Windows Media Creation Tool Error Fix

If the Windows Media Creation Tool fails with an error, the fix usually involves clearing its temporary files, running it as administrator, or downloading a fresh copy. This guide covers the most common errors and the exact steps to resolve them.

Why the Media Creation Tool Fails

The Media Creation Tool (MCT) is Microsoft’s official utility for upgrading Windows or creating installation media on a USB drive or ISO file. It fails for a variety of reasons, most commonly due to:

Corrupted download cache: The tool stores temporary files in C:\$Windows.~WS and C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. If these get corrupted, the tool errors out.
Insufficient disk space: The tool needs several gigabytes of free space to download the Windows image and write it to media.
Antivirus or firewall interference: Security software can block the tool from downloading or writing files.
Outdated or incompatible USB drive: A faulty or non-empty USB drive can cause write errors.
Network issues: Unstable connections or VPNs can interrupt the download.

Common Error Messages and What They Mean

Here are the errors you are most likely to see and what causes them:

0x80072F76 – 0x20016: This is usually a network or proxy issue. The tool cannot reach Microsoft’s servers.
0x80080005 – 0x90016: Often related to Windows Update service problems or corrupted system files.
0x80070002 – 0x20007: The tool cannot find a required file, often because the download was incomplete or the temp folder is missing.
0x8007000D – 0x90016: A generic error that can be caused by a corrupted download cache or a failing USB drive.
0x80070570: The file or database is corrupted – try re-downloading the tool.

Step-by-Step Fixes

Try these in order. Most users resolve the issue with the first two steps.

1. Run the Tool as Administrator

Right-click the downloaded MediaCreationTool.exe file.
Select Run as administrator.
If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.

This gives the tool the permissions it needs to write to system folders.

2. Clear the Temporary Files

Press Win + R, type temp, and press Enter. Delete everything inside.
Press Win + R again, type %temp%, and delete everything there too.
Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. Delete all files inside this folder. (You may need to stop the Windows Update service first – see step 4.)

3. Free Up Disk Space

The tool needs at least 8 GB of free space for a 64-bit Windows installation. Use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files:

Search for Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and open it.
Select your system drive (usually C:).
Click Clean up system files, then check Temporary files and Windows Update Cleanup.
Click OK and wait for it to finish.

4. Restart Windows Update Service

Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Scroll down to Windows Update, right-click it, and select Stop.
Now delete the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download again.
Go back to services.msc, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.

5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall

If you have a third-party antivirus or firewall, temporarily disable it while running the tool. Do not disable Windows Defender’s real-time protection permanently – just for the duration of the download. Remember to re-enable everything afterward.

6. Use a Different USB Drive

If you are creating installation media, try a different USB drive. It should be at least 8 GB and ideally USB 3.0. Format it to NTFS or FAT32 (the tool will reformat it anyway). Avoid using a drive that has other files on it.

7. Download a Fresh Copy of the Tool

Delete the old MediaCreationTool.exe and download it again from Microsoft’s official website. Sometimes the file itself becomes corrupted during download.

8. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Select Windows Update and click Run.
Follow the prompts and let it fix any detected problems.

What If None of These Work?

If you still get errors, the problem may be deeper in your Windows installation. Try these advanced options:

Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. This repairs corrupted system files.
Use DISM: In the same Command Prompt, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This fixes Windows image corruption.
Use the ISO directly: Instead of the Media Creation Tool, download the Windows ISO file directly from Microsoft’s website. You can then mount it and run setup.exe to upgrade, or use it to create a bootable USB with a third-party tool like Rufus.

Preventing Future Errors

To avoid running into the same issues next time:

Always run the tool as administrator.
Keep your system drive clean with at least 20 GB free.
Disable VPN or proxy connections before starting.
Use a reliable, stable internet connection.
If you are creating a bootable USB, use a known-good drive and format it before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Media Creation Tool keep saying “Something happened”?

This generic error usually means the tool cannot complete a download or write operation. Try clearing the temp folders and running the tool as administrator. If that fails, check your internet connection and disable any VPN.

Can I use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade without losing my files?

Yes. When you run the tool and choose “Upgrade this PC now,” it will keep your personal files and apps by default. However, it is always wise to back up important data before any major Windows update.

Do I need a USB drive to use the Media Creation Tool?

No. You can choose to create an ISO file instead of a USB drive. The ISO can be mounted later to upgrade or used to create a bootable drive with other software.

How long does the Media Creation Tool take?

It depends on your internet speed and PC. The download itself can take 30 minutes to several hours. The installation phase typically takes another 30-60 minutes.

Is it safe to delete the files in SoftwareDistribution\Download?

Yes. That folder only contains temporary Windows Update files. Deleting them is safe and often fixes update-related errors. Windows will re-download what it needs.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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