Windows Media Tool 10 For Usb On Mac

| 11-05-2021
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Media Creation Tool for Windows 10 is a tiny program to create installation media like USB flash drive, DVD or bootable ISO files to install Windows 10 (32/64-Bit) on a different PC or upgrade the existing one in case of Windows 7, 8 and 8.1. This videos shows how to install Windows 10 on a USB drive when the Media Creation Tool won't work.

Jun 22, 2015  How to Create a Windows 10 Installer USB Drive from Mac OS X Jun 22, 2015 - 69 Comments Windows 10 is able to run on all modern Mac hardware in a. Windows 10 will download within the application, ready for you to choose your version, system architecture, and which versions you’d like to include in your Windows 10 installation media. If you choose to install directly to a USB or disc, follow the onscreen instructions to complete your installation. Windows 10 will download within the application, ready for you to choose your version, system architecture, and which versions you’d like to include in your Windows 10 installation media. If you choose to install directly to a USB or disc, follow the onscreen instructions to complete your installation.

Now playing:Watch this: Here's how you install Windows 10 on a Mac

Editors' note: This post was updated on August 12, 2015, with information on how to remove Windows from a dual-boot Mac.

If you haven't already heard, Windows 10 is pretty great and worth installing on your PC. Apple fans won't miss out either, since the new operating system can be installed on your Mac as well.

To install Windows 10 on a Mac, you will need the following:

  • The Mac you plan to install Windows 10 on
  • A thumb drive with at least 5GB of storage space (for reference, I named mine 'WININSTALL')
  • A second computer that already runs Windows
  • A fast Internet connection

Note that you won't need a Windows 10 license for the installation, but you will need to buy one if you want to continue to use it on your Mac after the 30-day trial period.

Following these instructions will install Windows 10 on your Mac in a dual-boot configuration, meaning you'll have the option to choose which operating system (Windows 10 or Mac OS) to use each time you turn on the computer. And, if you later on change your mind, the guide also includes the information on how you can remove Windows afterwords.

This guide is for a Mac that doesn't have already have Windows installed. If yours already has Windows 7 or Windows 8 on your Mac, you can upgrade it to Windows 10 the normal way.

Part 1: Getting the Windows 10 file on your Mac

Step 1: Insert the flash drive into your Windows computer and download Windows 10's media creation tool from Microsoft. There are 32-bit and 64-bit versions, depending on which Windows system you intend to use the tool on. If you're not sure whether your computer is using 64-bit or 32-bit Windows, here's how you can find out. Only the version compatible with your system will actually run.

Step 2: Open the downloaded media creation tool, choose Create installation media for another PC then click Next.


Step 3: Select the Language, Edition and the 64-bitArchitecture for Windows 10, then click Next. It's important that you select the 64-bit Architecture, unless your Mac specifically supports only the 32-bit architecture (very few do). If you select the 32-bit or both option, you may run into problems later on.

As for what edition of Windows to get, check out this chart to find out if Pro or Home fits you best. Keep in mind that you will need to buy a license later when you need to activate Windows and the Pro edition is more expensive than the Home edition. The N edition of Windows 10 is for certain European markets.

Step 4: Choose to save Windows 10 installer as an ISO file then click on Next. Don't worry, you won't need a DVD burner or a DVD at all.

Note that you'll want to avoid using the USB flash drive option here since, in my experience, the Windows 10 USB installer drive created using Windows has trouble working on certain Macs.

Step 5: Choose a location to save the Windows ISO file. For this guide, I chose to save that file on the flash drive, but you can save it anywhere on the computer and then copy it onto the flash drive later.

Depending on your Internet connection, this will take between a few minutes and several hours. Once the file has been saved on the flash drive, remove it from your Windows computer and insert it into your Mac.

You will not need the Windows computer again for the rest of the process.

Part 2: Getting the flash drive and your Mac's partition ready

Windows Media Tool 10 For Usb On Mac

Note: At times you'll be prompted to type in the password for your Mac's admin account. Make sure you have that ready.

Step 1: Insert and then open the flash drive. Copy the Windows ISO file onto the Mac's desktop. Leave the flash drive connected to the Mac for the rest of job. Make sure there are no other flash drives or external hard drives connected to the Mac.

Step 2: Run Boot Camp Assistant, then click on Continue. Boot Camp Assistant is located in ApplicationsUtilities folder. You can also quickly search for it using Spotlight.

Step 3: Make sure all three tasks Create a Windows 7 or later version install disk, Download the latest Windows support software from Apple and Install windows 7 or later version are checked. Then click Continue.

