issue trying to create a bootable USB using the MediaCreationTool_22(H2) - doesn't ask where to create it???
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BBJR
0
Reputation points
Trying to create a bootable USB for Windows 10 for another computer that just has the circle spinning,
downloaded the Mediation Tool and when I run it, it never says where to create the files, keeps telling me I need 8 gig on my C:
Shouldn't it ask where I want to place the bootable files? Help.
Ben
Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade
3 answers
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DaveM121 850.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor2026-02-10T14:10:37.2466667+00:00 When you use the Media Creation Tool, that tool first downloads the required files to the C drive before it begins the process of creating the bootable USB, then when the USb is created, the temporary files on the C drive will be deleted automatically, there is no method available to set the Media Creation Tool to use another drive for those temporary files, are you short of space on your C drive?
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DaveM121 850.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-02-10T14:58:23.53+00:00 Download the free TreeSize app from the Microsoft Store.
Very Important - to run TreeSize, you must right click its icon and choose Run as Administrator.
Please provide a screenshot of your C drive in that TreeSize utility, so I can see your hard drive and work out where that space is being used and if there is an underlying problem.
Please ensure the full TreeSize window is in the screenshot, there is information on the top and bottom bars I needs to see.
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Q&A Assist2026-02-10T13:35:57.8233333+00:00 AI generated content. This question contains an answer created with AI from Q&A Assist. Learn moreWhen using the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB for Windows 10, it typically requires a minimum of 8 GB of free space on the drive where the tool is running, which is often the C: drive. However, the Media Creation Tool should prompt you to select the USB drive where you want to create the bootable media.
If it is not asking you to select a location for the bootable files, ensure that:
- You are using the latest version of the Media Creation Tool.
- You have sufficient space on the USB drive you intend to use.
- The USB drive is properly connected and recognized by the system.
If the tool continues to default to the C: drive without prompting for the USB drive, you may want to try the following:
- Restart the Media Creation Tool and see if it prompts you again.
- Check if there are any updates for the tool or your Windows version that might resolve this issue.
- Consider using an alternative method to create a bootable USB, such as using the command line with the
MakeWinPEMediacommand if you have access to Windows PE tools.
If the problem persists, you might need to look for troubleshooting steps specific to the Media Creation Tool or consider using a different USB drive.
References: