Create a Windows recovery USB drive on a working Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC by opening Recovery Drive, keeping system-file backup enabled, selecting an empty USB drive, and choosing Create. The process erases the USB drive. This recovery media is not a backup of your personal files.
Before you create the recovery drive
Make the drive while Windows is still working. You will need a USB flash drive, and the Recovery Drive wizard will show the space requirement for your PC; Microsoft does not specify one universal capacity for this utility. Use an empty drive: Microsoft warns that creating recovery media erases anything already stored on it. Microsoft’s Recovery Drive instructions state: “Use an empty USB drive because this process will erase any data that’s already stored on the drive.”
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- Copy any files you want to keep off the USB drive before proceeding.
- Plan a separate backup for personal files. The recovery drive does not contain them.
- Keep Back up system files to the recovery drive selected if you want the recovery drive described by Microsoft.
Create the Windows recovery USB drive
- Open Start, search for Recovery Drive, and open it. Alternatively, run
recoverydrive.exe. - In the wizard, make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected, then choose Next.
- Connect the USB drive. Select it when it appears in the list, then choose Next. Check the wizard’s displayed space requirement before continuing.
- Choose Create and wait for the files to copy. Microsoft notes that copying many files can take a while.
Follow the prompts to finish. Keep the drive somewhere accessible in case Windows cannot start.
What a recovery drive contains—and what it does not
Microsoft says a recovery drive includes built-in Windows files, updates installed when it is created, and manufacturer customizations. It can help restore the PC, including in a bare-metal recovery scenario, and is intended for the device on which it was created. Microsoft recommends creating a new recovery drive annually so it reflects later updates. See Microsoft’s Recovery Drive overview.
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It does not back up personal documents, photos, or other personal files. Use a separate backup method, such as Windows Backup or File History, for those. Creating the recovery USB also does not itself erase or replace the files on the PC; the destructive step occurs if you later recover from the drive.
How to recover from the USB drive
If you need to use the media, start the PC from the USB drive. The key or menu sequence for choosing a boot device differs by computer; consult the PC manufacturer’s manual if you need help opening its boot menu.
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- Boot the device from the recovery USB drive.
- In Windows Recovery Environment, select Recover from a drive.
- Choose the drive-cleaning option that fits your situation, then confirm recovery only after reviewing the prompt.
Recovery from the drive removes personal files, apps, and settings. Back up anything you need before confirming.
Which recovery option should you use?
A recovery drive is one of several ways to reach Windows recovery or reinstall options. The right choice depends on whether Windows starts, whether you need external media, and whether preserving files or matching the original hardware setup matters.
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| Option | When it helps | Personal files and hardware fit |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery drive | Prepared in advance on USB for recovery when Windows cannot start. | Not a personal-file backup; recovering from it removes files, apps, and settings. Intended for the device used to create it. |
| Windows recovery options | When Windows recovery tools are available; options include uninstalling updates and Reset this PC. | Effects on files depend on the option selected. Microsoft’s recovery-options guide describes the choices. |
| Microsoft installation media | If you did not make a recovery drive, Microsoft says installation media can be created using another working PC. | Generic installation media may not include the device maker’s hardware-specific drivers or factory apps. |
| Manufacturer recovery media | Worth considering when hardware compatibility or the original factory setup is a priority. | May include hardware-specific drivers and factory applications absent from generic Microsoft installation media. |
Microsoft’s Windows recovery options guide covers alternatives, including installation media. For a device-specific recovery image, check the PC manufacturer’s support resources.
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