To create a Windows 10 recovery USB, plug in an empty USB drive of at least 16 GB, type Recovery Drive in the search box, and open it. Keep Back up system files to the recovery drive checked, select Next, pick your USB drive, and select Create. Everything on the USB drive will be erased.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 26, 2026.
A recovery drive lets you troubleshoot or reinstall Windows when your PC won’t start. It’s made for this PC, so create one while the PC is working.
Create the recovery drive
- Plug in a USB drive with at least 16 GB. Copy off anything you want to keep.
- Type Recovery Drive in the search box on the taskbar and open it. Select Yes if asked.
- Keep Back up system files to the recovery drive checked, then select Next.
- Select your USB drive and select Next.
- Select Create. Copying the files can take an hour or more.
- Select Finish and store the drive somewhere safe.
You can also open the tool by running recoverydrive.exe.
Use the recovery drive
- Plug the drive into the PC and turn it on.
- Open the boot menu, often with F12, F9, or Esc, and choose the USB drive.
- Pick your keyboard layout.
- Select Troubleshoot. From there you can:
- Select Recover from a drive to reinstall Windows. Choose Just remove my files or Fully clean the drive, then select Recover. Your personal files and apps are removed.
- Select Advanced options for Startup Repair, System Restore, or Command Prompt.
What each Advanced option does
Under Troubleshoot > Advanced options, try the gentler fixes before reinstalling Windows:
- Startup Repair fixes problems that stop Windows from loading, such as damaged boot files. Your files aren’t touched.
- System Restore takes Windows back to an earlier restore point. Apps and drivers installed after that point are removed, but your documents stay.
- Uninstall Updates removes the latest quality or feature update if trouble started right after Windows updated.
- System Image Recovery replaces everything on the PC with a full backup image, if you made one.
- Command Prompt lets you run repair commands such as chkdsk or copy files off the drive.
- UEFI Firmware Settings restarts into the PC’s firmware setup, for example to change the boot order.
Keep the recovery drive useful
- Remake it once a year. Microsoft suggests this, so the drive has recent fixes and updates.
- Label it with the PC’s name and the date, especially if you have more than one PC.
- Keep it just for recovery. Don’t store other files on it, so nothing gets deleted by mistake.
If the recovery drive won’t create or start
- “We can’t create the recovery drive”: try another USB drive and USB port. Then open Command Prompt as administrator and type
reagentc /info. If Windows RE status says Disabled, typereagentc /enableand try again. - Creating takes hours: that’s normal on slow USB 2.0 drives. A USB 3.0 drive in a blue USB port is much faster.
- The PC won’t start from the USB drive: open the PC’s UEFI settings, turn on USB boot, and put the USB drive first in the boot order. Turning off Fast Boot there can also help.
- The USB drive isn’t listed: it may be too small. Use a drive of at least 16 GB, or 32 GB if Windows asks for more.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the recovery drive on another PC?
It’s meant for the PC that made it. For a new install on another PC, use a Windows 10 installation USB instead. See how to create a bootable Windows 10 USB drive.
Why is Back up system files greyed out?
Your PC may not have a recovery image. You can still make the drive for troubleshooting tools, but not for reinstalling.
What else can I try before reinstalling?
Try Startup Repair first. If Windows still starts, you can reset Windows 10 without a USB drive.
Does the recovery drive back up my files?
No. It only holds Windows recovery tools and system files. Back up your documents and photos separately, for example with OneDrive or File History.
Is a recovery drive the same as installation media?
No. A recovery drive is made from your own PC and holds its recovery tools. Installation media, made with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, installs a fresh copy of Windows 10 on any compatible PC.
A recovery drive also lets you restore a system image onto a new drive. See how to move Windows 10 to an SSD without reinstalling.
To use the drive when Windows won’t start, see how to recover Windows 10 from a USB drive.
Microsoft’s guide is Recovery drive. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: how to install Windows 10 step by step.
Related: create a recovery partition in Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.