You'll need a USB flash drive with at least 16GB of free space, but preferably 32GB. If you're using a PC outfitted with an older version of Windows but want a more up-to-date operating system, you can run Windows 10 or 11 directly from a USB drive. How to Set Up Two-Factor Authentication.How to Record the Screen on Your Windows PC or Mac.How to Convert YouTube Videos to MP3 Files.How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill.How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad.How to Block Robotexts and Spam Messages.To download Windows 10 installation media, see Recovery options in Windows. It doesn't contain your personal files, settings, or programs. It's a good idea to Backup and Restore in Windows frequently because the recovery drive isn't a system image.

If you ever need to use the recovery drive to reinstall Windows 10 on your PC, see Recovery options in Windows for further instructions. You might be asked to enter an admin password or confirm your choice. In the search box next to the Start button, search for Create a recovery drive and then select it. To create a recovery drive in Windows 10: To download Windows 11 installation media, see Recovery options in Windows. Need more options for creating a recovery drive?įor Windows 7, see Create a system repair disc.įor Windows 8.1, see Create a USB recovery drive. If you ever need to use the recovery drive to reinstall Windows 11 on your PC, see Recovery options in Windows for further instructions. Many files need to be copied to the recovery drive, so this might take a while. When the tool opens, make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and then select Next.Ĭonnect a USB drive to your PC, select it, and then select Next. In the search box on the taskbar, search for Create a recovery drive and then select it. To create a recovery drive in Windows 11: Warning: Use an empty USB drive because this process will erase any data that's already stored on the drive.

Win 10 bootable disk