Step 4: If you've copied the Windows ISO file to the Mac's desktop, it will be automatically located. If you put it elsewhere on the computer, you'll need click on Choose and browse for it. The flash drive will be automatically chosen as the install disk if it's the only flash drive plugged in.

Verify everything then click on Continue. Boot Camp Assistant will then confirm the erasing of the flash drive before turning it into a Windows 10 install disk (make sure you have no important information on the flash drive.) After that it will also download the latest Windows support software onto the flash drive.

Step 5: Boot Camp Assistant will prompt you to choose the size of the partition that you'll use for Windows. Use the slider to select the size. Windows 10 itself requires at least 20GB to install, so you'll want more than that to make room for software and data. Note that this is the only time you can pick the partition size for Windows so make sure you make up your mind before continue.

Once done, without removing the flash drive, click on Install. The partitioning will takes place and then the Mac will restart. This is the end of part 2. Make sure the flash drive remained plugged in for the entire part 3.

Part 3: Installing Windows 10


Step 1: The Mac will automatically boot up from the flash drive and start the Windows Setup process. You'll be prompted to choose the Language, Time and currency format, and Keyboard settings for Windows. Do this, then click on Next.

Note: If somehow the Mac doesn't boot from the flash drive, just restart it, hold down the Option key after the Apple startup sound for available boot options, use the left/right keys to pick the flash drive -- which will likely appears as 'Windows' -- and press Enter to boot from it.

Step 2: Enter the Windows 10 product key if you have it, then click on Next, or click on Skip. The installation process will then ask you to confirm the Windows edition you want to install, and ask you to agree to the terms and conditions.

Step 3: Eventually, you will be presented with the all existing partitions, one of which is marked as BOOTCAMP. This is the partition you want to install Windows 10 on. Select it then click on Format. Do not do anything about the rest of the partitions.

Step 4: Windows Setup will then ask you to confirm, click on OK and then click on Next.

Step 5: Windows Setup will continue the rest of the setup process by itself. This should take about about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the speed of your Mac. After that, the Mac will start up with Windows 10. You will be asked to go through with the normal steps of setting up a new Windows computer, including creating an user account.

Step 6: As you log in for the first time, you will be greeted with this Boot Camp installation message. Click on Next and follow the rest of the installation, reboot the computer, and you're done!

If you don't see this message, open the flash drive, and double-click on the Setup file inside the BootCamp folder. Once Boot Camp is done installing, you can remove the flash drive from the computer. It's no longer needed.

While you have both Mac OS and Windows 10 on the same machine, you can only run one of them at a time. To manually select which operating system to run, during the startup, hold down the Option key after the Apple startup sound and then use the left and right keys to select which one you want to boot into, then press Enter. To set which operating system to boot up as default, use the Boot Camp control panel (Windows) or Startup Disk in System Preferences (Mac).

Removing Windows

If for some reason, you don't want to have Windows 10 (or any version of Windows for that matter) on your Mac anymore, you can permanently remove it and regain the disk space the Mac OS. Here are the steps.

1. Boot into Mac OS, run Boot Camp Assistant and click Continue.

2. Pick the third option that reads Remove Windows 7 or later version then click on Continue.

3. In this step, just click on Restore; you will be prompted for the Mac's admin password to confirm. After a short process, Windows will be removed like it had never been installed. Note that removing Windows also means that all data, including software and files, stored on the Windows partition will be permanently erased.

Microsoft Windows 10 Home (OEM)
  • Review
    Windows 10 review: Microsoft gets it right
Windows Media Tool 10 For Usb On Mac

Whether you arrived at Windows 10 through a dedicated upgrade 10 Compelling Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 1010 Compelling Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 10Windows 10 is coming on July 29. Is it worth upgrading for free? If you are looking forward to Cortana, state of the art gaming, or better support for hybrid devices - yes, definitely! And...Read Moreor — in case you were not eligible for a free upgradeIs Your Computer Compatible with Windows 10 & Can You Upgrade?Is Your Computer Compatible with Windows 10 & Can You Upgrade?Windows 10 is coming, possibly as soon as July. Are you eager to upgrade and will your system be eligible? In short, if your computer runs Windows 8, it should also run Windows 10. But...Read More from Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 How to Downgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 7 or 8.1How to Downgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 7 or 8.1Windows 10 is here and maybe it's not what you expected. If you already upgraded, you can perform a rollback. And if you haven't yet, create a system backup first. We show you how.Read More — purchased a shiny new Windows 10 license to upgrade toThe Ultimate Windows 10 Activation & License FAQThe Ultimate Windows 10 Activation & License FAQOne of the big confusions surrounding Windows 10 concerns its licensing and activation. This FAQ will shed some light, explain what has changed with Windows 10 version 1511 (Fall Update), and translate activation-related error codes.Read More, eventually you will have to restore or reset Windows 10How to Factory Reset Windows 10 or Use System RestoreHow to Factory Reset Windows 10 or Use System RestoreLearn how System Restore and Factory Reset can help you survive any Windows 10 disasters and recover your system.Read More.

