Can a clean install USB be made without an ISO?

Two days ago, without any previous problems, I suddenly found myself basically locked out of my laptop. (I'm leaving out further explanation, because it's probably not relevant to my question.)

I called tech support. They said it sounded like something had gone wrong during an MS update, and I would need to do a clean install. Problem: I had not media to do so.

Using another computer, I researched all day, and finally found a solution. Still, I need to have some media to do a clean install, in case something weird happens again.

Problem: I've done research; I've read the instructions; and one thing still doesn't make sense to me: Do I have to download an ISO, and put that onto a USB -- or, can I put the Win 10 Version 1703 directly onto a USB? Sorry if this is a dumb question, but, when I got my first computer (Dell desktop running XP) I learned everything from forums. Thank you much for your help.

If you use the MCT/Media Creation Tool you can have a choice of downloading [for use on a different device] the .iso file to your computer or creating the USB bootable install drive. For the USB be sure to use one sized at least 8GB and be prepared to lose everything on it as it gets reformatted. Since I frequently encounter clients' computers, and don't know if they will boot to USB until I get on-site, I go for the .iso and burn the install DVD from that. I didn't actually time it but the USB download seems to take a bit longer than the .iso file, probably due to the formatting and writing versus the .iso just storing.

What I got Thursday was Version 1703 Build 15063.0, after it was up and running I got it updated to Build 15063.413.

Thanks much for your help, Berton. It is sincerely appreciated.

You're welcome.

These links may be useful:

The first is how to perform an in place upgrade or upgrade repair. It will keep your files and applications. You must be able to boot to the desk top and open file explore and locate the setup.exe file on the bootable windows 10 iso.

The second is how to perform a clean install. It will erase everything on your drive and install a windows 10 version 1703 operating system.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

Clean Install Windows 10

This is a link to download the latest windows 10 iso: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/soft...load/windows10

Thank you also, zbook. I'm keeping copies of the responses, so I'll know where to go for the things I need.

Your welcome.