How to Create Windows 10 Installation Media: A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Create Windows 10 Installation Media: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are planning to install Windows 10 on your computer, you will need to create a Windows 10 installation media. This will allow you to boot your computer from the media and install the operating system on your computer. In this article, we will go through the steps to create Windows 10 installation media.

Step 1: Check Your Computer Requirements

Before creating Windows 10 installation media, make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements for Windows 10. Windows 10 requires a 1 GHz or faster processor, 1 GB of RAM for 32-bit version and 2 GB of RAM for 64-bit version, 16 GB of free hard disk space for 32-bit version and 20 GB for 64-bit version, and a DirectX 9 graphics card or later with a WDDM 1.0 driver.

Step 2: Download the Windows 10 ISO file

You can download the Windows 10 ISO file from the Microsoft website. The ISO file contains all the files needed to install Windows 10. You will need a reliable internet connection to download the file as it is large in size. Once you have downloaded the ISO file, save it on your computer.

Step 3: Prepare a USB Drive

To create Windows 10 installation media, you will need a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space. Make sure the USB drive is empty, or you have backed up any important data on it as the process will erase all data on the drive.

Step 4: Create Windows 10 Installation Media

To create Windows 10 installation media, you will need to use the Media Creation Tool. You can download the tool from the Microsoft website. Once you have downloaded the tool, run it on your computer.

The Media Creation Tool will ask you to accept the license terms. Once you have accepted the terms, you will be asked to select the language, edition, and architecture of Windows 10. Select the options that match the ISO file you downloaded earlier.

The tool will then ask you to select the type of media you want to use. Select USB flash drive and insert the USB drive into your computer. The tool will detect the USB drive automatically.

Click on the Next button to start the process of creating Windows 10 installation media. The tool will format the USB drive and copy the Windows 10 installation files to it. This process may take some time depending on your computer’s speed and the size of the ISO file.

Step 5: Boot Your Computer from the USB Drive

Once the installation media is ready, you can use it to install Windows 10 on your computer. Insert the USB drive into your computer and restart your computer. Your computer should boot from the USB drive automatically. If it doesn't, you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS settings.

Once the computer boots from the USB drive, follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 on your computer.

When installing Windows 10 from the USB drive, you will be presented with on-screen instructions that will guide you through the installation process. Here's what you can expect during the installation:

Step 1: Language and Time Settings

Select your preferred language, time zone, and currency format. Click on the Next button to continue.

Step 2: Install Now

Click on the Install Now button to start the installation process.

Step 3: Enter Product Key

Enter the product key for Windows 10. If you don't have a product key, click on the "I don't have a product key" link to continue. You can enter the product key later.

Step 4: Accept License Terms

Read the license terms and select the checkbox to accept them. Click on the Next button to continue.

Step 5: Choose Installation Type

Select the installation type that you want. You can choose to upgrade your current version of Windows or perform a clean installation.

If you choose to upgrade, Windows will keep your personal files and apps, and upgrade your current version of Windows to Windows 10. If you choose to perform a clean installation, Windows will erase all your files and apps and install a fresh copy of Windows 10.

Step 6: Choose Partition and Format

Select the partition where you want to install Windows 10. If you want to create a new partition, click on the New button to create a new partition.

Select the partition and click on the Format button to format the partition. Formatting will erase all data on the partition, so make sure you have backed up any important data.

Step 7: Install Windows

Click on the Next button to start the installation process. Windows will copy the installation files to your computer and restart your computer several times during the installation process.

Step 8: Personalize Windows

After the installation is complete, you will be asked to personalize Windows by setting up your account, computer name, and other settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.

Conclusion

Installing Windows 10 from a USB drive is a straightforward process. Just follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 on your computer. Make sure you have backed up any important data before you start the installation process.

"How to Fix 'Media Driver Missing' Error During Windows 10 Installation"

If you encounter the "Media driver missing" error during Windows 10 installation, it means that the installation media does not contain the necessary drivers for your computer's hardware. This can happen if you are installing Windows 10 from a USB drive, DVD or other external media.

Here are some solutions that you can try to resolve the "Media driver missing" error:

Solution 1: Use a Different USB Port

Try plugging the USB drive into a different USB port on your computer. Some USB ports may not work properly, and this can cause the "Media driver missing" error during installation.

Solution 2: Check USB Drive

Check the USB drive for any physical damage or errors. If you find any issues, try using a different USB drive to create the installation media.

Solution 3: Update BIOS

Check if there are any BIOS updates available for your computer. Updating the BIOS can resolve compatibility issues between the installation media and your computer's hardware.

Solution 4: Load Drivers During Installation

When you encounter the "Media driver missing" error, click on the Cancel button to exit the installation process. Then, follow these steps:

Remove the USB drive or DVD from your computer.

Reinsert the USB drive or DVD into your computer.

Restart the installation process.

When you reach the "Where do you want to install Windows?" screen, click on the Load Driver button.

Browse to the location where you have saved the driver files and install the necessary drivers for your computer's hardware.

After installing the drivers, continue with the installation process as usual.

Solution 5: Use DISM Tool

You can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to fix any issues with the installation media. Follow these steps:

Insert the Windows 10 installation media into your computer.

Press the Windows key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.

In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:WIM:X:\Sources\Install.wim:1 /LimitAccess

Replace X with the drive letter of the Windows 10 installation media.

Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.

Try to install Windows 10 again.

Conclusion

The "Media driver missing" error during Windows 10 installation can be caused by various factors, including compatibility issues, damaged installation media, and missing drivers. Try the solutions above to resolve the error and successfully install Windows 10 on your computer.