As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-life, Microsoft has unintentionally disrupted a crucial upgrade pathway for users looking to transition to Windows 11. The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool (MCT), once a reliable option for Windows 10 users, has encountered significant issues, rendering it ineffective for upgrades. Recent tests conducted by Windows Latest have confirmed that the latest version of the MCT fails to function properly on Windows 10 systems.
With official support for Windows 10 set to conclude on October 14, 2025, users are urged to consider upgrading to Windows 11. After this date, Windows 10 will no longer receive free security updates or bug fixes, leaving devices more susceptible to security vulnerabilities. This impending deadline has prompted a surge of users eager to install Windows 11, particularly those who may have delayed their upgrade plans.
For those whose PCs meet the necessary hardware specifications for Windows 11, the simplest upgrade method involves navigating to the Settings app on their Windows 10 device. By selecting Update & Security followed by Windows Update, users can click Check for updates. If eligible, a prompt for the Windows 11 upgrade will appear, allowing users to click Download and install to initiate the process.
While many users prefer the Windows Update method, others may opt for a clean installation using the Media Creation Tool. However, given the current malfunction of the MCT, this option is temporarily unavailable.
Windows 11 Installation Media fails on Windows 10 devices
As noted by Windows Latest, Microsoft has acknowledged a known issue with the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool, specifically version 26100.6584, released on September 29, 2025. Users attempting to run the tool on Windows 10 devices have reported that it closes unexpectedly without displaying any error messages.
In our testing, we found that downloading the Media Creation Tool from the Windows 11 ISO page resulted in the application abruptly closing after the initial prompt. All attempts to utilize the tool on a Windows 10 device were met with failure. Microsoft has indicated that they are actively working on a solution and will provide an update for the MCT in the future, although a specific timeline remains undisclosed.
What to do if the Media Creation Tool doesn’t work?
For users still seeking a bootable USB or a clean installation of Windows 11, Microsoft offers a workaround: downloading the Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO). This can be accomplished by visiting the Microsoft download page and locating the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices” section. By selecting the appropriate options and downloading the ISO file, users can manually mount it using File Explorer and execute setup.exe, effectively mimicking the process of the Media Creation Tool.
While the Windows Update and Media Creation Tool remain popular methods for installing Windows 11, the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is highly recommended. This application automatically configures the Windows 11 download based on the current settings of the device, streamlining the installation process.
Make sure your Windows 10 PC meets the Windows 11 requirements
Before proceeding with the upgrade, users should verify that their Windows 10 device is compatible with Windows 11. This can be done by downloading Microsoft’s official PC Health Check app and clicking the “Check now” button. Microsoft specifies that eligible devices must have a dual-core 64-bit CPU supporting TPM 2.0, UEFI with Secure Boot, a minimum of 4GB RAM, and 64GB of storage.
For those whose devices do not meet these requirements, Microsoft suggests recycling or trading in their Windows 10 PCs.
What to do if you want to continue using Windows 10?
Despite being a decade old, Windows 10 still has a loyal user base, even as Windows 11 introduces a host of AI features. For users who prefer to stick with Windows 10, Microsoft offers the option to extend security updates for an additional year, until October 13, 2026, through enrollment in the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program.
To enroll, users can find an “Enroll now” button within the Windows Update settings. The process is straightforward, requiring only a few seconds and meeting one of the following criteria:
- Sign in with a Microsoft account and keep it linked.
- Utilize 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points to bypass OneDrive sync.
- Pay to continue using a local account without logging into a Microsoft account.
Early testing indicates that Microsoft is encouraging users to transition to cloud accounts, as the ESU license is tied to the Microsoft account. Notably, if multiple PCs are linked to the same account, each device requires its own ESU activation.
Additionally, Microsoft has clarified that if users stop signing in with their Microsoft account for 60 days, their Windows 10 ESU status will expire, necessitating re-enrollment.
Different rules if you’re in the EU
In Europe, Microsoft has adjusted its ESU enrollment process. While a Microsoft account remains mandatory, the requirement for OneDrive sync has been removed due to EU regulations. As a result, the ESU prompt appears more streamlined for European users, without references to Rewards points or OneDrive.
Interestingly, users can switch their system’s region to a European country to take advantage of the cleaner enrollment prompt, with the option to revert back afterward.
As Microsoft aims to encourage a transition to Windows 11, the recent malfunction of the Media Creation Tool just before the end-of-life for Windows 10 appears to be an oversight. A resolution is anticipated in the near future, restoring a smoother upgrade path for users.
