Restore from the installed Macrium Reflect X application only when Windows is available and the restore will not overwrite partitions currently in use. If Windows will not boot—or the restore must replace the running Windows partitions—boot from Macrium rescue media and restore from there. In either case, check the image, destination disk, and partition layout carefully before confirming: restoring deletes data on the destination partitions selected in the wizard.
Choose the restore environment
| Situation | Where to restore |
|---|---|
| Windows starts, and the restore will not overwrite in-use system partitions | Run Reflect in Windows |
| Windows cannot start, or the restore must overwrite the currently running Windows partitions | Boot from Macrium rescue media |
These directions use the current Reflect X guides; older Reflect versions may use different labels or workflows. Macrium describes the Windows restore process in its Restoring an image from within Windows guide and the bootable process in Restoring Images using the Rescue Media.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Restore while Windows is running
-
Open Macrium Reflect X and find the backup under Existing Backups. If it is not listed, choose Edit to add or search the image location, or choose Browse for an image file… to locate it in File Explorer.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Select the image and choose Restore. For an incremental or differential restore point, select the specific image you want; Reflect handles the earlier files in that set during the restore rather than requiring separate restore jobs. The required Full image and relevant chain files must be available.
#1 Best Overall
SANDISK 128GB Ultra Flair, USB-A Flash Drive, Up to 150MB/s Read Speeds | USB Flash Drive, Up to 15x Faster than standard 2.0, Password Protection, Durable, Sleek Metal Casing, USB 3.0, Silver/Black- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
-
Check the source disk and destination disk in the Restore Wizard. If more than one disk is connected, make sure the destination selector points to the disk you intend to overwrite.
-
Choose Copy Partitions or drag partitions into the destination layout. If the destination disk differs in size, review the options to resize partitions to fit or use the available space, or to preserve their original size and offset. Restore multiple source disks one at a time.
-
Review the summary, especially the destination disk and selected partitions, then choose Finish only if they are correct. This in-Windows route applies only when the restore does not overwrite in-use system partitions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.Rank #2
SamData 32GB USB Flash Drives 2 Pack 32GB Thumb Drives Memory Stick Jump Drive with LED Light for Storage and Backup (2 Colors: Black Blue)- [Package Offer]: 2 Pack USB 2.0 Flash Drive 32GB Available in 2 different colors - Black and Blue. The different colors can help you to store different content.
- [Plug and Play]: No need to install any software, Just plug in and use it. The metal clip rotates 360° round the ABS plastic body which. The capless design can avoid lossing of cap, and providing efficient protection to the USB port.
- [Compatibilty and Interface]: Supports Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / Vista / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS. Compatible with USB 2.0 and below. High speed USB 2.0, LED Indicator - Transfer status at a glance.
- [Suitable for All Uses and Data]: Suitable for storing digital data for school, business or daily usage. Apply to data storage of music, photos, movies, software, and other files.
- [Warranty Policy]: 12-month warranty, our products are of good quality and we promise that any problem about the product within one year since you buy, it will be guaranteed for free.
Restore from Macrium rescue media
Use rescue media if Windows cannot boot or if you need to replace the system partitions that the running Windows installation is using. Macrium recommends creating rescue media before you need it; its Creating Rescue Media guide describes USB rescue media, a Windows boot-menu option, and an ISO file as available formats.
-
Start the computer from the Macrium rescue media. The boot method depends on the computer; use its boot menu or firmware settings to select the media.
-
On Existing Backups, select a listed backup location, use Edit to add another location, or browse for the image file.
Rank #3
Lexar A30E USB 3.2 Gen 1 Flash Drive 64GB 3-Pack- Lightweight and convenient: Lexar JumpDrive A30E (USB Type-A) boasts a slim, portable design for easy device compatibility; lightweight at 7.41 g
- Transfer speeds up to 100 MB/s: 10x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives; Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions
- Wide compatibility: Compatible with tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required; Reliably stores photos, videos & files
- Compact: Features a push-button retractor and a lanyard loop for on-the-go use
- Enhanced security: Lexar DataShield protects files, easily creates a password-protected safe with auto-encryption; Files deleted from the safe are securely erased and can't be recovered
-
If the image is on a network share, map the share in the rescue environment using its UNC path and credentials. The account needs at least read access before you can browse to the image.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Select the desired image and choose Restore. As in Windows, you can select the incremental or differential restore point directly; Reflect uses the earlier required images in the set.
-
Inspect the source and destination disks and review the proposed partition layout. You can copy partitions, adjust them to fit a smaller destination or fill a larger one, preserve offsets and lengths, or remove partitions from the proposed layout.
Rank #4
128GB Flash Drive Aiibe USB Flash Drive 128 GB Thumb Drive USB 2.0 Memory Stick Zip Drive Backup Jump Drive Single 128GB 128G USB Drive for PC Laptop- Large Data Storage Capacity: Flash Drive with 128GB capacity, meet your needs of daily use on work, school, home and travelling for photos, music, videos, files storage and transfer
- Easy to use: The thumb drive is plug and play without any software installation; Supports Windows 7/8/10 / Vista / XP / Unix / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, also compatible with USB 2.0 and 1.1 ports; Storage is fast, safe and stable
- Wide Compatibility: USB flash drive support TV, desktop, notebook computer, car, audio and other device; It is your great data storage and transfer companion with traveling and working
- Retractable Desgin: The usb drive's retractable design can effectively protect the USB interface; The capless design can avoid losing of cap; Weight: 7g, Size: 2.6 × 0.8 × 0.4 inch. Portable to take your digital world anywhere
- What You Get: 1 x 128GB USB Flash Drive Thumb Drive, All of usb drives have been rigorously tested and formatted before leaving the factory; The default format of the USB stick is exFAT
-
Read the overwrite confirmation and verify the listed partitions and destination disk. Macrium warns: “The restore is a destructive process; any data on the partitions shown in the window will be deleted.” Proceed only when those are the intended targets.
-
Allow the restore to complete. The rescue-media guide says the computer reboots automatically by default after completion.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Check the backup chain you are restoring
A Full image contains the volume data. Differential and Incremental images record changes, so the selected restore point depends on earlier images remaining available. Macrium’s Introduction to Macrium Reflect explains that a Differential restore needs its original Full image and the selected Differential, while an Incremental restore needs the original Full and subsequent Incrementals in the set. In the current Reflect X restore workflow, choose the desired point once; Reflect handles the preceding files in that set during the restore.
Best Value
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Restore to replacement or different hardware
For a restore onto a different computer, perform the image restore from rescue media, then use ReDeploy as Macrium directs in its rescue-media restore guide. ReDeploy detects changes to critical system features and locates or injects drivers intended to help Windows boot on the new hardware. It does not install every driver: non-boot-critical devices such as network and graphics adapters may need their drivers installed after Windows starts.
Prepare before a failure
-
Create Macrium rescue media while Reflect is installed and accessible. It can be made on USB, added as a Windows boot-menu option, or saved as an ISO; the cited guide does not prescribe a particular USB model or capacity.
-
Keep image files somewhere you can access during recovery, such as a local, network, or removable drive. If the image is on a network share, be ready to provide its UNC path and credentials in the rescue environment.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Before confirming any restore, identify the destination by disk and partition layout—not just by its apparent size—and check that the intended backup files are available.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 2Bestseller No. 3Bestseller No. 4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
