Recent updates from Microsoft indicate that the latest version of the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool (MCT) is encountering significant functionality issues when used on Windows 10 22H2 machines. This development raises concerns around operational integrity for users reliant on this tool for system upgrades and clean installations.
The Windows 11 MCT is a critical utility that facilitates the downloading of the latest Windows version, allowing users to create bootable USB flash drives or DVDs. These media are essential for clean installations, system recovery, or upgrading to a new device. However, Microsoft has acknowledged that “The Windows 11 Media Creation Tool version 26100.6584, released on September 29, 2025, may not function correctly on Windows 10 devices. Users may experience unexpected closures without accompanying error messages,” as detailed in the Windows release health dashboard.
To mitigate the disruption, Microsoft has suggested a workaround: users can download a Disk Image (ISO) file for x64 devices directly from their website. It’s important to note that the Windows 11 MCT is currently unsupported on Windows 10 systems utilizing ARM64 processors, which further complicates the upgrading process for those users.
This issue follows a similar announcement from two weeks prior, where Microsoft confirmed that the MCT utility had ceased operating correctly on ARM64 devices after the recent rollout of Windows 11 25H2—the latest version of Windows 11. Users affected by this update encountered error messages stating, “We’re not sure what happened, but we’re unable to run this tool on your PC.” This highlights a broader concern regarding the compatibility of system tools across different hardware architectures.
Microsoft’s release of Windows 11 25H2—also referred to as the Windows 11 2025 Update—occurred on September 30, alongside an enablement package (eKB) due to its minor update status within the same platform release as Windows 11 24H2. The rollout was not without its challenges; following the update, a partial resolution was reported for a known issue affecting the playback of DRM-protected content within Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital TV applications. This problem also extends to Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 systems, often resulting in freezes, black screens, and other operational disturbances following the August preview update or subsequent installations.
To ensure optimal performance and security, Microsoft recommends that users install the latest updates for their devices, as these contain essential improvements and bug fixes. However, it is critical to note that some applications reliant on DRM for digital audio may still encounter issues.
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