Installation and Upgrade Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media

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Win11USB Banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to create a bootable USB flash drive used to install Windows 11 with UEFI support.

You can use a Windows 11 installation USB flash drive to clean install, upgrade, reset, or repair Windows 11.

The installation USB can also be used as a recovery drive to boot to WinRE (aka: advanced startup).

Reference:

You must be signed in as an administrator to create a bootable Windows 11 installation USB.

The USB flash drive needs to be at least 8 GB or larger in size.




Contents

  • Option One: Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media with Media Creation Tool
  • Option Two: Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media with Rufus [Good on unsupported hardware]
  • Option Three: Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media in Command Prompt




Option One

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media with Media Creation Tool


This will be for a Windows 11 Version 25H2 build 26200.8457 USB.


1 Click/tap on the Download button below, and click/tap on the Download Now button at Microsoft's site below Create Windows 11 Installation Media. (see screenshot below)


Windows_11_MCT-1.png

2 Save the mediacreationtool.exe file version 10.0.26100.7019 to your desktop, and run it.

Windows_11_MCT-2.webp

3 If prompted by UAC, click/tap on Yes.

4 Click/tap on Accept for the license terms. (see screenshot below)

Windows_11_MCT-3.png

5 Uncheck the Use the recommended options for this PC box. (see screenshot below)

Leaving the Use the recommended options for this PC box checked will have the Media Creation Tool download an ISO that's the same language, edition, and architecture as the current PC.


Windows_11_MCT-4.png

6 Select (dot) USB flash drive, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Windows_11_MCT-5.png

7 Connect your USB flash drive, click/tap on the Refresh drive list link, select the USB flash drive, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

This USB flash drive will be formatted and lose all data on it.


Windows_11_MCT-6.png

8 It will now start Downloading Windows 11 and Creating Windows 11 media. (see screenshot below)

Windows_11_MCT-7.png

9 Click/tap on Finish when the USB flash drive is ready. (see screenshot below)

Windows_11_MCT-8.png




Option Two

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media with Rufus


This is a good option if you are installing Windows 11 on a PC with unsupported hardware.


1 If you have not already, you will need to download a Windows 11 ISO file.

2 Download the latest version of Rufus, and save its .exe file to your desktop.


The "portable" version is a standalone exe file that doesn't install anything to your PC. For Rufus FAQs, see: rufus FAQ on GitHub


3 Connect the 8 GB or larger USB flash drive.

This USB flash drive will be formatted and lose all data on it.


4 Run the Rufus .exe file, and click/tap on Yes if prompted by UAC.

5 Change the following settings in Rufus, and click/tap on Start when finished. (see screenshot below)
  • Under Device, select the USB flash drive you want to format and use.
  • Under Boot selection, click/tap on the SELECT button, and navigate to and select the Windows 11 ISO file.
  • Under Image option (if available), select Standard Windows installation.
  • Under Partition scheme, select GPT.
  • Under Target system, select UEFI (non CSM).
  • Under Volume label, you can enter any name you like for the USB flash drive, or leave the default name.
  • Under File system, select FAT32 or NTFS.
  • Under Cluster size, select the (Default) (ex: 4096 bytes) it has listed.
Rufus-1.webp

6 Check or uncheck the "Customize Windows installation" options you want, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below)
  • Remove Requirement for 4GB+ RAM, Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 – Check this option if you want to install Windows 11 on a computer with unsupported hardware.
  • Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account - Check this option to skip the Microsoft Account requirement. Windows 11 will not ask you to sign in with a Microsoft Account during the initial setup.
  • Create a local account with username – Rufus will create local account with the specified username in the new installation.
  • Set regional options using the same values as this user's – Rufus will copy the current regional settings to the new installation.
  • Disable data collection (Skip privacy questions) - Windows Setup will not ask you to "Choose privacy settings for your device" during installation.
  • Disable BitLocker automatic device encryption - Windows will not automatically turn on BitLocker or Device Encryption for your OS drive if setting up a Microsoft account during installation.
  • Use "Windows CA 2023" signed bootloaders (requires KB5025885 or Mosby) - Must select a 25H2 ISO for this option to be available.
Rufus-1b.webp

7 Click/tap on OK to confirm. (see screenshot below)

Rufus-2.png

8 Rufus will now start creating the bootable USB flash drive. (see screenshot below)

Rufus-3.png

9 When finished, click/tap on Close to close Rufus. (see screenshot below)

Rufus-5.png




Option Three

Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media in Command Prompt


This option will use the dual FAT32 and NTFS partitions on the USB since the install.wim file for Windows 11 is usually over 4GB in size that prevents using only the FAT32 file system.



