How to create a recovery drive in Windows
Jul 30, 2025 am 02:22 AMTo create a recovery drive, use a 16 GB or larger USB drive and back up its data first because the process will erase all contents; 2. Open the Recovery Drive tool via Windows search and approve the UAC prompt; 3. Choose to include system files for full recovery capabilities, ensuring the drive can reinstall Windows; 4. Select the correct USB drive when detected, verifying its size and letter to prevent accidental data loss; 5. Click Create and wait 10–30 minutes for Windows to format the drive and copy files, keeping the USB connected throughout; 6. After completion, click Finish and safely remove the drive; 7. To use it, boot from the USB by selecting it in the boot menu (using keys like F12 or Esc), then access tools like Startup Repair, System Image Restore, or Command Prompt; 8. Store the drive safely, update it after major system changes, and create separate drives for different PCs since recovery drives are not universally compatible due to licensing and driver differences, making it a crucial preparedness step for system failures.
Creating a recovery drive in Windows is a smart way to prepare for system problems. If your PC won’t start or the operating system is corrupted, a recovery drive can help you troubleshoot, repair, or reinstall Windows. Here’s how to make one.

What You’ll Need
- A USB flash drive with at least 16 GB of storage (Microsoft recommends this size for Windows 10 and 11).
- A working Windows PC to create the drive.
- Administrator rights on the PC.
?? Warning: The process will erase everything on the USB drive, so back up any important files first.
Step 1: Open the Recovery Drive Tool
- Press Windows S to open the search bar.
- Type "Create a recovery drive" and click the top result.
- If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to continue.
Step 2: Choose What to Include
In the Recovery Drive window:

? Back up system files to the recovery drive
This creates a full recovery tool that can reinstall Windows. You’ll need a 16 GB or larger drive.-
? Leave this unchecked if you only want basic recovery tools (like startup repair). Not recommended for full system recovery.
If you check the box, the tool will copy system files from your current Windows installation. This means the drive will only work on the same type of PC (especially important for custom drivers or pre-built systems).
Click Next to continue.
3. Select Your USB Drive
- Plug in your USB flash drive.
- The tool should detect it automatically.
- Make sure the correct drive is selected — double-check the drive letter and size to avoid erasing the wrong device.
- Click Next.
4: Create the Recovery Drive
- Click Create.
- Wait while Windows formats the drive and copies the recovery files. This can take 10–30 minutes, depending on your system and USB speed.
- Do not remove the USB during this process.
Once finished:
- Click Finish.
- Remove the USB safely.
How to Use the Recovery Drive
If your PC won’t start:
- Plug in the recovery drive.
- Turn on the PC and immediately press the key to open the boot menu (commonly F12, Esc, or F10 — depends on your PC brand).
- Select the USB drive as the boot device.
- The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) will load.
- From here, you can:
- Use Startup Repair
- Restore from a system image
- Reinstall Windows
- Open Command Prompt for advanced fixes
Tips
- Label and store the drive in a safe place.
- Update your recovery drive after major Windows updates or system changes.
- You can’t use a recovery drive to reinstall Windows on a completely different PC (due to licensing and drivers).
- Consider creating a recovery drive for each Windows PC you use regularly.
Basically, it’s a simple process that could save you hours of frustration later. Just don’t forget to make one before things go wrong.
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