There are now a whole host of ways to install Windows 10How to Install Windows 10 for Free on any Windows, Linux, or OS X PCHow to Install Windows 10 for Free on any Windows, Linux, or OS X PCYou don't have to upgrade to Windows 10 to try it. Whether you qualify for the free upgrade or want to try Windows 10 on Linux or OS X, you can evaluate it for free.Read More, and we’ve covered a comprehensive selection of how you can create your own installation media.

1. Windows Media Creation Tool

The first and most obvious choice for creating Windows 10 installation media is the Windows Media Creation Tool. This application allows you to get the Home or Pro versions of Windows 10, and you can pick from the 32-bit or 64-bit versionWhat's the Difference Between 32-Bit and 64-Bit Windows?What's the Difference Between 32-Bit and 64-Bit Windows?What's the difference between 32-bit and 64-bit Windows? Here's a simple explanation and how to check which version you have.Read More for both. Following your selections, you can choose to install directly to a USB drive, or download a single or dual use ISO to install to a disc at a later time.

Download the Windows Media Creation Tool. Once downloaded, run the application and select Create installation media for another PC. Windows 10 will download within the application, ready for you to choose your version, system architecture, and which versions you’d like to include in your Windows 10 installation media.

If you choose to install directly to a USB or disc, follow the onscreen instructions to complete your installation. If you’re installing further down the line, read the next section.

Windows Media Tool 10 For Usb On Machines

Without the Help of Microsoft?

If you’d like to press on without the Windows Media Creation Tool, Microsoft has made provision. The Windows 10 Tech Bench Upgrade Program [No Longer Available] allows us to download both 32-bit and 64-bit ISOs of Windows 10 without using their download and creation tool. There is no indication that the versions downloaded here or using the Media Creation Tool are in any way different, so it really is down to personal preference.

2. Make Your Own Bootable Media

If you opted to download your ISO to install at a later date, this is the section for you. Let’s take a quick look at how to transfer that ISO to a USB or a disc.

USB Installation Media

Now you have your shiny new ISO, you need to create some bootable media. I’ll be using Rufus to create our bootable USB. It is a tiny, free application, and scores relatively well among similar applications with more extensive featuresCreate a Bootable USB From an ISO With These 10 ToolsCreate a Bootable USB From an ISO With These 10 ToolsWant to create a bootable USB drive from an ISO file? We've got the ten best bootable USB drive creators around.Read More. For the purpose of this installation, we only need to create a bootable disk, so go ahead and download Rufus.

Once downloaded, open the application. Select the Device you’d like to install to. Now, head to the button highlighted in the below image. This opens a File Explorer window for you to locate your Windows 10 ISO. Once you’ve found it, select Open. Rufus should now automatically update the information for you.

Double-check the Partition type is set to MBR partition scheme for BIOS or UEFI-CSM, the file system is NTFS, and your cluster size should be set to 4096 bytes. Also ensure the option to Create a bootable disk is actually checked. It should have automatically selected when you chose the Windows 10 ISO. Set an appropriate volume label, e.g. Windows 10 64-bit ISO, and then you can press Start.

Rufus will take care of the rest. Go and make a cup of tea, and come back in about 15 minutes.

Disc Installation Media

You don’t have to use a USB to create your installation media. Many people prefer the traditional disc approach, and there are numerous free applications to help you get the job done. For this example, I’m going to use ImgBurn.

Once downloaded, install and open the application. Select Write image file to disc. Select the folder icon as highlighted in the image below.

This will open the File Explorer window10 Little Known Features of Windows File Explorer10 Little Known Features of Windows File ExplorerDon’t let Windows File Explorer fool you with its plain looks. It’s capable of many more actions and tweaks than it lets on! Let us show you a bunch of them.Read More, where you can select your Windows 10 ISO. ImgBurn should take care of the vitals, much the same as Rufus, but check the Imp ID is for a Microsoft CDIMAGE UDF, and it clearly states Bootable next to File Sys.

Make sure the disc you’re burning to has enough free space. Ideally, use a new disc. Finally, set your Write Speed. MAX sets the maximum speed available to your drive. If the write fails, you can always try setting a slower write speed. Now you’re ready to burn!