1 If you have not already, you will need to download a Windows 11 ISO file.

2 Connect the 8 GB or larger USB flash drive.

This USB flash drive will be formatted and lose all data on it.


3 Open an elevated Windows Terminal, and select Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.

4 Type diskpart into the elevated terminal, and press Enter. (see screenshot below step 18)

5 Type list disk into the elevated terminal, press Enter, and make note of the Disk # (ex: 3) for the USB flash drive from step 2.

6 Type select disk # into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

Substitute # in the command above with the actual Disk # (ex: 3) from step 5) above for the USB flash drive.

For example: select disk 3


7 Type clean into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

8 Type convert mbr into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

9 Type create partition primary size=1024 into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

10 Type create partition primary into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

11 Type select partition 1 into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

12 Type format fs=fat32 quick into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

13 Type assign letter=X into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

14 Type active into the elevated terminal and press Enter.

15 Type select partition 2 into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

16 Type format fs=ntfs quick into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

17 Type assign letter=Y into the elevated terminal, and press Enter.

18 You can now close the elevated Windows terminal.

diskpart.png

19 Open File Explorer (Win+E) to This PC. You will see the USB has two partitions. Partition "X" with FAT32 file system, and partition "Y" with NTFS file system. (see screenshot below)

File_Explorer_USB.png

20 Mount the ISO file from step 1.

21 Perform the following steps to copy the mounted ISO contents to the USB X: (FAT32) partition:
  1. Click/tap on the mounted ISO in the navigation pane of File Explorer to open it.
  2. Select everything except the sources folder in the mounted ISO.
  3. Right click or press and hold on the selected files.
  4. Click/tap on Show more options (Shift+F10).
Copy-1.png

22 Click/tap on Send to, and click/tap on the USB Drive (X: ). (see screenshot below)

Copy-2.png

23 Perform the following steps to copy the "boot", "efi", "support", and "sources" folder from the mounted ISO to the USB Y: (NTFS) partition:
  1. Click/tap on the mounted ISO in the navigation pane of File Explorer to open it.
  2. Select the boot, efi, support, and sources folder in the mounted ISO.
  3. Right click or press and hold on the selected folders.
  4. Click/tap on Show more options (Shift+F10).
Copy-3.png

24 Click/tap on Send to, and click/tap on the USB Drive (Y: ). (see screenshot below)

It may take a while to finish copying the "boot", "efi", "support, and "sources" folders to the USB Y: (NTFS) partition.


Copy-4.png

25 Open the USB X: (FAT32) partition, and create a new folder (Ctrl+Shift+N) named sources. (see screenshots below)

sources-1.png
sources-2.png

26 Open the Y:\sources folder from the USB Y: (NTFS) partition, and Cut (Win+X) the boot.wim file. (see screenshots below)

move_boot.wim-1.png
move_boot.wim-2.png

27 Paste (Ctrl+V) the boot.wim file from the USB Y: (NTFS) partition in step 24 into the new sources folder in the USB X: (FAT32) partition from step 23. (see screenshot below)

move_boot.wim-3.png

28 The Windows 11 bootable USB installation media is now ready.

29 You can unmount the ISO file.

30 You can now close all File Explorer windows.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Huawei MateBook D15
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3500U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Vega 8
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    256GB Samsung SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    ESET Smart Security Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI GS73 6RF Stealth Pro
    CPU
    intel core i7 6700HQ
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GTX1060 (6GB)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
The MCT will always make an MBR Fat32 USB that can boot in both UEFI and Legacy mode.

