- To create a Windows 11 24H2 USB flash drive with the Media Creation Tool, download the tool from Microsoft, launch the setup, click “Accept,” click “Next,” choose “ISO file,” click “Next,” “Next,” and “Finish.”
- To create a Windows 11 24H2 ISO file, download the tool from Microsoft, launch the setup, click “Accept,” click “Next,” choose “USB flash drive,” click “Next,” select location, and “Finish.”
UPDATED 1/27/2027: When the time comes to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 (2024 Update), you may need the Media Creation Tool to create a USB bootable media or an ISO file. Although you can use other tools like Rufus and Ventoy, the Media Creation Tool is the official application from Microsoft that has been designed to download the installation files and create a bootable media or ISO file to perform an in-place upgrade or clean install of Windows 11.
It’s important to note that the software giant only makes the current version available for download, so you can’t choose the version to download and install. For instance, once version 24H2 becomes on October 1, 2024, you won’t be able to use the tool to download version 23H2, 22H2, or 21H2.
In this guide, I will teach you how to use the Media Creation Tool to create a USB bootable media or ISO file for Windows 11.
- Create Windows 11 24H2 USB using Media Creation Tool
- Create Windows 11 24H2 ISO file using Media Creation Tool
Create Windows 11 24H2 USB using Media Creation Tool
To create a bootable Windows 11 24H2 USB install media with the Media Creation Tool, use these steps:
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Open Microsoft support website.
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Click the Download Now button under the “Create Windows 11 installation media” section.
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Double-click the mediacreationtool.exe file to launch the tool.
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Click the Accept button.
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Click the Next button.
Quick note: Clear the “Use the recommended options for this PC” option to select the correct language, architecture, and edition to create a Windows 11 24H2 USB for another device. -
Select the USB flash drive option.
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Click the Next button.
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Select the USB flash drive from the list. Quick note: This process will delete everything on the drive, so make sure to back up any important files.
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Click the Next button.
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Click the Finish button.
Once you complete the steps, you can start a device using UEFI with the USB drive to install Windows 11 24H2.
Create Windows 11 24H2 ISO file using Media Creation Tool
To download the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file with the Media Creation Tool, use these steps:
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Click the Download Now button under the “Create Windows 11 installation media” section.
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Double-click the mediacreationtool.exe file to launch the tool.
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Click the Accept button.
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Click the Next button.
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Select the ISO file option.
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Click the Next button.
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Select the location to save the file.
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Confirm a name for the image – for example, Windows_11_24H2_Setup.
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Click the Save button.
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Click the Finish button.
After you complete the steps, the Media Creation Tool will create an ISO file to create a bootable USB media. You can also mount the ISO file on File Explorer to launch the Windows 11 24H2 setup without the need for a USB flash drive.
Update January 27, 2025: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].