Before installing a Windows 11 preview build, make two separate preparations: back up your personal files, then create a Windows Recovery Drive on an empty USB drive. The recovery USB can start Windows Recovery Environment and provide recovery options, but it does not contain your documents or photos. If BitLocker or device encryption is enabled, find your recovery key before you begin.
Recovery drive vs. personal-file backup
A Windows Recovery Drive is recovery media for the PC, not a copy of your personal data. Microsoft states, “The recovery media doesn’t include your personal files.” A recovery option may remove personal files or apps, so keep a separate backup you have checked before testing a preview build.
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Back up your personal files first
Choose a backup method based on what you need to protect and where you want the copy stored. Microsoft describes Windows Backup as backing up selected files, settings, and other items associated with your Microsoft account. File History and copying files to external storage are alternatives.
- Windows Backup: Use it for the selected files and settings associated with your Microsoft account. See Microsoft’s Windows Backup guidance.
- File History: Consider it if you want a file-backup option described by Microsoft. See Microsoft’s File History instructions.
- External storage: Copy important files to a USB drive, SD card, or external hard drive. Microsoft’s instructions explain backing up and restoring with external storage. Keeping a local backup drive disconnected when you are not using it can help protect it from accidental changes.
Whichever method you choose, confirm that the backup completed and that you can access important files from it. A Recovery Drive is not a substitute for this check.
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Find your BitLocker recovery key
If BitLocker or device encryption is enabled, locate the recovery key before attempting recovery. Microsoft says the key is needed for many recovery options. Read Microsoft’s instructions for finding a BitLocker recovery key while Windows is still accessible.
Create a Windows Recovery Drive
- With Windows running, open Start and search for Recovery Drive. You can also run
recoverydrive.exe. - In the Recovery Drive utility, leave Back up system files to the recovery drive selected, then select Next.
- Connect an empty USB drive, select it in the utility, and select Next. Creating the drive erases data on the selected USB, so move anything you need off it first.
- Select Create and wait while Windows copies the system files. Microsoft notes that copying can take a while.
- When it finishes, label the USB as recovery media and store it somewhere safe. Microsoft’s Recovery Drive instructions recommend recreating recovery media annually so it can include later Windows updates and improvements.
Microsoft’s general Recovery Drive instructions call for a USB drive but do not establish one capacity for every PC. Use the capacity indicated by the Recovery Drive utility or your device maker’s instructions; do not assume a capacity listed for Windows installation media also applies here.
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Use the recovery USB if Windows will not start
- Connect the recovery USB and start the PC from it. The way to select a USB boot device depends on the computer manufacturer; follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your model.
- When Windows Recovery Environment loads, choose Recover from a drive and follow the prompts.
- Read the warnings for the recovery option you select. Recovering from a drive can remove personal files and apps, which is why the separate backup matters.
Windows Recovery Environment also offers tools such as Startup Repair and System Restore. Recovery methods do different things: some remove updates, while resetting or reinstalling Windows can remove files and applications. Choose the least disruptive option that addresses the problem and check its on-screen description before proceeding. Microsoft’s overview of Windows Recovery Environment explains the available tools.
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What a recovery drive can—and cannot—do for a preview-build test
Microsoft describes Insider preview builds as less stable than production builds. Its guidance for leaving the program and restoring the original operating system directs users to back up their information and use a Windows recovery image. A Recovery Drive is useful recovery media, but creating one does not guarantee that you can roll back every preview build or restore the PC to its exact pre-test state. See Microsoft’s guidance on leaving the Windows Insider Program.
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The correct recovery image and boot procedure can depend on the PC. Check your manufacturer’s recovery-image and boot instructions for your specific device before installing a preview build, especially if restoring the original operating system is important to you.
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