How to create a recovery drive on Windows 11

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 3 October 2026

When Windows will not start any more and the built-in repair tools are gone with the broken drive, a recovery drive is what gets the PC running again. It is a USB stick with the system files of your own computer, made in advance while everything still works. Making one takes a little waiting and no skill.

These steps are for Windows 11. Names of settings can differ slightly between versions.

Step by step

1. Get an empty USB stick

   Everything on the stick is erased, so use an empty one or copy its contents elsewhere first. A stick of 16 GB is usually enough, and 32 GB is on the safe side; the tool tells you the size it needs.

   Done

2. Open Recovery Drive

   Click Start, type Recovery Drive and select it. Confirm the question from User Account Control with Yes. You need an administrator account.

   Done

3. Keep the system files option ticked

   Make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected, then click Next. With this option the stick can reinstall Windows, not only start the repair tools.

   Done

4. Select the USB stick

   Connect the stick, wait until it appears in the list, select it and click Next.

   Done

5. Click Create

   Many files are copied, so this can take a good while, often more than an hour. Leave the PC plugged in and do not remove the stick. Click Finish at the end.

   Done

6. Label it and put it away

   Write the name of the PC and the date on the stick and keep it somewhere you will find it. It is made for this computer and should not be used as an everyday stick.

   Done

Good to know

To use it, start the PC from the stick (the key for the boot menu differs by maker: often F12, F9 or Esc), choose Recover from a drive, then Just remove my files or Fully clean the drive, and Recover. This reinstalls Windows and removes your files and apps.

The recovery drive does not include your documents and photos. Back those up separately: how to back up files with File History or how to back up a Windows 11 PC with Windows Backup.

Microsoft recommends making a new recovery drive once a year, so that it contains the current updates.

Before you reach for the stick, try the gentler tools: Windows 11 won't start: how to use Startup Repair and how to create a restore point and use System Restore.

In short: Empty USB stick, Start, Recovery Drive, keep Back up system files ticked, Next, select the stick, Next, Create. Label it, renew it once a year, and back up personal files separately.