Looking to upgrade your current computer to Windows 11 or install it from scratch on a new computer? Microsoft’s Windows 11 Media Creation Tool may now be downloaded and used to build an installation file. It can be copied to a bootable USB stick or burned to a DVD. Read this article to know how to Clean Install Windows 11 Using Media Creation Tool.
However, Microsoft has set a mid-2022 deadline for the entire distribution of Windows 11 to all eligible PCs, so the new upgrade will not be available to everyone right now. If you’re impatient and want to upgrade to Windows 11 right away, you may do it with the official Windows 11 Installation Assistant. You may also use the media creation tool to generate a bootable USB stick for a clean install of Windows 11. This article will show you how to get the Windows 11 media creation tool and build a Windows 11 bootable USB for a clean installation
Microsoft is sending out Windows 11 to suitable Windows 10 devices in stages, which means it could be weeks or months before you get the update. You can wait for the new OS to be released on your PC if you’re not in a hurry to install it. The Media Creation Tool, on the other hand, is your best bet if you want to upgrade straight away. This is how it goes.
Also Read: Unable to Create A New Folder In Windows 11?
What Is the Media Creation Tool in Windows 11?
To configure a new laptop or desktop computer, a clean installation of Windows 11 is the process of entirely deleting the computer’s hard drive and deploying a fresh copy of the operating system. You can also use this method to fix problems with an existing setup. Fixing memory, shut off, startup, applications, stability, and performance concerns, for example. Furthermore, and perhaps more crucially, a clean install of Windows 11 can enhance battery life and is the most effective way to remove viruses and other spyware.
To perform a clean install or fix a problematic PC, use the official Windows 11 Media Creation Tool to obtain the ISO file or generate an installation media (Bootable Device).
Previously, you could utilize the media generation tool to do an in-place upgrade or create installation media. However, as of Windows 11, the media creation tool may only be used to create USB bootable media or download the ISO file. This implies you won’t be able to update in place anymore.
The media creation tool’s UI is essentially the same as it was for Windows 10. But it’s useful since we can use it to obtain the iso and install Windows 11 on machines that aren’t supported or compatible.
Use this option to download the media creation tool to create a bootable USB or DVD for a reinstall or clean install of Windows 11 on a new or used PC.
To get started, you’ll need a Windows 11 installation license or a Windows 10 device that can be upgraded to Windows 11.
Also Read: How To Debloat Windows 11
Check to see whether you have:
- A link to the internet (internet service provider fees may apply).
- There is enough data storage on the computer, USB drive, or external drive where the.iso file is being downloaded.
- To make a bootable disc, you’ll need a blank DVD disc with at least 8GB (and a DVD burner). Because any content on a blank USB or blank DVD will be destroyed during installation, we recommend using one.
- If you get the notice “disc image file is too huge” when trying to create a DVD bootable disc from an ISO file, consider using a Dual Layer DVD with a larger capacity.
Ensure that the PC on which Windows 11 will be installed meets the following requirements:
- Has a 64-bit CPU: Windows 11 is only compatible with 64-bit processors. Go to Settings > System > About to see whether your PC has one, or search “System Information” in Windows and look under “System Type.”
- Meets the following system requirements: Not all Windows 10 devices will be eligible for the Windows 11 update. Upgrade requirements and available features can be found in the Windows 11 device specs. Certain features necessitate the use of additional hardware. We also suggest that you check the manufacturer’s website for information on current drivers and hardware compatibility for your PC.
- WARNING: It is not recommended to install Windows 11 media on a PC that does not meet the Windows 11 minimum system requirements. It may cause compatibility issues. If you install Windows 11 on a PC that doesn’t meet the minimum requirements, that PC will no longer be supported and will no longer be eligible for updates. Damage to the computer caused by incompatibility is not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Also Read: How To Install Ubuntu 20.04 LTS On VirtualBox In Windows 11?
How can I get my PC ready for a fresh install of Windows 11?
Because a clean installation deletes everything on the target drive, it’s critical to take the necessary precautions to avoid problems and data loss.
If you already have a computer and file backup. You either have an activation key or the current setup is properly activated. If the device can boot from a USB flash drive and all non-essential accessories have been detached, you may skip this step and go straight to creating bootable media and doing a clean install.
Make a backup
Before beginning with a clean installation, make sure you have an updated backup of the complete device so you can recover if something goes wrong. Unless, of course, you don’t have anything significant to preserve. (On Windows 11, 10, and 8.1, the backup procedure should be similar.)
Back up the whole system.
Many options are available in Windows 11 or Windows 10. The traditional System Image Backup tool, on the other hand, is the simplest way to create a full backup. The programme is also compatible with Windows 8.1 and previous versions.
