Fix: Windows 10 Media Tool Error 0x80042405-0xa001a

Are you encountering the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405-0xA001A? Don’t worry, I’m here to help you fix it. This error code can be a roadblock when using the Media Creation Tool to create bootable drives for Windows 10 installation. However, there are several methods you can try to overcome this issue and get back on track. Let’s explore the solutions together.

Key Takeaways:

  • Windows 10 Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405-0xA001A can be frustrating, but it can be fixed.
  • The error can be caused by factors such as USB formatting, bugs in the tool, or insufficient space on the USB drive.
  • Downloading the Media Creation Tool directly to the USB drive can help resolve the error.
  • Formatting the USB drive as NTFS or converting it to MBR can also fix the error.
  • If you have antivirus software installed, temporarily disabling it might help overcome the error.
  • Disabling the USB selective suspend setting can prevent issues with the Media Creation Tool.

What Causes the Media Creation Tool Error 0x80042405-0xA001A?

When encountering the Media Creation Tool error code 0x80042405-0xA001A, it’s essential to understand the underlying causes in order to find an effective solution. Here are some common reasons reported by users:

  • The USB drive is not formatted as NTFS.
  • There is a bug within the Media Creation Tool itself.
  • The USB drive has insufficient available space.

In order to resolve this error, it’s crucial to determine which specific cause is affecting your system. By identifying the root problem, you can apply the appropriate fix and successfully address the issue.

How to Fix Media Creation Tool Error 0x80042405-0xA001A: Download the Tool Directly to USB

If you’re encountering the 0x80042405-0xA001A error when using the Media Creation Tool, one effective solution is to download the tool directly to your USB drive. By doing so, you ensure that all the necessary files are intact on the USB stick, increasing the chances of a successful installation. Follow the steps outlined below to resolve the error:

  1. Visit the Microsoft website and navigate to the Media Creation Tool download page.
  2. When prompted to select the location to save the tool, choose your USB drive as the destination. This ensures that all the necessary files are downloaded directly to the USB.
  3. Wait for the download to complete. This may take some time, depending on your internet speed.
  4. Once the download is finished, safely remove the USB drive from your computer.
  5. Insert the USB drive into the target computer where you want to install Windows 10.
  6. Run the Media Creation Tool directly from the USB drive by double-clicking on the executable file.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the tool to complete the Windows 10 installation process.

This method ensures that you have the latest version of the Media Creation Tool directly on your USB drive, reducing the chances of encountering any related errors. By downloading the tool directly to the USB, you avoid issues caused by a corrupt or incomplete download.

How to Fix Media Creation Tool Error 0x80042405-0xA001A: Format USB as NTFS

Another effective solution to resolve the error code 0x80042405-0xA001A in the Media Creation Tool is to format your USB drive as NTFS. By doing so, you can avoid potential compatibility issues and bugs that may be causing the error.

To format your USB drive as NTFS, follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E on your keyboard.
  2. Locate and right-click on the USB drive that you want to format.
  3. From the context menu, select the Format option.
  4. A new window will appear. In the File System section, choose NTFS as the desired file system.
  5. Ensure that the Quick Format option is checked to expedite the formatting process.
  6. Click on the Start button to begin the formatting process.
  7. Wait for the formatting to complete.
  8. Once the process is finished, you can close the formatting window.

By formatting your USB drive as NTFS, you enhance its compatibility with the Media Creation Tool, reducing the chances of encountering the 0x80042405-0xA001A error. This straightforward solution can help you proceed with the Windows 10 installation process smoothly.

ProsCons
Resolves the 0x80042405-0xA001A errorFormatting erases all data on the USB drive, so be sure to back up any important files before proceeding
Enhances compatibility with the Media Creation ToolMay take some time depending on the size of the USB drive
Simple and straightforward processRequires access to an external storage device to back up files, if necessary

fix media creation tool error

How to Fix Media Creation Tool Error 0x80042405-0xA001A: Convert USB to MBR

In order to resolve the Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405-0xA001A, it is necessary to convert the USB drive to MBR (Master Boot Record) from GPT (GUID Partition Table). This can be done using Disk Management, a built-in Windows utility that allows you to manage disk partitions.

To convert the USB drive to MBR, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Run utility by pressing the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
  2. Type “diskpart” in the Run dialog box and press Enter to launch Disk Management.
  3. When the Disk Management window opens, type the following command: “list disk” and press Enter. This will display a list of all connected disks.
  4. Identify the disk number associated with your USB drive from the list.
  5. Type the following command: “select disk X” (replace X with the disk number) and press Enter.
  6. Enter the command: “clean” and press Enter. This command will remove all existing partitions on the USB drive.
  7. Next, type: “convert mbr” and press Enter. This command will convert the USB drive to MBR.
  8. Once the conversion is complete, close Disk Management and restart your computer.

By converting the USB drive to MBR, you should be able to fix the 0x80042405-0xA001A error code and successfully use the Media Creation Tool to create bootable drives for Windows 10 installation.

Advantages of Converting USB to MBRDisadvantages of Converting USB to MBR
  • Greater compatibility with older systems
  • Support for larger USB drives (up to 2TB)
  • Easier recovery of data
  • Limitation of 4 primary partitions
  • Does not support secure boot
  • Cannot be used with UEFI firmware

Note: Converting the USB drive to MBR will erase all existing data, so it is important to backup any important files before proceeding with the conversion.

convert USB to MBR

How to Fix Media Creation Tool Error 0x80042405-0xA001A: Temporarily Disable Antivirus

While using the Media Creation Tool, you may encounter the 0x80042405-0xA001A error due to certain antivirus applications like F-Secure SENSE, McAfee, and BitDefender. Although disabling your antivirus is not recommended for security reasons, it could be worth a try to see if it resolves the error. However, always remember to proceed with caution and have a backup of your system before making any changes.

