Have you ever needed to reinstall a specific version of Windows—maybe for software compatibility, testing, or just personal preference—only to realize that Microsoft doesn’t provide download links for older Windows 10 or 11 ISO files? I’ve been in that situation, and it can be frustrating. But there’s a straightforward and reliable solution: a Media Creation Tool wrapper hosted on GitHub that unlocks access to previous versions of Windows directly from Microsoft’s servers.
This guide will walk you through the complete process of using this tool, from downloading it to selecting the version you want—all with screenshots, tips, and troubleshooting help.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This tutorial is intended for educational purposes only. All Windows ISO files downloaded via this tool are served directly from Microsoft’s official servers. You still need a valid license to activate Windows. This guide does not promote piracy or illegal software use.
✅ Why Would You Need an Older Windows ISO?
Before we jump into the steps, let’s briefly talk about why someone would want an older ISO version:
- ✅ Software compatibility issues
- ✅ Troubleshooting legacy hardware or apps
- ✅ System recovery and reinstallation
- ✅ Virtual machine or lab environment setups
- ✅ Avoiding bugs in the latest Windows builds
Sometimes, newer isn’t always better—especially if a recent update breaks your workflow or if you’re managing older PCs.
🧰 Requirements
Let’s go over what you’ll need before starting:
- A Windows PC with an internet connection
- At least 8GB of free space
- The Media Creation Tool wrapper from GitHub
- Basic understanding of running
.batfiles
🔗 Step 1: Visit the GitHub Repository
We’ll be using a trusted tool from GitHub maintained by AveYo, a known developer in the Windows community.
➡️ GitHub Repository: MediaCreationTool.bat by AveYo
Once there, scroll down to understand what the tool does. Then click on the latest .bat file and hit “Download raw file.”
This will immediately download the wrapper script to your PC.
💻 Step 2: Launch the Tool
After downloading the file named MediaCreationTool.bat:
- Double-click to run it.
- You’ll see two windows:
- A console (left side) showing what’s happening in the background.
- A graphical menu (right side) where you can select the desired Windows version.
Don’t worry if this feels too techy—it’s actually beginner-friendly.
🗂 Step 3: Select Your Windows Version
Here comes the fun part! You’ll see a list like this:
21H2= Windows 10 version 21H211_21H2= Windows 11 version 21H222H2= Windows 10 version 22H211_22H2= Windows 11 version 22H2
💡 Note: You won’t see the latest release (like 24H2) because this tool only lists previous versions still hosted by Microsoft.
👉 Select the version you want by clicking on it.
🛠 Step 4: Choose Setup Presets
Now a window will pop up asking you to pick a preset. If you’re not sure what to pick, go with:
🔘 MCT defaults – This uses Microsoft’s recommended settings and works in most cases.
More advanced users can explore other presets later.
🌐 Step 5: Configure Language and Edition
Once the official Media Creation Tool launches:
- Accept Microsoft’s license terms.
- You’ll see the language and edition screen.
By default, it auto-selects based on your current PC. If you want something different:
- Uncheck “Use recommended options for this PC”
- Then choose your language and Windows edition (Home, Pro, etc.)
💾 Step 6: Choose ISO File Download
When prompted, you’ll see two options:
- Create USB Flash Drive
- Download ISO File ✅ (Recommended)
Select ISO File to save it locally. This gives you the flexibility to use it later with tools like Rufus or Ventoy.
📥 Step 7: Download and Save ISO File
- Choose where to save your ISO file.
- Give it a meaningful name like
Windows11_22H2.iso. - Click Save.
The download will begin and may take 15–60 minutes depending on your internet speed. Don’t close the tool until it finishes.
🔍 Step 8: Verify Your ISO File
Want to confirm that the ISO file is what you expected? Here’s a quick method:
- Use the ISO to install Windows in a virtual machine.
- When it reaches the setup screen, press
Shift + F10to open Command Prompt. - Type:
winverand press Enter.
✅ You’ll see the version info pop up confirming the correct Windows build.
💡 Bonus: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Once you have the ISO, you can use Rufus to create a bootable USB:
You can also use it with virtualization software like VMware or VirtualBox.
🧑💻 Advanced Features for IT Pros
Flyby11 offers automation for power users:
- Auto-selecting architectures (x64/x86)
- Skipping GUI prompts
- Running scripted downloads from the command line
If you manage multiple PCs or create deployment scripts, this is a powerful addition to your toolbox.
🧰 Troubleshooting Tips
🚫 Download interrupted?
Try re-running the tool. It may resume from where it left off.
📉 Not enough storage?
Free up at least 8GB on your drive before starting.
⛔ Missing version?
Some very old or newest versions might not appear. Only those still hosted by Microsoft are listed.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is it legal to download Windows ISOs this way?
✅ Yes. The tool downloads ISOs directly from official Microsoft servers. You still need a valid license for activation.
Q2. Can I use this for downgrading?
You can do a clean install of an older version, but Windows doesn’t support direct downgrading. Always back up your data.
Q3. What if my version isn’t listed?
It might be too new or out of support. Microsoft only keeps ISO files available for supported builds.
Q4. Can I create bootable USBs from the ISO?
Absolutely. Use tools like Rufus, Ventoy, or the built-in Windows USB/DVD Download Tool.
Q5. Is this better than using Microsoft’s main Media Creation Tool?
Yes, for older versions. The official MCT only lets you download the latest version.
🔚 Conclusion
Using the MediaCreationTool wrapper by AveYo, you can easily download any older version of Windows 10 or 11. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, IT pro, or just someone who prefers a specific build, this tool is a time-saver and problem-solver.
No need to dig through shady websites or torrent sites—get genuine ISOs from Microsoft with confidence.
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