Creating a Windows Recovery USB Drive

A Windows Recovery USB lets you start your computer, repair startup problems, and reinstall Windows if needed. Creating one now can save time and data in the future.

What you need

• USB flash drive: 16 GB or larger
• Important: Everything on the USB drive will be erased during this process.

Step 1 – Connect the USB drive

1. Plug the USB flash drive into your computer.
2. Make sure you don’t need any files currently stored on it.

Step 2 – Open the Recovery Drive tool

1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
2. Type Recovery Drive.
3. Click Create a recovery drive in the search results.
4. If Windows asks for permission, click Yes.

Step 3 – Choose to back up system files

1. On the first screen, make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is checked.
2. Click Next.

This option allows the USB drive to fully reinstall Windows if needed.

Step 4 – Select your USB drive

1. Windows will search for available USB drives.
2. Select the USB flash drive you plugged in.
3. Click Next.
4. Confirm that everything on the drive will be deleted.
5. Click Create.

Step 5 – Wait for the process to complete

• The creation process can take 10–30 minutes, depending on your system.
• When it finishes, click Finish.
• You can now safely remove the USB drive.

How to label and store the drive

• Rename the drive to something like Windows Recovery.
• Add a label such as Windows Recovery – Do Not Erase.
• Store it in a safe place near the computer.

What you can do with this recovery drive

• Boot the PC when Windows will not start.
• Access Advanced Startup Options.
• Reset or reinstall Windows.
• Restore from a system image (if you have one).
• Run built-in troubleshooting tools.