You do not need to partition or format the USB in advance, the MCT can do that for you. It will always fail if the USB has a GPT layout. This part of the MCT has not changed since Windows 10.


USB flash drive --assign drive letter back to dynamic from static - Windows 10 Help Forums - post #30
Sorry for asking another question.
Does MCT check the file integrity (e.g. SHA256) to make sure the files are downloaded correctly?
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Huawei MateBook D15
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3500U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Vega 8
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    256GB Samsung SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    ESET Smart Security Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI GS73 6RF Stealth Pro
    CPU
    intel core i7 6700HQ
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GTX1060 (6GB)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
did you remove the usb stick before the first restart after installing . I have seen where thats recommended.
Might be a split on removal or not seen post that say do it , then post thats say its fine if u dont.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    WINDOWS 11 WINDOWS 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP H8 1360T
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 -3770K CPU 3.50 GZ 3501 4 CORE
    Motherboard
    PEGATRON 2AD5
    Memory
    32.0 GB (31.9 GB usable)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD RADEON TM R5240 INTELL HD GRAPHICS 4600 TIGER 1+1 USB
    Sound Card
    AMD HD . IDT
    Monitor(s) Displays
    AOC WAL MART SPECIAL . HP 2311 IX IPS LED DELL 1708 FP
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080 1600X900 1280X940
    Hard Drives
    1 FAXING S 100 512GB 1 KINGSTON 120 GB SSD 1 X12 SSD 512 GB
    PSU
    300 WATT HP
    Case
    FULL
    Cooling
    ON BOARD FAN
    Keyboard
    LOGITEC K 520 WIRELESS
    Mouse
    LOGITEC M 510 WIRELESS
    Internet Speed
    55 UP 11.2 DOWN
    Browser
    CHROME EDGE
    Antivirus
    WINDOWS SECUIRTY
    Other Info
    NON SUPPORTED HARDWARE FOR WINDOWS 11
Sorry for asking another question.
Does MCT check the file integrity (e.g. SHA256) to make sure the files are downloaded correctly?
Yes, it verifies the download before creating the media.

1759758223928.webp


That will be SHA256, if you look in "C:\$Windows.~WS\Sources\products.xml" while the MCT is running you'll find it contains the SHA256 for each download file.

1759758654124.webp
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.

    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to mechanical deterioration this PC has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven below to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package. Also running Insider Dev, and Canary builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
did you remove the usb stick before the first restart after installing . I have seen where thats recommended.
Might be a split on removal or not seen post that say do it , then post thats say its fine if u dont.
That depends on the specific PC that's being installed to from the USB, and in particular the boot order in the BIOS. You only need to remove the USB if the PC is set to boot from USB first, in preference to the HDD. If the HDD takes precedence in the boot order then it doesn't matter.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.

    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to mechanical deterioration this PC has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven below to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package. Also running Insider Dev, and Canary builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
C:\$Windows.~WS\Sources\products.xml
Mine is like this attachment.
I think it created the 26100.4349 version!
MCT version is 26100.6584
What did I wrong?:think:
 

Attachments

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Huawei MateBook D15
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3500U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Vega 8
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    256GB Samsung SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    ESET Smart Security Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI GS73 6RF Stealth Pro
    CPU
    intel core i7 6700HQ
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GTX1060 (6GB)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Mine is like this attachment.
I think it created the 26100.4349 version!
MCT version is 26100.6584
What did I wrong?:think:
You can tell exactly what it created using Dism.


The first thing the MCT does when you run it is to download products.cab and extract the products.xml from it. This file defines the build the MCT will create. As soon as you see the licence terms you can open products.xml (by default it opens in Edge) and check which build it is for. In the UK I get one for 26200.6584 (that's 25H2).

Delete your C:\$WINDOWS .~ BT and C:\$Windows .~ WS and run the MCT again. Check products.xml before proceeding. If you don't see 26200.6584 then try again later. MS may not have rolled it out to all regions yet.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23-R9VY
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD (from April 2026: 250GB EVO 850)
    Internet Speed
    150 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October 2021 it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update, 24H2 on 3rd October 2024 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 24H2, and 25H2 on 30th September 2025 through Windows Update by setting the Target Release Version for 25H2.

