The Media Creation Tool (MCT) is a utility provided by Microsoft to create bootable USB drives for Windows 10 installation. However, if you encounter the error code 0x80042405-0xA001A while using the tool, don’t worry — this guide is here to help.
We’ll break down the causes of the 0x80042405-0xA001A error, show you how to fix it, and share additional troubleshooting tips to ensure a smooth setup process.
What Causes the Media Creation Tool Error Code 0x80042405–0xA001A?
There are several potential reasons for the Media Creation Tool error code 0x80042405–0xA001A, though some causes are more common than others. Below is a list of frequently reported issues that may help you identify why you’re encountering the 0x80042405–0xA001A error:
- USB drive not formatted as NTFS: The NTFS file system is optimized for Windows environments. If your USB drive is using a different format (like FAT32), the Media Creation Tool may fail to function correctly.
- Media Creation Tool bug: Microsoft has acknowledged a known bug in the Media Creation Tool that can trigger the 0x80042405–0xA001A error during the USB creation process.
- Insufficient USB storage space: If your USB stick doesn’t have enough free space, the Media Creation Tool can’t complete the operation and will throw this error.
If the 0x80042405–0xA001A error continues to appear, follow the troubleshooting methods below to resolve the issue effectively.
How to Fix the Media Creation Tool Error Code 0x80042405–0xA001A on Windows
Method 1: Download the Media Creation Tool Directly to Your USB Drive
A common workaround for the Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405-0xA001A is to download the tool directly to your USB drive. Instead of saving the installer to your local hard drive (e.g., C:), you can store it on the USB you plan to use for creating the bootable Windows installation media.
Follow these steps:
- Download the official Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
- Choose the correct version for your system: 32-bit or 64-bit.
- When prompted to save the file, navigate to This PC → [Your USB Drive] and select it as the destination.
- Once downloaded, open File Explorer, go to This PC → [USB Drive], and run the Media Creation Tool directly from the USB.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with creating the bootable USB for Windows 10.
This method ensures all required installation files are stored correctly on the USB, helping prevent file corruption or path errors.
Method 2: Format Your USB Drive as NTFS
One of the most common causes of the 0x80042405-0xA001A Media Creation Tool error is an incompatible USB file system. If your USB is formatted as FAT32, switching it to NTFS can resolve the issue.
Here’s how to format your USB stick:
- Open File Explorer (press Ctrl + E) and go to This PC.
- Right-click on your USB drive and choose Format.
- In the Format window, set the File system to NTFS.
- Click Start to begin formatting the drive.
Method 3: Use Disk Management to Convert USB to MBR
The Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405–0xA001A can occur if your USB drive is formatted using the GPT (GUID Partition Table) format instead of the required MBR (Master Boot Record). You can resolve this issue by converting your USB to MBR using the built-in Disk Management tool.
Follow these steps:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type diskpart and press Enter.
- When prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.
- In the DiskPart command window, type:
list diskand press Enter to see all connected drives.
- Identify your USB drive and type: bashCopierModifier
select disk #Replace # with your USB disk number. - To erase the USB drive, type: nginxCopierModifier
cleanand press Enter. - Now, convert the USB to MBR by typing: sqlCopierModifier
convert mbrand hit Enter.
After completing these commands, try running the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool again. The 0x80042405–0xA001A error should no longer appear.
Method 4: Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus Software
Some antivirus applications—including F-Secure SENSE, McAfee, Bitdefender, and others—can block the Media Creation Tool, triggering the 0x80042405–0xA001A error. Temporarily disabling your antivirus may help resolve this issue.
⚠️ Important: Disabling your antivirus reduces your system’s protection. Only do this temporarily and ensure your files are backed up.
Here’s how to disable it:
- Right-click an empty space on your taskbar and select Task Manager.
- If you’re in compact view, click More details.
- Switch to the Start-up tab.
- Find your antivirus software, click to highlight it, then click Disable at the bottom right.
- Restart your computer.
Now try running the Media Creation Tool again. If the issue is resolved, don’t forget to re-enable your antivirus to keep your system protected.
Method 5: Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting to Fix Media Creation Tool Error
One of the lesser-known causes of the Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405-0xA001A is the USB Selective Suspend setting. Disabling this feature can help ensure your USB drive remains fully powered during the creation process.
Here’s how to disable USB Selective Suspend in Windows 10:
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type in control and click OK to launch the Control Panel.
- Set View by to Category, and then click on Hardware and Sound.
- Under Power Options, click on Change when the computer sleeps.
- Next, click on Change advanced power settings to open the power configuration window.
- Scroll down and expand USB settings by clicking the + symbol.
- Expand USB selective suspend setting, and change the setting to Disabled.
- Click Apply, then OK to save your changes.
Once this is done, try running the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool again. This tweak may resolve the 0x80042405–0xA001A error and allow you to proceed with creating your bootable USB.
Final Thoughts
If you still encounter issues, don’t worry—our Help Center contains hundreds of expert-written guides to help with Windows errors and other tech problems. Need personal assistance? Our team is ready to help via email, live chat, or phone support—7 days a week!
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