Media Creation Tool is a Microsoft program that is used for the installation of Windows 11/10 into a DVD or USB in order to create a backup and easy access for later reinstallations. People use this Windows backup in case they have an issue with their current Windows and need to reinstall it to fix the issue or just install Windows in other computers. However, like in any program, some Windows users experience the 0xC1800103 – 0x90002 Media Creation Tool Error while using the Media Creation Tool to install Windows 11/10 on a USB or DVD.
There was a problem running this tool, Erroe Code 0xC1800103 – 0x90002
This error suddenly occurs while downloading the ISO for Windows 11/10 or while verifying the installation on a computer and leads to failed installation. Not only does this waste your time as well as data but makes it impossible for you to install Windows through the utility. The error is most times caused due to corrupt files, VPN-related issues, wrong date, and time settings, and many other reasons. Thankfully, there are several ways to fix the issue and we are going to talk about them in this article.
How to Fix Media Creation Tool Error 0xC1800103 – 0x90002
Whenever you get the 0xC1800103 – 0x90002 Media Creation Tool error on a Windows computer, you should first restart the computer and then restart the installation process. If the error persists, use the following solutions:
- Turn off VPN on your computer
- Repair System Files
- Clear SoftwareDistribution folder
- Set correct date, time and language settings
- Delete $Windows.~BT and $Windows.~WS folders.
1] Turn off the VPN on your computer
Many Windows users found that turning off VPN on their PC while using the Media Creation Tool to install Windows 11/10 resolved the 0xC1800103 – 0X90002 Media Creation Tool error. Therefore, we advise that you stop using any VPN services and try the installation again.
If the error comes up again, then you should try the next solution.
2] Repair System Files
For any program, process, and even Windows OS, properly, the system files must be in good condition. This error is one of the issues you encounter in Windows PC as a result of corrupt or missing System files. To resolve the error, you must repair the system files and then start the installation again. This can be performed using the built-in Windows troubleshooting method, and we’ve covered how to do it in the linked article.
3] Clear SoftwareDistribution folder
Corrupt installation files due to multiple failure or improper downloads can also be the reason for this issue. These files will render the installation process to malfunction, and the best way out is to clear the SoftwareDistribution folder on your computer. To clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, follow the steps below:
- Open the Windows Search Bar and type Command Prompt. On the resulting menu, select Run as Administrator.
- Type each of these commands and press Enter to stop some Windows services temporarily. Make sure you type these commands and hit Enter one by one.
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
- After successfully stopping the services, press the Windows + R keys to open the run command box.
In the run command box, type %SystemRoot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download and press Enter. - Now delete all the files in the resulting folder.
- After doing that, you have to restart the Windows services we stopped earlier. So, reopen the command prompt and run this command one after the other.
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
Now, you should restart your PC, and Windows will be forced to replace it and thereby fix this error
Related: Windows Media Creation Tool error – Problem running this tool or starting setup
4] Set the correct date, time, and language settings
Some as little as not setting the correct date, time, and language on a Windows computer can be the reason behind this Media Creation Tool error. It’s then advised that you check Windows settings and set the appropriate language settings, along with the proper data and time.
5] Delete $Windows.~BT and $Windows.~WS folders
Another method to fix this issue is to delete $Windows.~BT and $Windows.~WS directories, as the folder may be why you are getting the 0xC1800103 – 0x90002 Media Creation Tool error.
You can then rerun the Media Creation Tool and see if the error has gone.
Read: How to download Windows 11/10 ISO without using Media Creation Tool
Does Windows Media Creation Tool still work?
Yes, Windows Media Creation Tools smoothly on Windows 11 as well as Windows 10 without any error. It allows users to download Windows 11/10 install files on a DVD or USB for later installation. That said, if you want to download Windows ISO or create a bootable flash drive, you can certainly make use of the Media Creation Tool.
Read: Fix Error Code 0x80042405-0xA001A on Media Creation Tool
Why am I getting the 0xC1800103 – 0x90002 Media Creation Tool Error?
Most of the time, corrupt files or other problems with your computer’s files cause the 0xC1800103 – 0x90002 Media Creation Tool Error. We’ve also learned that the problem may also be brought on by a VPN that is actively running on your computer. Therefore, you should be aware of those factors to prevent the issue and use the solutions above to fix it if you are already encountering it.
