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Windows 10 Media Creation Tool Not Working: How To Fix
Your antivirus might be all that is stopping the tool from working ?
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
Software distribution is nowadays mostly digital, and even Microsoft changed its approach with Windows 10. However,Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, the best tool for the job, isn’t as flawless as one would imagine.
Occasionally, it prompts users with theThere was a problem running this toolmessage in Windows 10. The error is mostly followed by the alphanumeric error code which varies.
?Why is Windows Media Creation Tool not working?
The Windows media creation tool not working on a USB flash or the .exe file for various reasons. Some of these reasons include:
Moreover, here are some variations of the error that you may encounter:
Why Media Creation Tool is not opening?
Problems with Media Creation Tool not opening can be caused by the error0x80072f8f – 0x20000, which is triggered by the TLS 1.2 being turned off.If you can’t even get the app to launch, it’s either because the app files are corrupt, in which case you’ll have to fix/restore them.
Another common issue that prevents Media Creation Tool from opening is not having the correct permissions. Some apps require admin right to run properly.
Consider changing your background apps as well. Sometimes an app may not launch because it has not closed properly and is still running in the background.
How do I fix Windows Media Creation Tool if it’s not working?
➡️ Before exploring the fixes in this guide, don’t hesitate to precheck:
If these do not work, you can now proceed to the fixes below.
1. Run the Windows Media Creation tool as Admin (worked for most users ✅)
Certain programs need special permission in order to access and change system-related settings. Now, even though the Media Creation Tool is provided by Microsoft, just a simple double-click won’t suffice. Especially on older Windows versions.
In order to avoid theWindows Media Creation Tool not working error code 0x80072f8f – 0x20000, ensure to run it as an administrator.
2.Right-click the setup file and openProperties.
- Click theCompatibilitytab at the top and chooseRun this program in compatibility mode forunderCompatibility mode.
4.From the drop-down menu, chooseWindows 7.
5.Now, check theRun this program as an administratorand clickApplyfollowed byOKto save the changes.
Of course, you will have to provide the administrator credentials for this solution to work.
2. Disable your antivirus
Sometimes, your antivirus might be the one preventing the Media Creation Tool from working. The steps above will help you disable the built-in security tool on Windows.
If you have athird-party antivirus, it is advised you disable it within the app or remove it completely. However, it must be noted that it is not safe to use your system without security software for long.
So, make sure you enable it as soon as you finish running the Media Creation Tool.
3. Enable the required services
Many users turn to Media Creation Tool when they want to speed up the upgrade to a major build.
Now, this tool, just like the Windows Update feature, uses update-related services and it heavily depends on their performance. Services like BITS are of utmost importance, even for a non-native application like Media Creation Tool.
So, you need to keep these services running to prevent any issues.
4. Tweak the Registry
Try running the Media Creation Tool again and see if it works. Follow the steps above carefully to avoid generating more errors. Corruption in the registry can cause BSoDS and app crashes.
In case something like that happens, we got you covered with our guide onhow you can restore the registry without a backup. It is not difficult, but it may take some time.
5. Try a third-party tool instead
Finally, if you’re in possession of a Windows 10 ISO file, but can’t use Media Creation Tool to create bootable media, there’s always an alternative.
Most users would immediately turn toRufus, which is a small, portable third-party tool.
With it, you should be able to create a bootable media USB and avoid the aforementioned errors withMedia Creation Tool.
The Media Creation Tool is a great way to create operating system backups that will help you restore your data in case anything happens to your PC. So, when this tool stops working, it affects a lot of people.
We hope you were able to fix this problem with the solutions in this guide. Also, if you are facing theMedia Creation Tool access denied ISO to USBissue, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.
In case you have questions or alternative solutions regarding the Media Creation Tool error, it would be nice to share them with us in the comments section below.
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Aleksandar Ognjanovic
Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.
Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.
In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.
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