    UPDATE - 11 April 2026: due to mechanical deterioration this PC has been retired from active duty. The OS with all software and files has been migrated to my System Seven below to carry on as my general purpose 'main machine'.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package. In-place upgrade to 24H2 using hybrid 23H2/24H2 install media. Upgraded to 25H2 by Enablement Package. Also running Insider Dev, and Canary builds and Windows 10 as native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro.

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 8GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Dev, Beta, and RP 24H2 as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 8GB RAM, 1TB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds (and a few others) as a native boot .vhdx.

    My SYSTEM SIX is a Dell Latitude 5550, Core Ultra 7 165H, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, supported device, Windows 11 Pro 24H2, Hyper-V host machine. Updated to 25H2 on 30th September 2025.

    My SYSTEM SEVEN is a Lenovo Thinkpad T580, Intel Core i7-8650U, 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe SSD + 2nd 512GB NVMe SSD, a supported device for Windows 11. This is my current general purpose 'main machine'. The installed Windows 11 Home from my System One has been migrated to this machine.
Yeah! It's 26100.4349...

I tested the MCT using a US IP (via VPN), as well as from France and Germany — all downloaded the products.xml file with 26100 entries.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Huawei MateBook D15
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3500U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Vega 8
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    256GB Samsung SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    ESET Smart Security Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI GS73 6RF Stealth Pro
    CPU
    intel core i7 6700HQ
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GTX1060 (6GB)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Run this PS script (as suggested by abbodi1406):
Code:
$url = 'https://fe3.delivery.mp.microsoft.com/UpdateMetadataService/updates/search/v1/bydeviceinfo/'
$hdr = [ordered]@{'Accept' = "application/json"; 'Content-Type' = "application/json"}
$bdy = @"
{"Products":"PN=Windows.Products.Cab.amd64&V=0.0.0.0","DeviceAttributes":"DUScan=1;OSVersion=10.0.26100.1"}
"@

$resp = Invoke-RestMethod -UseBasicParsing -Method POST -Uri $url -Headers $hdr -Body $bdy
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri $resp.FileLocations.Url -OutFile "$PSScriptRoot\products.cab"

You will get a 26200.6584 products.cab in the same path as your script.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Run this PS script (as suggested by abbodi1406):
Code:
$url = 'https://fe3.delivery.mp.microsoft.com/UpdateMetadataService/updates/search/v1/bydeviceinfo/'
$hdr = [ordered]@{'Accept' = "application/json"; 'Content-Type' = "application/json"}
$bdy = @"
{"Products":"PN=Windows.Products.Cab.amd64&V=0.0.0.0","DeviceAttributes":"DUScan=1;OSVersion=10.0.26100.1"}
"@

$resp = Invoke-RestMethod -UseBasicParsing -Method POST -Uri $url -Headers $hdr -Body $bdy
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri $resp.FileLocations.Url -OutFile "$PSScriptRoot\products.cab"

You will get a 26200.6584 products.cab in the same path as your script.
@Brink Give dear garlin and Bree two medals of honor please.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Huawei MateBook D15
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3500U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Vega 8
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    256GB Samsung SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    ESET Smart Security Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI GS73 6RF Stealth Pro
    CPU
    intel core i7 6700HQ
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GTX1060 (6GB)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Run this PS script (as suggested by abbodi1406):
Code:
$url = 'https://fe3.delivery.mp.microsoft.com/UpdateMetadataService/updates/search/v1/bydeviceinfo/'
$hdr = [ordered]@{'Accept' = "application/json"; 'Content-Type' = "application/json"}
$bdy = @"
{"Products":"PN=Windows.Products.Cab.amd64&V=0.0.0.0","DeviceAttributes":"DUScan=1;OSVersion=10.0.26100.1"}
"@

$resp = Invoke-RestMethod -UseBasicParsing -Method POST -Uri $url -Headers $hdr -Body $bdy
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri $resp.FileLocations.Url -OutFile "$PSScriptRoot\products.cab"

You will get a 26200.6584 products.cab in the same path as your script.
After replacing the products.cab and .xml files, it shows this message:
1759833666759.webp


Redirects to this link which is almost the same version of my MCT.

1759833767427.webp


Am I downloading the right version? https://download.microsoft.com/download/4e211187-7e51-429a-a93f-5bf9a77ad77e/MediaCreationTool.exe
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Huawei MateBook D15
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3500U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Vega 8
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    256GB Samsung SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    ESET Smart Security Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI GS73 6RF Stealth Pro
    CPU
    intel core i7 6700HQ
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GTX1060 (6GB)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Run on the command line, with products.cab in the same folder as MCT:
Code:
MediaCreationTool.exe /Selfhost

/Selfhost instructs MCT to stop downloading products.cab does every time you run MCT, and search for a local products.cab to read.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Run on the command line, with products.cab in the same folder as MCT:
Code:
MediaCreationTool.exe /Selfhost

/Selfhost instructs MCT to stop downloading products.cab does every time you run MCT, and search for a local products.cab to read.
Thanks dear garlin.

Still same error 💔 it tells me that MCT is not up to date.

Can you please upload the MCT file? Maybe MS gives me a wrong download link of MCT due to my location.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Huawei MateBook D15
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3500U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Vega 8
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    256GB Samsung SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    ESET Smart Security Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI GS73 6RF Stealth Pro
    CPU
    intel core i7 6700HQ
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GTX1060 (6GB)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I didn't have any problems when running this MCT (as self-hosted):
https://download.microsoft.com/download/4e211187-7e51-429a-a93f-5bf9a77ad77e/MediaCreationTool.exe

You may be experiencing a region-specific issue, or your debloated image has a problem.
The worst case is you have to extract the MCT image the hard way:

1. Search for the right source ISO (provided in ESD format):
Code:
C:\Users\GARLIN\Downloads>findstr CLIENTCONSUMER_RET_x64FRE_en-us products.xml | sort /unique
            <FileName>26200.6584.250915-1905.25h2_ge_release_svc_refresh_CLIENTCONSUMER_RET_x64FRE_en-us.esd</FileName>
            <FilePath>http://dl.delivery.mp.microsoft.com/filestreamingservice/files/21e11ad2-318a-44c8-ba9d-a732655fcc35/26200.6584.250915-1905.25h2_ge_release_svc_refresh_CLIENTCONSUMER_RET_x64FRE_en-us.esd</FilePath>

2. Download the ESD file.
3. Use abbodi1406's ESD -> ISO Decrypter ft. WimLib to convert ESD -> ISO.

That's a lot of work. Since both the current ISO download and MCT images are both .6584, there's no advantage to using MCT unless you really don't understand how to create a bootable USB using the ISO. When the products.cab gets refreshed, then MCT will be newer than the download ISO.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
your debloated image has a problem
I think so. Let me try with my MSI laptop—it has Windows 10 installed. I’ll be right back. Thanks, dear Garlin.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 25H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Huawei MateBook D15
    CPU
    Ryzen 5 3500U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Vega 8
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    256GB Samsung SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    ESET Smart Security Premium
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 21H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    MSI GS73 6RF Stealth Pro
    CPU
    intel core i7 6700HQ
    Memory
    16GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GTX1060 (6GB)
    Screen Resolution
    FHD
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Windows 11 version 25H2 build 26200.6899 now available to download as ISO or USB with MCT.



6899.webp
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
Windows 11 version 25H2 build 26200.7171 now available to download as ISO or USB with MCT.



26200.7171.webp
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
As expected, since the previous MCT image (.6899) broke USB support in WinRE.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
Windows 11 version 25H2 build 26200.7462 now available to download as ISO or USB with MCT.



7462.webp
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
Windows 11 version 25H2 build 26200.7623 now available to download as ISO or USB with MCT.



26200.7623.webp
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
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