The primary use of the tool is therefore to upgrade your version of Microsoft Windows to the latest one (Windows 10 in this case). For what ? To have an up-to-date Windows, in fact old versions (XP, Vista, 7) are no longer maintained by Microsoft and this can lead to security vulnerabilities.
Before carrying out an update we advise you to back up all your personal files and all your data.
From Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 the installation will be the easiest in the world. In fact, you just need to download the utility and then start it. Almost no action on your part is required other than basic setup. So you will have to choose between two versions: home or pro. Then you will need to indicate whether you want the 32-bit or 64-bit system, and choose the language. If you are not sure about the fate of the system, a quick visit to the settings of your current operating system will inform you. Then you will just have to let yourself be guided by the automatic update process.
For Windows XP or Vista users, you will need to go through an additional step: creating a bootable CD or USB key (i.e. complete installation media). Don't panic, here too it's easy to get started, even for a beginner. In fact, instead of selecting update, all you have to do is select “bootable disk” in the first menu of Windows Media Creation Tool. In the same way as above you will have to choose your version and your operating system. Then the wizard takes care of creating the disk.
This boot disk can therefore be used to install Windows 10 on a PC where it is not present either as above with XP & Vista, or for a new installation on a blank hard drive, or for a reinstallation following a crash from the computer.
In all situations, be aware that you will need to have your license key in order to activate Windows. If you do not have a compatible license, you can purchase one directly online via the Windows Store.
Find Media Creation Tool in our article How to download and activate Windows 10 as well as in the tutorial How to create a Windows 10 installation USB key.
What's new in the latest edition of Windows 10 Media Creation Tool?
Please note that the Media Creation Tool is updated regularly. This way you can be sure that you will always install the latest version of Windows.
To do this, you must download Media Creation Tool just before using it. This will have the effect of avoiding long and tedious updates which can occur when you install a version of Windows that is too old (and for which Windows Update must catch up with the updates).
The latest version of the tool now allows the installation of the latest version 21H2 of Windows which corresponds to the November 2021 edition.
Which OS is Windows 10 Media Creation Tool compatible with?
Let's be clear, Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is compatible with any OS as long as it just involves downloading the file. So you can use a Mac or a computer running Linux to download the software.
As for usage, however, you will need a version of Windows. To create a bootable disk any version will do. On the other hand, to launch the upgrade tool, you will necessarily need a computer running Windows 7, 8 or 8.1.
What are the best alternatives to Windows 10 Media Creation Tool?
Windows 10 Media Creation Tool is the best software to upgrade your PC to the latest version of Windows. Few other software enter this field.
However, it is entirely possible to download the Windows 10 ISO image file directly from the Microsoft website. Then, simply use a utility like Rufus (free), or PowerISO (available as a demonstration), to create a bootable disk on physical DVD, CD or USB key media. No options to update Windows 7.8 or 8.1 in this situation, just the creation of an installation disk, with no settings other than those already included in the ISO.
The final option was to buy physical media (CD, DVD) off the shelf, but it will never be exactly up to date and will require running Windows Update, which should last quite a long time.
