Trying to make a USB recovery drive for Windows 10 but get error message. Error code 0x8007045D - 0xA001B and the message "We're not sure what happened, but we're unable to run this tool on your PC.

mike carr 0 Reputation points
2026-09-15T08:47:00.2933333+00:00

Trying to make a USB recovery drive for Windows 10 but get error message. Error code 0x8007045D - 0xA001B and the message "We're not sure what happened, but we're unable to run this tool on your PC.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Performance and system failures
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  1. GsN5034 - IA 77,095 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-15T09:39:49.05+00:00

    Hello,

    Could you please confirm whether you are using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to create the USB drive? The error message you provided “We’re not sure what happened, but we’re unable to run this tool on your PC” (0x8007045D - 0xA001B) appears to be associated with the Media Creation Tool rather than the built-in Create a recovery drive feature.

    To resolve the issue with Media Creation Tool (MCT) -

    Check whether you have any third-party antivirus software installed, temporarily disable it and run the Media Creation Tool.

    If the same error appears,

    Open an elevated Command Prompt Window.

    Run the commands one by one.

    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

SFC /Scannow

    Once the commands have finished running, restart your computer, plug the USB drive into another port, and run the MCT.

    If you are still having issues,

    create a bootable USB installation media using Rufus.

    That is, download the Windows 10 English (US) 64-bit ISO file using the link below.

    Win10_22H2_English_x64v1.iso

    Note -

    Links valid for 24 hours from time of creation.

    Links expire: 2026-09-16T09:30:51.5052042Z UTC

    Then, use the Rufus tool to create a Bootable drive.

    https://rufus.ie/en/

    Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.'

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  2. ApexNáV 360 Reputation points
    2026-09-15T13:00:33.1933333+00:00

    This can be due to corrupted system files and it can be hard to fix. Because your goal is a bootable recovery option, the most reliable alternative is:

    1. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
    2. Create a Windows 10 installation USB (Atleast 8 GB, enough for windows 10)
    3. Boot from it → Repair your computer → Troubleshoot (Startup Repair, System Restore, Command Prompt, etc.)

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