Here is a step-by-step guide to temporarily disable your antivirus:

  1. Step 1: Locate the antivirus software icon in the system tray or the taskbar.
  2. Step 2: Right-click on the icon to open the antivirus program.
  3. Step 3: Look for the option to temporarily disable or turn off the antivirus protection. This may be located in the settings or preferences menu of the antivirus software.
  4. Step 4: Follow the prompts or instructions provided by the antivirus software to disable the protection temporarily.

Important: Keep in mind that disabling your antivirus leaves your system vulnerable to potential threats. Make sure to re-enable your antivirus protection as soon as you have resolved the Media Creation Tool error or completed the necessary task.

If disabling the antivirus resolves the 0x80042405-0xA001A error, you may want to consider adding an exception or whitelist for the Media Creation Tool in your antivirus software settings. This allows the tool to function without compromising your system’s security.

Remember to regularly update your antivirus software to benefit from the latest security patches and features, ensuring the protection of your system.

Disable Antivirus Error 0x80042405-0xA001A

Antivirus SoftwareDisable Temporarily
F-Secure SENSERight-click on the F-Secure icon and select ‘Turn off Virus and Spyware Protection’.
McAfeeRight-click on the McAfee icon, select ‘Change Settings’ or ‘Open McAfee Security Center’, navigate to ‘Real-Time Scanning’ and turn it off.
BitDefenderRight-click on the BitDefender icon, select ‘Protection Shield’, and choose ‘Disable Permanently’.

How to Fix Media Creation Tool Error 0x80042405-0xA001A: Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting

One common cause of the Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405-0xA001A is the USB selective suspend setting, a power-saving feature in Windows. When enabled, this feature can cause issues with the Media Creation Tool, resulting in the error code. Fortunately, you can resolve this problem by following a simple step to disable the USB selective suspend setting.

To begin, access the Power Options in the Control Panel. You can do this by searching for “Power Options” in the Windows search bar and selecting the corresponding result. Alternatively, you can find the Power Options in the Control Panel under the “System and Security” category.

Once in the Power Options menu, navigate to the “USB selective suspend setting.” This option allows you to control whether the USB devices connected to your computer can enter suspend mode when not in use. By default, this setting is typically enabled.

Click on the USB selective suspend setting to open its properties. You should see two options: “Enabled” and “Disabled.” To fix the Media Creation Tool error, choose the “Disabled” option.

After you have disabled the USB selective suspend setting, click “Apply” or “OK” to save the changes. It’s important to note that these settings will only take effect once you apply them.

Disabling the USB selective suspend setting ensures that your USB drive remains active while you are using the Media Creation Tool, preventing it from going into suspend mode and potentially causing the error code 0x80042405-0xA001A.

Steps to Disable USB Selective Suspend Setting
1. Access the Power Options in the Control Panel.
2. Navigate to the “USB selective suspend setting.”
3. Choose the “Disabled” option.
4. Click “Apply” or “OK” to save the changes.

fix media creation tool error

Conclusion

The 0x80042405-0xA001A error code can be a frustrating roadblock when using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. However, there are several effective solutions available to fix this issue and continue creating bootable drives for Windows 10 installation. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can troubleshoot and resolve the error, ensuring a smooth installation process.

Remember to always back up your data before making any changes to your system. This ensures that you have a safety net in case anything goes wrong during the troubleshooting process. Additionally, exercise caution when implementing the suggested solutions to avoid any unintended consequences.

If the 0x80042405-0xA001A error code persists despite your best efforts, it may be advisable to seek expert assistance or consult the Microsoft Help Center for further guidance. Their technical support will be able to provide you with specific, tailored solutions based on your system’s unique configuration and circumstances.

FAQ

What causes the Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405-0xA001A?

Some common causes of the error include the USB not being formatted as NTFS, a bug in the Media Creation Tool itself, or insufficient space on the USB drive.

How can I fix the Media Creation Tool error 0x80042405-0xA001A?

There are several methods you can try to fix this error: – Download the tool directly to your USB drive. – Format the USB drive as NTFS. – Convert the USB drive to MBR. – Temporarily disable your antivirus software. – Disable the USB selective suspend setting.

How do I download the Media Creation Tool directly to my USB drive?

To download the tool directly to your USB drive, select the USB drive as the location to save the tool when downloading it from the Microsoft website. Run the Media Creation Tool from the USB drive after the download is complete.

How do I format my USB drive as NTFS?

Open the File Explorer, right-click on the USB drive, select the Format option, and choose NTFS as the file system.

How do I convert my USB drive to MBR?

Use Disk Management to convert your USB drive to MBR. Open the Run utility, type “diskpart” to launch Disk Management, and follow the steps to convert the USB drive to MBR.

Can antivirus software cause the 0x80042405-0xA001A error in the Media Creation Tool?

Yes, some antivirus applications have been known to cause this error. You can try temporarily disabling your antivirus software to see if it resolves the issue.

How do I disable the USB selective suspend setting?

Access the Power Options in the Control Panel, click on the USB selective suspend setting, and choose the “Disabled” option to prevent the USB drive from going into suspend mode while the Media Creation Tool is running.

Nilesh Kamble is Certified in Microsoft & GCP, having 13+ Years of Experience in IT Industry. As a Senior IT Employee, having vast experience on Windows Server, Windows Client, Powershell, Cloud Technologies. Passionate about Laptop, Mobiles & Other emerging Technologies.