---
title: "Create a USB recovery drive in Windows 11"
canonical: https://saasranked.com/guides/create-recovery-drive/
applies_to: Windows 11, Windows 10
checked: 2026-10-06 (against Microsoft's documentation)
updated: 2026-10-06
---

# Create a USB recovery drive in Windows 11

- Creating a recovery drive erases any data already stored on the USB drive [1].
- The drive holds Windows system files, installed updates and manufacturer customizations, but not your personal files [1].
- Microsoft recommends recreating the recovery media every year to include the latest Windows updates and improvements [1].
- Recovering from the drive removes your personal files, apps and settings, so back up your files first [2].

To create a recovery drive, search Start for Recovery Drive or run recoverydrive.exe [1]. Keep Back up system files to the recovery drive selected and select Next. Pick your USB drive, select Next again, then select Create [1]. Use an empty USB drive, because the process erases it [1]. Microsoft recommends making a new one every year [1].

## 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 Windows [2].

Use an empty USB drive. The process erases any data already stored on it [1]. Microsoft's Recovery Drive page does not list a minimum drive size [1].

The recovery drive does not include your personal files. Back them up separately with Windows Backup or File History [1].

## Steps

1. **Open Recovery Drive.** Search Start for **Recovery Drive**, or run `recoverydrive.exe` [1].
2. **Keep system files selected.** Make sure **Back up system files to the recovery drive** is selected, then select **Next** [1].
3. **Pick your USB drive.** Connect the USB drive, select it, then select **Next** [1].
4. **Create the drive.** Select **Create**. Everything on the USB drive is erased. Copying the files might take a while [1].
5. **Make a new one each year.** Recreate the recovery media every year so it includes the latest Windows updates and improvements [1].

## Check it worked

Microsoft's page does not describe a test for a finished drive [1]. It does explain how you use it: boot the PC from the USB drive, then select **Recover from a drive** in Windows RE [1].

Don't start a recovery just to try the drive. Recovering from a drive removes your personal files, apps and settings [2].

## 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 GB [2].

**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 details [1].

**Your files are gone after a recovery.** Recovery removes personal files, apps and settings, and the recovery drive never held your files [1][2]. Restore them from your Windows Backup or File History copy [1].

## Questions

**How big does the USB drive need to be?** Microsoft's Recovery Drive page does not state a size [1]. The only size on its recovery options page, at least 8 GB, is for installation media made on another PC, not for a recovery drive [2].

**Does a recovery drive back up my files?** No. It does not include personal files. Back them up separately with Windows Backup or File History [1].

**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 Recover [1].

## Sources

1. [Recovery Drive](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/create-a-recovery-drive-abb4691b-5324-6d4a-8766-73fab304c246), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-06
2. [Recovery options in Windows](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/backup-recovery/recovery-options-in-windows), Microsoft Support, accessed 2026-10-06

Checked against Microsoft's documentation on 6 Oct 2026.