Warning: Reinstalling Windows from a recovery drive removes your personal files, apps, and settings. Back up important files somewhere other than the recovery USB before you begin. Microsoft says the recovery media does not include personal files.
These instructions apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11. They cover using a recovery drive already made for the PC you want to restore—not creating generic Windows installation media, which is a separate recovery method.
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Before you start
- Back up your files. Copy anything important to another drive or a cloud location. A recovery drive is intended to restore the PC, not preserve your personal data.
- Find your BitLocker recovery key if device encryption or BitLocker is enabled. Microsoft says the key is needed for most recovery options in Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE).
- Connect the PC to power. Recovery can take time, and the computer should not lose power during the process.
- Check the computer maker’s USB boot instructions. The key or menu used to select a boot device varies by manufacturer; there is no universal boot-key sequence.
How to reinstall Windows from the recovery drive
- Insert the recovery USB into the PC it was created for. Start or restart the PC and use the manufacturer’s instructions to boot from the USB drive.
- When Windows Recovery Environment appears, select Recover from a drive. If prompted, enter the BitLocker recovery key.
- Choose Just remove my files or Fully clean the drive. Read the on-screen explanation and choose the option that fits your situation; Microsoft’s Recovery Drive instructions do not provide a detailed comparison of their behavior.
- Select Recover to confirm and begin the recovery. Follow any further on-screen prompts.
Will I lose my files?
Yes. Recovery from a USB recovery drive removes personal files, apps, and settings. Microsoft Support states that “The recovery media doesn’t include your personal files.” Back up anything you need before selecting Recover; do not rely on the recovery drive as a copy of your documents or photos.
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What if my PC won’t start?
Starting from the USB recovery drive is specifically useful when Windows will not start normally. Use the PC maker’s instructions to open its boot menu or choose USB as the startup device. The method differs across manufacturers, so consult the support information for your exact model if the PC keeps starting from its internal drive.
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If Windows RE requests a BitLocker recovery key, you will need that key to continue through most recovery options. If the USB does not boot or recovery does not resolve the issue, consider the separate Windows installation-media method below.
What if I don’t have a recovery drive or installation media?
If you have no recovery drive, Microsoft’s alternative is to create Windows installation media using another working PC. This is not the same as the Recovery Drive procedure above. Microsoft’s installation-media instructions require a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB of space and warn that its contents will be deleted. That 8 GB minimum is for installation media; Microsoft does not state a universal capacity for a recovery drive.
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Microsoft notes that a PC maker’s recovery image may include device-specific drivers and factory-installed apps that generic Microsoft installation media may not include. Choose the recovery route with that difference in mind, especially if you need the manufacturer’s customizations.
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| Option | What it does | File and app impact |
|---|---|---|
| USB recovery drive | Restores the PC using a recovery drive made ahead of time for that PC. | Removes personal files, apps, and settings. |
| Reset this PC | Offers reset choices from Windows recovery options. | Some choices allow you to keep personal files; apps and settings may be affected depending on the choice. |
| Windows 11 Fix problems using Windows Update | Reinstalls Windows through Windows Update on supported Windows 11 systems when Windows still starts. | Designed to repair while retaining files, apps, and settings. |
| Windows installation media | Uses generic Windows setup media created on another working PC. | An in-place reinstall can offer choices to keep files and apps, files only, or nothing. A clean install removes personal files, apps, manufacturer customizations, and settings. |
These are distinct paths, not interchangeable names for one process. If Windows still starts and your goal is repair without removing files, apps, and settings, check whether the Windows 11 Update repair option is available before using a recovery drive.
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If you need to create a recovery drive for later
- In Windows, search Start for Recovery Drive, or run
recoverydrive.exe. - Leave Back up system files to the recovery drive selected.
- Connect an empty USB drive and select it in the Recovery Drive utility.
- Select Create and wait for the process to finish. Microsoft warns that creating the drive erases data already stored on that USB.
Keep the drive for the PC it was created for; its contents are intended to restore that device. Microsoft’s Recovery Drive page applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11. It also notes that recovery drives created and used on systems with the April 9, 2024 security update and Secure Boot revocation policy may be affected by the referenced revocation changes; consult Microsoft’s KB5025885 guidance if that applies to your system.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Reinstalling Windows 10 does not restore free software updates through Windows Update, technical assistance, or security fixes from Microsoft.
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