How to find and use Windows' hidden Recovery Drive

Windows 10 and 11 include a legacy tool called Recovery Drive that lets you create a bootable recovery environment on an external USB drive. If Windows will not load, you can boot the PC from that drive to reinstall the operating system. The recovery image stores built-in Windows files, any updates present when you create the drive, and maker customizations.

It does not include your personal files or apps, so keep separate backups of those items; Recovery Drive resets Windows to its initial factory state. Reset can retain personal files but must be run from inside Windows, while a Recovery Drive can be used when Windows is inaccessible.

Because the recovery process removes personal files and apps, treat it as a last resort when other options fail. To create the drive, attach an external USB stick or drive with at least 32GB free, search for Recovery Drive in Windows, check Back up system files to the recovery drive, select the correct device and click Create.

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