numerous users of Windows 7 and 8 still prefer Windows 10. However, unfortunately, many are unable to upgrade directly to Windows 10. As a result, they resort to using installation media to facilitate the installation of Windows 10.

Creating Windows installation media (typically a USB flash drive or DVD) enables you to boot your computer using the system files stored on the USB drive or DVD instead of relying on the built-in hardware. Additionally, making Windows installation media offers several benefits:

  • Install an operating system. The primary use of installation media is to install a fresh copy of Windows, reinstall Windows, or execute a clean installation, like a clean install of Windows 10.
  • Troubleshooting. In certain cases, reinstallation of the Windows 10 operating system is necessary to resolve serious computer issues. You can easily do this yourself with Windows installation media.
  • Deploy computers. Using Windows installation media, such as a bootable USB drive, can save time by avoiding repeated downloads of the Windows ISO file when setting up multiple computers simultaneously. By inserting the bootable USB drive, you can set up your computers without having to download ISO files repeatedly.

The Windows installation media truly serves multiple practical purposes. In the upcoming section, you'll learn how to create Windows 10 installation media. Keep reading!

#2 \- 3 Ways to Create Installation Media for Windows 10

To create a Windows 10/11 installation media, there are various approaches available. For instance, you can make a bootable USB without software using Command Prompt. However, this method can be complicated and not suitable for beginners. In this article, we'll share three commonly used methods that are more user-friendly. Choose any of these methods to effortlessly create your installation media. Now, let's delve into the details.

  1. Method 1. Using a Professional Bootable USB Drive Creator
  2. Method 2. Using Windows Media Creation Tool
  3. Method 3. Using Rufus

⭐Tip: To create installation media, you'll need the following:

  • A computer with a stable Internet connection. The faster your Internet, the less time you'll spend waiting.
  • A USB drive, external hard drive, or DVD. An empty USB or external drive with at least 8 GB of free space is required. It's recommended to use a USB or external drive due to their convenience and versatility. Make sure there is no important data on the drive, as its contents will be erased.

Method 1: Using a Professional Bootable USB Drive Creator

When it comes to creating installation media, using a professional bootable USB creator tool, such as OS2Go, is the most common and straightforward method. This allows you to create a bootable USB drive without having to download a Windows ISO file. Simply download and install the tool on your computer, and then proceed to create your Windows 10 installation media.

Tools OS2Go is a professional Windows To Go creation tool compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7. It enables you to create a Windows To Go either with or without an ISO file. You can also use it to create a Windows 11 bootable USB from ISO and play Windows games on a Mac computer. Furthermore, it allows you to run Windows on Mac computers without Boot Camp and easily and quickly install Windows 10 without a Microsoft account.

Key Features of OS2Go Tools:

    • Install multiple operating systems. It enables you to install two operating systems on a single computer.
    • Flexibility and user-friendly interface. It allows you to easily download the desired Windows edition with just a few clicks.
    • Skip Windows installation requirements. It lets you install Windows 11 without Secure Boot and TPM.
    • Run Windows on macOS. It enables you to create a bootable Windows USB for a Mac computer.
    • Clone Windows. It allows you to clone Windows to an external drive as a portable Windows setup.

Here's how to create Windows installation media using the OS2Go tools.

Step 1. Install the OS2Go tool on your Windows computer. Connect a USB drive or external hard drive with sufficient capacity.

Step 2. Select the third tab, "Windows Install Drive Creator." First, choose the version of Windows you wish to install, as OS2Go supports creating installation media for Windows 11/10/8.1. You also have the option to select a local ISO file. Once everything is set, click "Create."

create Windows installation media step1

Step 3. You'll then see a warning message informing you that all data on the selected disk will be erased. Click "Continue" to proceed.

create Windows installation media step2

Step 4. OS2Go will then begin creating the Windows installation media. This process typically involves downloading an ISO file, which can take some time depending on your operating system and network conditions. Once the progress reaches 100%, the USB drive should be bootable.

create Windows installation media step3

Step 5. Insert the Windows Installation media into your computer and initiate the installation process.

Method 2: Using Windows Media Creation Tool

Utilizing the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is another method for creating Windows installation media. This tool enables you to create installation media to install a new copy of Windows 10, reinstall Windows 10, or carry out a clean installation. Furthermore, it allows you to download either the Windows 10 Home or Pro edition, and you have the option to choose between the 32-bit or 64-bit version.

You can follow the instructions below to create a Windows installation media USB drive.

Step 1. Visit the Windows 10 download page, and click on "Download tool now" to download and install it. This tool enables you to download the Windows 10 ISO file for creating a bootable USB. After installation, run the tool.

Download the Windows Media Creation Tool.

Step 2. Under the "What do you want to do" window, choose the "Create installation media for another PC" option, and then click Next.

Select Create installation media for another PC

Step 3. Choose the Language, Edition, and Architecture. You also have the option to uncheck "Use the recommended settings for this PC" and customize them as per your preference. Click 'Next' afterwards.

set the Windows 10 parameters

Step 4. Select the USB flash drive on the Choose which media to use page.

select USB flash drive

Step 5. Select the USB connected to your computer and tap Next.

select the USB connected to your computer

Step 6. The Windows Media Creation Tool will download Windows 10 onto the USB drive.

download the Windows 10 to the USB drive

Step 7. When it's done, a message reading "Your USB flash drive is ready" will appear on your screen. Tap Finish.

Click Finish.

Now, you can use the Windows 10 bootable USB to install Windows 10 step by step on your computer.

Method 3: Using Rufus

The third method is to create a bootable USB using Rufus. Rufus is an open-source and practical tool that enables you to create Windows 10 installation media from an ISO file by writing the Windows 10 ISO to the USB drive. However, you will first need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website. The detailed steps are as follows:

Step 1. Download Rufus from the official Rufus website.

Download Rufus

Step 2. Launch the tool and insert a USB drive (with a capacity of 8GB or more) into your computer.

Insert the USB drive into your computer.

Step 3. Choose the target USB drive from the dropdown list, and then select the Windows 10 ISO file. Next, click START to create a bootable Windows 10 USB from ISO.

set the parameters

Step 4. When the Status shows READY in green, click CLOSE to exit Rufus.

CLOSE to exit the tool.

To conclude or finalize matters

That's all about how to create Windows 10 installation media. In summary, you can utilize tools such as OS2Go, Windows Media Creation Tool, and Rufus to assist you in creating installation media for Windows 10. You can choose any of these methods to create a Windows bootable USB drive or DVD for a fresh installation of Windows 10.

However, when it comes to flexibility, practicality, and convenience, OS2Go is inevitably your best option. It enables you to create a Windows installation media without downloading an ISO file and carries out various other tasks. Simply download and give it a try to uncover more valuable features.

Frequently Asked Questions on Creating Windows 10 Installation Media

1. How to create a Windows 10 installation USB?

To create a Windows 11/10 bootable USB, the simplest approach is to utilize a professional bootable USB creation tool, such as OS2Go. This tool enables you to create a bootable USB drive without needing to download the Windows Disc Image (ISO file).

< strong >2. How to create bootable media for Windows 10 from an ISO file?

If you wish to create bootable Windows 10 media from an ISO file, you can utilize tools such as OS2Go, the Windows Media Creation Tool, or Rufus to assist you.

3. Does the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool still work?

Of course, the Windows Media Creation Tool still functions, albeit with certain limitations. Firstly, the operating system you're currently using must be an authentic copy with a valid product key. Rather than entering a purchased Windows 10 license key, you can follow a process to acquire a digital license for the latest version of Windows 10. Occasionally, you might encounter issues where the Windows Media Creation Tool fails to work.