OneDrive can be used to back up files.
You may upload your papers, photos, and other essential information to OneDrive or another cloud storage service if you need to back them up.
You may also utilise the backup settings tab in OneDrive to automatically sync your profile folders (Documents, Pictures, and Desktop) to the cloud.
Follow these steps to set up OneDrive backup:
- From the notification area, select the OneDrive (cloud) button.
- Select the Help & Settings option from the drop-down menu.
- Choose the choice for Settings.
- Go to Backup and choose it.
- Select Manage Backup from the drop-down menu.
- (Optional) To delete a folder that you don’t want to backup to the cloud, click it.
- To begin the backup, press the Start button.
OneDrive will backup the files in the user profile folders to the cloud and across computers once you’ve completed the procedures.
Back up your files to an external hard drive.
Uploading to the cloud can be costly and time-consuming if you have a large number of files. If this is the case, moving the files to an external USB hard drive is the next best option.
To make a manual file backup, connect a drive with appropriate space and follow these steps:
- Open the File Explorer programme.
- Press Enter after typing the following path in the address bar:
%HOMEPATH%
Quick tip: From C:Users, you can access other profile directories.
- To select all of the folders, use the Ctrl + A keyboard shortcut or the mouse.
- Copy the selection by right-clicking it and selecting Copy from the menu.
- Go to the external USB storage device.
6. Select Paste from the context menu when you right-click on an empty space.
After you’ve finished the procedures, go over them again to back up the remaining accounts (if applicable).
In addition to generating a backup of your files, it’s a good idea to make a list of the programmes you have installed. Along with their product keys (if relevant), so you know which ones you’ll need to reinstall in the new configuration.
This is an excellent moment to export your browser credentials and links if you don’t usually sync passwords and bookmarks with an online service.
How can I get the media creation tool for Windows 11?
- With the release of Windows 11, Microsoft also made the media creation tool available for download on the official Windows 11 download website. The Windows 11 media creation tool is also available for download from the Microsoft website.
- To begin, open your preferred web browser and click on the link.
- This will take you to the official Windows 11 download page from Microsoft Web Site.
- Windows 11 Installation Assistant, Create Windows 11 Installation Media, and Download Windows 11 Disk Image are the three download choices available (ISO).
- To download the media creation tool on your device, click on download now next to build Windows 11 installation media.
Using the media creation tool, create a Windows 11 USB flash stick.
- Here’s how to use the media creation tool to make Windows 11 installation media (Bootable USB).
- To begin, download and save the media creation programme to your downloads folder.
- Run as administrator by right-clicking on the media production tool.
- If the User account control prompts you for permission, select yes.
- You must first read and accept the Microsoft licence conditions before proceeding. Before selecting Accept, scroll down and read the licencing conditions.
- This time, the media creation tool has been simplified, and you won’t find any options to upgrade or choose a 32-bit version because Windows 11 is only available in 64-bit versions.
- If you need to alter the language, uncheck the “use the suggested option for this PC” box and choose the language from the drop-down menu.
- Then press the next button. There will be two options: a USB flash drive and an ISO file.
- Select the USB flash drive option because we’re making bootable media.
- Then choose that USB from the list, and if it isn’t there, make sure to refresh the page.
Keep in mind that anything on the drive you choose will be wiped, so be sure you choose the proper one.
- Then click next to begin downloading the Windows 11 installation files. The internet connection determines the download time.
- And the process will build a bootable USB drive that you can use to boot your machine and install the new Windows 11 version.
- Click the Finish button after producing the USB.
- That’s all; you may now install Windows 11 on the device utilising UEFI and the USB disc.
Using the Media Creation Tool, download Windows 11.
- You can also download Windows 11 ISO images to your local computer using the Windows 11 media creation tool, as previously mentioned. This is how you do it.
- To begin, go to the official website and download the media creation tool.
- Locate the Windows 11 media creation tool in the download folder and right-click to launch as administrator.
- Before proceeding, you must accept the software licence conditions. To do so, click Accept.
- After that, you can choose between using the recommended selections for this PC or unchecking this box to choose a different language.
- On the next screen, you must select the ISO file in order to download the Windows 11 ISO file, then click Next.
- Now you’ll be prompt to choose a location for the Windows 11 ISO to download; select a location and then click Save.
The download for Windows 11 will begin, as will the creation procedure for that iso, both of which will take a few minutes depending on your internet connection.After that, you’ll have the iso in the location you specified before.
You can now use that ISO image to make a bootable USB and perform a clean installation of Windows 11.
Conclusion
This concludes our tutorial on how to use the Windows 11 media production tool. You can upgrade your device to Windows 11 by following the procedures outlined above to download and install the media creation tool.
