Fix Media Creation Tool Error 0x80042405 - 0xa001a

While installing or upgrading Windows 10 using Windows Media Creation Tool, sometimes the users get Windows Media Creation tool error 0x80042405 – 0xa001a. If you are getting this error, then you will obviously look for the solutions.

This is a common error faced by most Windows Media users and once it occurs in your device, you should resolve it. Here you will get enough solutions to fix the error 0x80042405 – 0xa001a.

Causes of Error 0x80042405-0xa001a:

Before you start, you need to know the reasons that are responsible for the occurrence of the Windows Media Creation tool error 0x80042405 – 0xa001a.

  1. The USB you are using is not NTFS type. To ensure Windows Media Tool work flawlessly, the NTFS file system is specially designed for the Windows-Only environment. Thus, it is the best option if you use it.
  2. There may be some bugs in the Windows Media Creation Tool. Thus, it always gives the error when it is run from another device rather than where it is to implement its operations.
  3. There might not be enough memory in your USB Drive.

Probable Solutions to Fix Error 0x80042405 – 0xa001a:

Now as you know about the causes of Windows Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405 – 0xa001a, now let’s move on to the solutions which will help to overcome this particular error.

Solution 1: Download Media Creation Tool Directly to the USB

Method 1: Download to USB Drive

Basically, at first, you download the Media Creation Tool directly to your C drive. Then from there, you need to launch it. You just need to download the tool directly into your USB drive to utilize it as a bootable device.

So run the MediaCreationTool.exe in the tool directly from the USB once you locate it. Then select the source media and proceed with the Media Creation. Also, make sure that the executable file is running as an administrator.

Method 2: Download to Hard Drive

Although in some cases if the first method does not work, then you can simply download the file in your hard drive and then copy it to the USB drive. To do so, you can follow the guidelines given below.

  • Download the Media Creation Tool in the Local drive C.
  • Now, from the downloaded file in the C drive, launch the application.
  • From Virtual DVD to a USB drive, which you want to set as a bootable device, copy all the files and folders but without the “Autorun.inf” file.
  • Rename the file name of the “Autorun.inf” file to “Autorun.txt”  by right-clicking on it.
  • Then copy the “Autorun.txt” in the USB and change its back the name to “Autorun.inf”
  • Now, check if the issue exists or not.

Solution 2: Format the USB as NTFS

If the above solution does not fix the problem, then you can simply format the USB as NTFS. Follow the guidelines below to do it.

  • Press and hold Windows + E to open My Computer or This PC
  • Then right-click on your USB device which you want to use as a bootable device and click on the Format option.
  • A pop-up window will show some additional information. Now, go to the File system and from there, you need to click and select NTFS.
  • After that, you can proceed and format the USB device.
  • Once the formatting is done, run the Media Creation Tool and check ii the problem is solved or not.

Solution 3: Use Disk Management to Convert to MBR

Master Boot Record is very important as it acts as a first boot sector. Thus, your USB should set an MBR instead of GPT to ensure that the Windows Media Creation Tool runs properly. However, this MBR characteristic of the Hard Drive allows to “boot” from the USB. In order to do that, follow the steps cited below.

  • Press and hold Windows + R to open the Run dialog box and type “diskpart” in the box and hit Enter.
  • Enter the command  “list disk” Hit Enter.
  • Again, enter the command “Select disk x” Though “x” is the number of the disk where you want to create bootable media.
  • Before you convert it to MBR, the USB driver has to be clean. For doing so, type the following command “clean” Hit Enter.
  • Next type following command “convert mbr” hit Enter.
  • Lastly, again run the Media Creation Tool and check if the problem is solved or not.

Solution 4: Use Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool

Just like the Media Creation Tool, Microsoft has also released Windows & USB/DVD download tool. This tool performs similarly just like the Media Creation Tool. Therefore, you can simply follow the steps below to download and use Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool.

  • From the official website, download the ISO file and store it to an accessible location.
  • Now, again from the official Microsoft Page, download Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool and install it.
  • Once the installation is done, run it as an administrator. Then choose the ISO file which you want to create a bootable device. Now, select the ISO file and continue.
  • After that, select the target drive. Now, go through the on-screen instructions and in no time you will be making a bootable device

Solution 5: Use Rufus to Create Installation Media

Lastly, if none of the above solutions solves the issue, then you can use third-party software such as Rufus. Rufus is a utility tool for Windows which is used to format and create a bootable USB device. Besides, it is fast and converts other aspects as well as works on a system that has no OS.

However, just like the previous solution, you have to download an ISO and install it. Then you need to select the ISO file first and then proceed with the process. Select on the Media Creation. Besides, keep in mind that you need to run the utility as an administrator.

Wrapping Up

That’s the complete list of solutions that you can follow to fix the Windows Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405 – 0xa001a. And use the USB device to use as a bootable device.