Fix Media Creation Tool Error 0x8007043C-0x90018 in Windows 11 or 10

The media creation tool serves a prominent function as it lets you download a Windows 11 or 10 installation file to a flash drive (or DVD) which can be used later in reinstalling the same. This backup option is critical if something goes wrong with your computer and can throw an error 0x8007043C-0x90018. Furthermore, having a physical copy of the operating system is advantageous.

However, despite how beneficial this tool may sound it’s prone to errors like the recent ones with the code 0x8007043C-0x90018. For a user, it may become irritating to witness such an error code, so we have found some ways to resolve this issue which this post will deal with. See – Fix: Error 0xa0000400 Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant Windows 10.

Media Creation Tool Error code 0x8007043C-0x90018 in Windows 11 or 10

Here is how to fix Media Creation Tool Error code 0x8007043C-0x90018 in Windows 11 or 10 –

Way-1: Create AllowOSUpgrade Registry key

The registry database can be crucial in resolving the error code  0x8007043C-0x90018 as you’ll see an OSUpgrade key associated with the latest Windows update there. For Media Creation Tool OR MCT to function and perform the necessary upgrades, you must first set up an “AllowOSUpgrade” entry.

1. Click the search icon in the taskbar
2. Type – regedit.exe.
3. Press Enter.
4. If the User Account Control interface appears, click the Yes option to continue.
5. Follow the path indicated. You may copy and paste this path straight into the address bar, then press Enter to open it.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade

1. Right click on WindowsUpdate.
2. Select New followed by Key.
3. Name this entry OSUpgrade.
4. Now, go to the right pane and right click on an empty space.
5. Select New => DWORD (32-bit) Value.
6. Rename the newly created value to AllowOSUpgrade.
7. To open the newly generated value, double-click it. Then, replace the data value with 1.
8. Click OK to save the modification.

9. Then, Restart the PC.

Way-2: Turn on the Services related to Windows update

If Media Creation Tool doesn’t work and is continuously showing 0x8007043C-0x90018 error, you should check if the Windows update services are turned on or not.

You might have accidentally turned off one or more of the services like TCP/IP, NetBIOS Helper, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Server, Workstation, Windows Update or IKE, and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules.

The Windows 10/11 Media Creation Tool is affected by any of these aforementioned services’ status. To rectify it, follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. To open Run, press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter.
3. Look for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and right-click on it.
4. From the context menu, select Properties.
5. Click the Start button in the Properties dialog. If the service is currently running, you can restart it. For this click on Stop and then on Start.
6. Select Automatic as the Startup type.

7. Follow the same procedure for the other services like TCP/IP, NetBIOS Helper, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Server, Workstation, Windows Update or IKE, and AuthIP IPsec Keying Modules.
8. Close the Services window and verify if you can now use the Media Creation tool without any problems.

Most of the time this way proves to be useful and helps in termination of the such error, however, if you still witness it, try following the next way.

Way-3: Run MCT as Administrator

Running Windows as an administrator gives you the authority to make system-wide modifications and provides you complete control over the system.

Furthermore, it allows making changes to any aspect including security, software, hardware, user accounts, and file access. To fix 0x8007043C-0x90018 this issue, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on Media Creation Tool (such as MediaCreationTool22H2.exe).
2. Then, choose from the drop-down list to Run as administrator.

3. If the User Account Control dialog box appears, you must click the Yes option to proceed.

See – How to Fix Media Creation Tool Won’t Open in Windows 10.

Way-4: Maintain Enough Space in your PC

To resolve the error code 0x8007043C-0x90018 you would need to allocate at least 8 GB of free space for the Media Creation Tool on the C drive.

You may use File Explorer to see if there is enough room. If not, you can free up space on the concerned disc by deleting irrelevant files. Additionally, you can run Disk Cleanup to arrange additional space.

1. Click Start.
2. Type cleanmgr and press Enter.
3. Select (C:) from the drop-down and click on OK.
4. On the next window, click on Clean up system files.
5. Again, choose the same disk and click on OK.
6. When the Disk Cleanup for (C:) window appears, click on OK.
7. Select Yes on the verification prompt.

Way-5: Delete and Redownload the Media Creation Tool

Media Creation Tool does not work problem can be rescued by removing and redownloading the same setup file. Because this is the easiest approach to address the issue of 0x8007043C-0x90018, ensure that your concerned download is complete.

Way-6: Ensure that pending updates are installed

Keeping Windows up-to-date is essential. The most recent upgrades include new features and ensure that your computer and its apps remain compatible. The majority of updates also include security patches and bug fixes, allowing you to eliminate Windows difficulties with no effort.

If your version of Windows is out-of-date, you may experience troubles with the Media Creation tool that might show error codes like 0x8007043C-0x90018. Follow the procedures below to install the most recent Windows updates –

1. Right click on Start and select Settings.
2. Select Windows Update from the menu on the left.
3. Click the check for Updates on the window’s right side.

4. The system will check for available updates and alert you if any are found. Install any pending updates individually if any are found.

Way-7: Use Rufus to create bootable media

Encountering 0x8007043C-0x90018 is not a problem when you use an alternative like Rufus to create bootable media. Even this tool will remove the system requirements restrictions imposed for Windows 11 like TPM and Secure Boot hence go ahead with it –

1. Follow How to Use Rufus to Install Windows 10.
2. Then plug in the USB and power on the computer.
3. Select the peripheral in Boot device option.
4. Go with the instructions on setup and complete installation.

We are certain that any of the 7 ways presented should be effective in repairing the Media Creation Tool error code 0x8007043C-0x90018 on Windows 11 or 10.

Methods:
Way-1: Create AllowOSUpgrade Registry key
Way-2: Turn on the Services related to Windows update
Way-3: Run MCT as Administrator
Way-4: Maintain Enough Space in your PC
Way-5: Delete and Redownload the Media Creation Tool
Way-6: Ensure that pending updates are installed
Way-7: Use Rufus to create bootable media

That’s all!!