3. Unattended Windows 10 Installation

If you’re pressed for time, heading out for the evening, or simply have other tasks to get on with while installing Windows 10, you could try an unattended install. An unattended install is as it sounds: you have no input during the installation. All it takes is a little setting up beforehand.

I will be creating a bootable USB for this part of the article.

First off, we’ll need to generate an Autounattend.xml answer file. This answer file will be included in our bootable USB, and will “answer” the questions throughout the Windows 10 installation.

Head to the Windows Answer File Generator. Enter your product key, and choose which options you’d like to include, such as accepting the EULA, skipping automatic activation, skipping the license rearm, the setup language, entering your computer name, keyboard language and input, whether to use express privacy and sharing settings, and a handful of other options.

Reinstall Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

Next, we’ll deal with partition settings. We must be sure to select the right settings, or it could end rather badly.

To begin, decide if you are performing a clean install or upgrading your system. If you’re opting for a clean install, change the Wipe Disk option to Yes. Select the number of the disk to install to. If you’re unsure of the disk number, head to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Disk Management. Note the disk number and the partition number. Use my image as a reference:

Where Is The Socket For Usb On Mac

I will be installing to disk 0. Select Yes to Main Partition Active. Ensure your Main Partition Format is NTFS. Set a name for your Main Partition Label. Make sure your Main Partition Letter matches the Partition Order, e.g. my C: partition is equivalent of partition order number two.

Finally, enter your User Account information, including a User Name, whether you’d like UAC enabledStop Annoying UAC Prompts - How To Create A User Account Control Whitelist [Windows]Stop Annoying UAC Prompts - How To Create A User Account Control Whitelist [Windows]Ever since Vista, we Windows users have been pestered, bugged, annoyed, and tired of the User Account Control (UAC) prompt telling us a program is starting up that we intentionally launched. Sure, it has improved,...Read More, and whether you’d like your account to Auto-Logon. You’re all set!

Scroll down to the console box. Download your Autounattend.xml file using the Download File located underneath the box.

Windows Media Tool 10 For Usb On Machines 64-bit Machines

To complete the creation of your unattended Windows 10 installation media, follow the Bootable USB section we covered earlier in the article. When the USB is finalized, copy the Autounattend.xml to the root of the USB, alongside the installation files. The next time you need to install Windows 10, the entire process will be automated, leaving you free to drink tea and eat scones.

You’re Ready to Install

Be it through the official Windows Media Creation Tool, bootable USB or disc, you should be ready for a clean installation of Windows 10. Before commencing with your clean install, please make sure to back up any important filesHow to Create an ISO Image of Your Windows SystemHow to Create an ISO Image of Your Windows SystemNeed to backup and restore Windows without backup tools? It's time to learn how to make an ISO image of your Windows PC.Read More to a safe location – not the same drive you’ll be installing to!

It is easier than ever to install Windows 10. Are there any techniques we have missed other readers might benefit from? Let us know below!

Windows 10 Pro Media Creation Tool

Explore more about: Install Software, ISO, Windows 10.

Windows Media Tool 10 For Usb On Mac Os

  1. I purchased a new computer with Windows 10 installed. I do not therefore have a product key per se (unless it is buried somewhere within the idiosyncrasies of the computer. Can I still make a bootable USB?

    • Hi Brian,
      This is a late reply to your question but you can use utilities like Belarc to capture the key for Windows 10, along with much other valuable information about your system.

  2. This article only works for windows users, how about expanding it a bit and make a guide on how to make an Windows 10 USB stick from within Ubuntu.

    After that an article on how to make an UEFI bootable Ubuntu 16.xx USB stick with persistent from within Ubuntu 14.04 LTS would be nice, I have spent months and tried all the guides and tools available and the only thing that worked for me were dd utility - but that one makes the USB read only filesystem so you cannot make it persistent. Not even Ubuntu's own Startup Disc Creator worked, 16.04 and 16.10 hangs on boot.

    Last, an article on how to install Ubuntu 16.xx onto a UEFI GPT partitioned laptop with pre-installed Windows 10, would help allot. Tried the normal way, by booting Ubuntu 16.04 from above mentioned USB and install it - that screws up Windows partitioning and you have to repair Windows afterwards. Plus you never get a proper grub menu entry for Windows 10 - the menu entry does not boot to windows but to recovery. If you are lucky then your UEFI bios has Windows boot manger entry in its own bootmanager and you can boot from there.

  3. The tech bench website is not available: it says:
    We are sorry, the page you requested cannot be found.
    So somehow MS has blocked the download of ISO files for Windows10.