Stepwise Guide to Windows Installation Media Creation

This guide is a comprehensive, user-friendly tutorial designed to assist beginners in creating Windows installation media. With clear instructions, anyone can easily install or reinstall Windows with this handy tool.

Posted by @Irene July 24, 2024 Updated By @Irene April 8, 2024

Are you looking to install or reinstall Windows OS? We'll show you three simple methods to create Windows installation media and get your device up and running smoothly. In this passage, we will take Windows 10 as an example.

Overview of Windows Installtion Media Creation

Fast Links: With the Windows Media Creation Tool, you can get the Windows 10 ISO file directly from Microsoft and make Windows 10 installation media while you're not around.

Key Takeways:

  • The Windows Media Creation Tool offers a user-friendly interface for creating Windows installation media.
  • You can also download a Windows 10 ISO file directly from Microsoft official website.
  • This article will show you how to make a Windows 10 startup disc or USB drive. For tech fans who would rather not be involved, there is a "unattended installation" choice.
  • For tech enthusiasts, an unattended installation option is available for a hands-off approach.

Method 1: Windows Media Creation Tool

Microsoft's Windows Media Creation Tool is an easy but versatile program that allows users to create installation media for Windows 10. This application makes the process easier by guiding customers through each step, from picking the desired edition of Windows 10 to selecting the best storage device for the installation media.

  1. Download the utility from Microsoft's website.
  2. Launch the tool and agree to the license terms.
  3. Select "Create installation media for another PC".
  4. Select your language, edition, and the architecture.
  5. Choose between a USB flash drive or an ISO file.
  6. To finish the process, simply follow the on-screen directions.

Method 2: Direct ISO Download

For users who prefer more control over the installation process, downloading the Windows 10 ISO directly from Microsoft is an excellent option. This method allows you to obtain the installation files without using third-party tools, giving you the flexibility to create installation media using your preferred method.

  1. Visit the software download page on Microsoft's website.
  2. Select your desired Windows edition and click "Confirm".
  3. Choose "64-bit Download" or "32-bit Download".
  4. The ISO file will begin downloading. Once complete, you can use this file to create installation media.

Method 3: Unattended Installation

For advanced users or IT professionals managing multiple installations, the unattended Windows 10 installation method offers a streamlined approach. By creating an answer file containing your desired settings and configurations, you can automate the installation process and save time.

  1. Create an answer file with your installation preferences, including partition settings.
  2. Input your desired partition settings, such as drive letters and sizes.
  3. Download and copy your answer file to the root directory of your installation media.
  4. During the Windows setup, your answer file will be detected, and the installation will proceed automatically.

How to Create Windows Installation Media When Encounter Errors

Sometimes, you may encounter the "Windows OS couldn’t be installed" error, or you might find the Windows 11 installation process too complicated. In such cases, you can create a portable and bootable Windows 10/11 USB, which allows you to run Windows OS  on any PC without installation. For this purpose, we strongly recommend using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This is a powerful disk management utility. This tool enables you to perform various disk management operations, including operating system migration, SSD secure erase, and the creation of a Windows To Go USB drive.

If you don't want to install Windows 10/11 from a USB flash drive, you can try the Windows To Go Creator function, which allows you to use the operating system on any computer you connect the USB drive to. You can free download the demo now!

Free Download Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Preparations:

1. A USB flash drive with a capacity larger than 13GB.

2. Download the Windows 10 ISO file.

Step 1: Connect the USB flash drive to your PC, and when it's detected, launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.

Step 2: Click on the "Tools" option on the top toolbar, then select "Windows To Go Creator" from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Choose the first option "Choose Windows ToGo for personal computer" and click "Next".

Step 4: Select the first option "Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO" and choose the ISO file by clicking on the folder icon. Afterward, click "Next" to proceed.

Step 5: Select your USB flash drive and click "Proceed" to start the creation process.

AOMEI Partition Assistant is also a smart disk and data management wizard. It is suggested to use the following functions to better manage your Windows PC. You can visit the official website to get more details.

Summary 

This passage discusses three methods for creating Windows installation media, focusing on Windows 10 as an example. The first method involves using the Windows Media Creation Tool, which provides a user-friendly interface for creating installation media. The second method is to download the Windows 10 ISO directly from Microsoft's website, giving users more control over the installation process. The third method, unattended installation, is suitable for advanced users or IT professionals managing multiple installations, as it allows for the creation of an answer file containing desired settings and configurations to automate the installation process.

In case of errors or complications during the Windows installation process, the passage recommends using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional to create a portable Windows 10 USB stick, also known as Windows 10 To Go. This option allows users to run Windows 10 on any PC without installation.

FAQs

1. What is the Windows Media Creation Tool, and how does it help in creating Windows installation media?

The Windows Media Creation Tool is a utility provided by Microsoft that guides users through the process of creating installation media for Windows 10, from selecting the desired edition to choosing the appropriate storage device.

2. How can I download the Windows 10 ISO directly from Microsoft?

To download the Windows 10 ISO directly from Microsoft, visit the software download page on their website, select your desired Windows edition, confirm your choice, and choose between the 64-bit or 32-bit download option.

3. What is an unattended Windows 10 installation, and who is it suitable for?

An unattended Windows 10 installation involves creating an answer file containing desired settings and configurations to automate the installation process. This method is suitable for advanced users or IT professionals managing multiple installations.

4. What can I do if I encounter errors or find the Windows installation process too complicated?

If you encounter errors or find the Windows installation process too complicated, you can create a portable Windows 10 USB stick using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This allows you to run Windows 10 on any PC without installation.

5. What is Windows 10 To Go, and how can I create it?

Windows 10 To Go is a portable Windows 10 USB drive that allows you to use the operating system on any computer you connect the USB drive to. To create a Windows 10 To Go drive, you need a USB flash drive with a capacity larger than 13GB and the Windows 10 ISO file. You can then use AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional to create the portable USB drive by following the steps outlined in the passage.