Have you ever needed to download an older version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 ISO files but couldn’t find them on Microsoft’s official website? I’ve been there too, and it can be frustrating when you need a specific version for compatibility testing, troubleshooting, or system recovery. The good news is that there’s a reliable solution using a special Media Creation Tool wrapper that gives you access to all previous Windows versions.
Key Takeaways
- Access any previous version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 ISO files using the Media Creation Tool GitHub repository
- Download official ISO files directly from Microsoft servers with a simple selection process
- Choose between creating bootable USB drives or downloading ISO files for later use
Requirements
To download old Windows ISO files using this method, you’ll need:
- A Windows PC with internet connection
- At least 8GB of free storage space for the ISO file
- The Media Creation Tool wrapper file from the GitHub repository
- Basic knowledge of running executable files on Windows
Why Download Old Windows 10 and 11 ISO Files?
There are several legitimate reasons why you might need older Windows ISO versions. Sometimes software compatibility requires a specific Windows build, or you might need to restore a system to its original version. I’ve also found it useful when helping clients who prefer staying on a particular Windows version that works well with their hardware. Additionally, IT professionals often need various ISO versions for testing environments and deployment scenarios.
Getting Started with the Media Creation Tool Wrapper
First, you need to visit the Media Creation Tool GitHub repository by AveYo. This repository hosts a special wrapper that unlocks the ability to download any previous version of Windows 10 or Windows 11 directly from Microsoft’s servers.
On the GitHub page, you’ll find detailed information about the project and various use cases. Since I’m focusing on downloading older Windows ISO files, I’ll guide you through that specific process.
Downloading the Tool
To get started, you need to download the Media Creation Tool file from the repository. Click on the file link, and on the next page, click the “Download raw file” button. This downloads the tool immediately to your computer.
Launching and Using the Media Creation Tool
Once you have the “MediaCreationTool.bat” file saved, you can launch it by double-clicking. Two windows appear: a console window on the left showing automation options and usage information, and a selection window on the right where you can choose the desired Windows version.
Selecting Your Windows Version
The selection window displays all available Windows 10 and Windows 11 versions. Windows 11 versions are clearly marked with “11_” before the version number. For example:
- 21H2 = Windows 10 version 21H2
- 11_21H2 = Windows 11 version 21H2
- 22H2 = Windows 10 version 22H2
- 11_22H2 = Windows 11 version 22H2
Note: The tool only provides access to older versions, not the latest release. For example, if Windows 11 24H2 is the current version, you’ll find versions up to 23H2 in the list.
For this example, I’ll select Windows 11 22H2 (shown as 11_22H2 in the list).
Choosing Preset Options
After selecting the version, a preset options window appears. While advanced users can explore various preset configurations, I recommend selecting “MCT defaults” for most situations. This option uses Microsoft’s recommended settings for your system.
Configuring Download Settings
Once the Media Creation Tool loads, you need to accept the license terms. The next screen allows you to configure language and edition settings.
Language and Edition Selection
By default, the tool pre-selects options based on my current system configuration. If you need to change these settings, just uncheck “Use the recommended options for this PC” to access:
- Language selection dropdown
- Edition choice between:
- Windows (Pro, Education, Home)
- Windows (Pro, Education, Enterprise)
Choosing Download Method
Next, you’ll be prompted to choose between creating a bootable USB flash drive or downloading the ISO file. Since I want the ISO file for flexibility, I’ll select the ISO file option.
Tip: Downloading the ISO file gives you more options – you can create multiple USB drives later, use it with virtual machines, or burn it to a DVD.
Downloading and Verifying Your ISO File
After selecting the ISO option, I choose where to save the file. I recommend naming it clearly with the Windows version for easy identification later. For example: “Windows11_22H2.iso”.
The download process begins immediately. Depending on your internet speed, this can take anywhere from 15 minutes to over an hour. The tool downloads directly from Microsoft servers, ensuring you get an authentic, unmodified ISO file.
Verifying the Downloaded Version
Once the download completes, I like to verify that I got the correct version. A quick way to do this is by:
- Creating a virtual machine and installing Windows using the ISO
- When the installation reaches the OOBE phase, press Shift+F10 to open Command Prompt
- Running the command:
winver - Confirming the version number matches what I downloaded
You can also create a bootable usb flash drive and install Windows that way, more info below:
- Rufus Bootable USB Windows 10: Step-by-Step Tutorial
- Rufus Bootable USB Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide
Advanced Options and Automation
The Media Creation Tool wrapper includes several advanced features for power users:
Preset Options Explained
Beyond the MCT defaults, the tool offers various presets for specific scenarios:
- Auto-downloading specific architectures (x64, x86, or both)
- Skipping user prompts for automated deployments
- Creating custom ISO configurations
Command Line Usage
The console window shows command-line parameters for automating downloads. This is particularly useful for IT departments needing to download multiple versions or integrate the process into deployment scripts.
Important: Always download Windows ISO files from official sources or trusted tools like this one that pull directly from Microsoft servers. This ensures you get legitimate, unmodified versions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter problems during the download process, here are some solutions I’ve found helpful:
Download Interruptions
If your download gets interrupted, the Media Creation Tool usually can resume where it left off. Simply run the tool again with the same settings. If it doesn’t work, you might need to restart the entire process.
Insufficient Storage Space
Windows ISO files are typically 4-5GB. Ensure you have at least 8GB free space on your target drive to accommodate the download and any temporary files.
Version Not Available
If a specific version isn’t showing up, it might be too new (current version) or too old (no longer supported). The tool maintains versions that Microsoft still provides through their servers.
Conclusion
Downloading old Windows 10 and 11 ISO files doesn’t have to be complicated. Using the Media Creation Tool wrapper from GitHub, you can access any previous version directly from Microsoft’s servers with just a few clicks. This method ensures that you get authentic ISO files while maintaining the flexibility to choose exactly the version you need.
Whether you’re an IT professional managing multiple systems or a home user needing a specific version for compatibility, this tool makes the process straightforward and reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it legal to download old Windows ISO files using this method?
Yes, this tool downloads directly from Microsoft’s official servers. You’re getting the same files Microsoft would provide, just with access to older versions. However, you still need a valid Windows license to activate and use the operating system legally.
Can I use these ISO files to downgrade my current Windows installation?
While you can use these ISO files to perform a clean installation of an older Windows version, Microsoft doesn’t officially support downgrading. I recommend backing up all your data first and understanding that you’ll need to reinstall all your programs after a clean installation.
Why can’t I find the latest Windows version in the tool?
The Media Creation Tool wrapper is designed specifically for accessing older versions. For the latest Windows version, you should use Microsoft’s official Media Creation Tool directly from their website, which always provides the current release.
How long does Microsoft keep old ISO versions available?
Microsoft typically maintains ISO files for Windows versions that are still within their support lifecycle. Once a version reaches end-of-life, it may no longer be available through this method. That’s why I recommend downloading any versions you might need while they’re still accessible.
Can I create a bootable USB drive from the downloaded ISO file?
Absolutely! Once you have the ISO file, you can use tools like Rufus, Ventoy, or even Windows’ built-in disk imaging feature to create bootable USB drives. This gives you more flexibility than downloading directly to USB through the Media Creation Tool.
