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Windows Media Creation Tool vs Rufus: catalog facts
Windows Media Creation Tool	Rufus
Free Free download from Microsoft.	Free Free and open source under GPLv3; no bundled software in the installer.
Windows	Windows
Official source for current Windows 11 media Creates a bootable USB installer in one process	Creates Windows 11 installation drives for PCs without TPM or Secure Boot Sets up out-of-box experience options automatically, including a local account and privacy choices
Only produces Microsoft's own Windows images Runs on Windows only	Windows only One image per drive, unlike a multiboot tool
Downloadable app	Downloadable app
Closed source	Open source
License: Proprietary	License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed	No account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Works offline
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 24, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.