Windows 10: Difference between bootable USB from media creation tool vs ISO file

I have seen guides online for creating a bootable USB drive for Windows 10 from an ISO file, e.g. by using Rufus, or just dragging the relevant files onto the USB (like here: [https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-tip-use-an-iso-file-to-create-a-bootable-usb-flash-drive/](https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-tip-use-an-iso-file-to-create-a-bootable-usb-flash-drive/))



The question is: what is the difference, if any, between a bootable USB drive created via these methods versus a bootable USB drive created through Microsoft's media creation tool?



Is there a heirarchy of these methods in terms of reliability? Which method for creating the bootable USB drive, besides using the media creation tool, is most reliable? Which methods, besides the media creation tool, are endorsed/advised by Microsoft?

:)

 

Media Creation Tool or MSDN ISO?


Is there any difference between creating a bootable Windows 10 USB drive with Microsoft's Media Creation Tool and downloading MSDN's Windows 10 ISO to manually create a bootable USB drive with it?

 

Media Creation Tool question


Thanks Cerberus but Ive no problem downloading the Iso with the media creation tool. I don't think its the ISO that is the problem' I think the problem is when the Media Creation Tool is creating the bootable USB flash drive. So I think I can use the Media Creation Tool for that part...and as you say try something like Rufus to create the bootable USB flash drive

I still have this question though "The tutorial here says after going to the Microsoft site and selecting the Download Tool (Media Creation Tool) option that the Media Creation Tool should be save to the PC and run from there.
On Microsoft site the instructions are to Download the Tool and select Run (no saving to the PC). Is there a reason for saving it to the PC first as suggested on Tenforums?"

I was curious to see if others had encountered the issue I had with the Media Creation Tool. Ive never had a problem using it before

 

media creation tool

Whats the size of the USB stick?

The thumb drive might be too space, you need at least an 8 GB thumb drive; especially if you are downloading multiple editions (Home, Pro) and architectures (32, 64 bit).

You can try downloading the ISO file directly, then create a bootable copy using Rufus:

Step 1: Download Windows 10 ISO Files Directly Using Your Web Browser

Step 2:

• How
  to Prepare Bootable Install Media for Windows 10 - DVD, USB or SD Card