Create a USB recovery drive in Windows 11
In short
- Creating a recovery drive erases any data already stored on the USB drive1.
- The drive holds Windows system files, installed updates and manufacturer customizations, but not your personal files1.
- Microsoft recommends recreating the recovery media every year to include the latest Windows updates and improvements1.
- Recovering from the drive removes your personal files, apps and settings, so back up your files first2.
To create a recovery drive, search Start for Recovery Drive or run recoverydrive.exe1. Keep Back up system files to the recovery drive selected and select Next. Pick your USB drive, select Next again, then select Create1. Use an empty USB drive, because the process erases it1. Microsoft recommends making a new one every year1.
Before you start
Make the recovery drive while your PC still works. Microsoft calls it a last-resort option: if Windows fails later, you can boot from it to reinstall Windows2.
Use an empty USB drive. The process erases any data already stored on it1. Microsoft's Recovery Drive page does not list a minimum drive size1.
The recovery drive does not include your personal files. Back them up separately with Windows Backup or File History1.
Steps
- Open Recovery Drive. Search Start for Recovery Drive, or run
recoverydrive.exe1. - Keep system files selected. Make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected, then select Next1.
- Pick your USB drive. Connect the USB drive, select it, then select Next1.
- Create the drive. Select Create. Everything on the USB drive is erased. Copying the files might take a while1.
- Make a new one each year. Recreate the recovery media every year so it includes the latest Windows updates and improvements1.
Check it worked
Microsoft's page does not describe a test for a finished drive1. It does explain how you use it: boot the PC from the USB drive, then select Recover from a drive in Windows RE1.
Don't start a recovery just to try the drive. Recovering from a drive removes your personal files, apps and settings2.
Common problems
Your PC won't start and you have no recovery drive. Create installation media on another working PC with a USB drive of at least 8 GB2.
Your drive is affected by the April 2024 security update. Recovery drives created or used on PCs with the April 9, 2024 security update and its revocation policy applied may be affected. Microsoft's page points to KB5025885 for details1.
Your files are gone after a recovery. Recovery removes personal files, apps and settings, and the recovery drive never held your files1,2. Restore them from your Windows Backup or File History copy1.
Questions
- How big does the USB drive need to be?
- Microsoft's Recovery Drive page does not state a size1. The only size on its recovery options page, at least 8 GB, is for installation media made on another PC, not for a recovery drive2.
- Does a recovery drive back up my files?
- No. It does not include personal files. Back them up separately with Windows Backup or File History1.
- How do I use a recovery drive?
- Boot the PC from the USB drive; the steps vary by manufacturer. In Windows RE, select Recover from a drive, choose Just remove my files or Fully clean the drive, then select Recover1.
6 Oct 2026: Published.