Media Creation Tool or MSDN ISO?

Is there any difference between creating a bootable Windows 10 USB drive with Microsoft's Media Creation Tool and downloading MSDN's Windows 10 ISO to manually create a bootable USB drive with it?

Yes I believe there is. The Media Creation Tool creates a custom install or upgrade for your system where you used the MCT, whereas the Windows 10 ISO is a general installation medium that requires a valid product key for installation to a virgin drive or PC. I think.

Fafhrd said:

Yes I believe there is. The Media Creation Tool creates a custom install or upgrade for your system where you used the MCT, whereas the Windows 10 ISO is a general installation medium that requires a valid product key for installation to a virgin drive or PC. I think.

I've the same question! However, in my case- I can't access the download page of ISO files. However, I can access it through Proxy or UC Browser in mobile. Also, Media Creation Tool's page is loading without any issue.

And the thing which confuses me is- I've seen two options on the Windows 10 (English) ISO files' download page as English and English International. So, should I download the International version? Also, can you tell me the difference between these two? And if you've upgraded using ISO file than can you tell me the size of the ISO file?

In the download page, the English ISO file size is about 2.74 GB and English International is about 2.86 GB.

To my understanding, "Media Creation Tool" can be used to either upgrade your PC or download an ISO. In case of 8.1, ISO created with "Media Creation Tool" is much better than MSDN one in many aspects - ie, the ISO will contain the most recent monthly update roll-up. I hope that it will be the same for 10 also as it is more likely to be updated frequently. I would go with the "Media Creation Tool" route.

Btw, ISO/USB created with MCT is not machine specific. You can download an ISO using MCT and use it to upgrade/clean install any eligible system.

Anshad Edavana said:

To my understanding, "Media Creation Tool" can be used to either upgrade your PC or download an ISO. In case of 8.1, ISO created with "Media Creation Tool" is much better than MSDN one in many aspects - ie, the ISO will contain the most recent monthly update roll-up. I hope that it will be the same for 10 also as it is more likely to be updated frequently. I would go with the "Media Creation Tool" route.

Btw, ISO/USB created with MCT is not machine specific. You can download an ISO using MCT and use it to upgrade/clean install any eligible system.

So, is that means that we can directly download and face no issue? And the should I download the English International version?

So, is that means that we can directly download and face no issue? And the should I download the English International version?

Yes, you can force the upgrade process using MCT. Just use the option "Upgrade this PC now".

USB Flash Drive - Create to Install Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums


I don't know the exact difference between US English and International English versions. Usually i install US English versions of 7 and 8.1 as laptops sold in India has US keyboard layout.

Anshad Edavana said:

Yes, you can force the upgrade process using MCT. Just use the option "Upgrade this PC now".

USB Flash Drive - Create to Install Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums


I don't know the exact difference between US English and International English versions. Usually i install US English versions of 7 and 8.1 as laptops sold in India has US keyboard layout.

I contacted with the Microsoft Live Chat Support and they said the ISO file from MSDN cannot be used for first time upgrade. For the first time, we may use the ISO by Media Creation Tool and then we can use that ISO file.

Akash said:

I contacted with the Microsoft Live Chat Support and they said the ISO file from MSDN cannot be used for first time upgrade. For the first time, we may use the ISO by Media Creation Tool and then we can use that ISO file.

Hi there

This is B/S I'm afraid -- all MSDN ISO's can be installed either as upgrades (provided the upgrade path is a valid one in the first place ) -for example you can't upgrade Enterprise W8.1 to PRO Win 10 -you have to do a CLEAN install - but provided you have a valid product key for your MSDN ISO you can install on any machine W10 works on.

I'm not sure about the quality of staff Ms is employing in their Call Centres these days but they seem to be disseminating a lot of incorrect info these days.

You'd get much better info and help on THESE Forums. !!!!

Cheers
jimbo

jimbo45 said:

Hi there

This is B/S I'm afraid -- all MSDN ISO's can be installed either as upgrades (provided the upgrade path is a valid one in the first place ) -for example you can't upgrade Enterprise W8.1 to PRO Win 10 -you have to do a CLEAN install - but provided you have a valid product key for your MSDN ISO you can install on any machine W10 works on.

I'm not sure about the quality of staff Ms is employing in their Call Centres these days but they seem to be disseminating a lot of incorrect info these days.

You'd get much better info and help on THESE Forums. !!!!

Cheers
jimbo

Thanks, many peoples were saying that the MSDN ISO works for upgrade and I told him the same. He said that, it may work but I should expect it to ask product code later. I had actually contacted the live chat support of Britain (as Indian live chat support isn't available in Sat-Sun).

By the way, did you upgraded to Windows 10 with this method? Or do you know someone who do? Did they got it activated?