How to fix 0x80042405 errors when using Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

Windows 10 is available in a couple of ways. You can update it from a previous installation or download an ISO image directly from Microsoft and install it that way. The first method is long and arduous, while the second is very simple. However, sometimes an error occurs. There is one particular error that occurs more than most, which is what it’s all about How to Fix Errors 0x80042405 When Using Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.

If you are creating installation media for Windows 10, Microsoft has a very clean tool that does the job for you. Most of the time it works fine and can be installed in the blink of an eye. Occasionally, he likes to keep you on your toes with a mistake.

0x80042405 errors

You are probably downloading or installing Windows 10 ISO when you see error 0x80042405. Typically it will occur when the tool is downloading the ISO and will display a blue screen with the message:

There was a problem running this tool. We are not sure what happened, but we cannot run this tool on your PC. If you continue to have problems, check the error code when contacting customer service.».

In particular, Microsoft-style, the error message tells you nothing about what is causing the problem. Fortunately, I have seen this a few times and there are some very simple fixes.

Fixing 0x80042405 errors from Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

The Windows 10 Media Creation Tool creates a bootable ISO that you can install to a USB drive. You restart your computer with the USB drive inserted and boot from it instead of your hard drive. You can then install a legitimate copy of Windows 10 directly. Most of the time it works fine, sometimes it doesn’t.

There are three very simple solutions for the 0x80042405 errors. The first two are easy, while the third is a bit more complicated. Much depends on what you have already done to try to fix the problem.

Correctly format your USB key

Windows 10 Media Creation Tool formats your USB key as part of the process, but sometimes it gets stuck and throws this error. Formatting it beforehand is often the trick. If you format the USB drive to FAT32 before downloading the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool, you shouldn’t see the error 0x80042405.

Before doing this, remember that formatting a disk erases all data. Save what you need first.

1. Insert your USB key into your computer.
2. Right-click and select Format.
3. Select FAT32 as the file system and select Start.

The process should only take a couple of minutes. Once done, try the download again and it should work fine.

Disable antivirus

Typically, when the antivirus is run during a Windows installation, errors 0x80042405 do not occur. However, I have supported IT clients who have seen this. Here is how to fix it.

1. Restart your computer.
2. Completely uninstall your antivirus program. It will probably require a reboot.

As I said, the error 0x80042405 is not linked to running antivirus, but in those security applications that block USB, it could be a contributing factor.

Run everything as administrator

The first solution usually works and the second sometimes works. If neither of you gets it going, this final fix may be the solution. You need to have administrator access to be able to create the USB installer and run the installer itself. If you are not using an administrator account, this could be the problem.

Again, the 0x80042405 error is not directly linked to incorrect account permissions, but I have fixed this specific error by logging into Windows 10 as an administrator and trying again.

Or you can set up a local administrator account.

1. Right-click the Windows Start button and select Settings.
2. Select Accounts, Family, and other people and add someone else to this PC.
3. Enter a username and password on the screen and select Next.
4. Go to Family & Others and select Change Account Type.
5. Select Account Type and then Administrator.
6. Select OK.

Conclusion

You can now log out and log in using this account as an administrator. Try the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool again and you will no longer see error 0x80042405.

Technically, the error 0x80042405 is directly related to the inability to write to the USB drive. As you can see, there are a few things that can interrupt that process. Uninstalling the antivirus and formatting the USB drive are the easiest solutions, so they are worth trying first. Otherwise, it’s easy to set up a local administrator account. You can always delete it once you’re done if you want.