How To Make A Windows 11 Recovery USB: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 30, 2025

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Creating a Windows 11 recovery USB drive is a crucial step in safeguarding your system against potential issues, such as system crashes, boot failures, or even malware infections. A recovery drive allows you to reinstall Windows 11, reverting your system to a working state even if it can’t boot normally.

This guide will walk you through the process of creating a Windows 11 recovery USB drive, ensuring you’re prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Having a recovery drive is like having a digital insurance policy for your PC, providing a safety net when things go wrong.

How Do I Create a Windows 11 Recovery USB Drive?

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

A USB drive with at least 16 GB of storage. Ensure the USB drive is empty, as the process will erase all data on it.
A stable internet connection (optional, but recommended for downloading the latest recovery image).
A Windows 11 computer that is functioning correctly.

Step 1: Access the Recovery Drive Tool

Click on the Start menu.
Type “Recovery Drive” in the search bar.
Click on “Create a recovery drive” from the search results. This will open the Recovery Media Creator tool.

Step 2: Configure the Recovery Drive Options

A User Account Control (UAC) prompt may appear. Click “Yes” to allow the app to make changes to your device.
In the Recovery Media Creator window, you’ll see an option labeled “Back up system files to the recovery drive.”
Important: If you check this box, the recovery drive will include your installed Windows files, personal files, and apps. This creates a full system backup. If you leave it unchecked, the recovery drive will only include the Windows recovery environment.
Check the box if you want a full system backup. Be aware that this will require more space on the USB drive.
Click “Next.”

Step 3: Select the USB Drive

The tool will display a list of available USB drives connected to your computer.
Select the correct USB drive from the list.
Click “Next.”

Step 4: Create the Recovery Drive

A warning message will appear, stating that all data on the USB drive will be deleted.
Click “Create” to begin the process.
The tool will format the USB drive and copy the necessary files to it. This process may take some time, depending on the size of the recovery image and the speed of your USB drive.
Once the process is complete, a message will appear stating “The recovery drive is ready.”
Click “Finish.”

Step 5: Store the Recovery Drive Safely

Eject the USB drive from your computer.
Label the USB drive clearly as “Windows 11 Recovery Drive.”
Store the USB drive in a safe place where you can easily access it if needed.

Tips

It’s a good idea to create a new recovery drive periodically, especially after major Windows updates or significant changes to your system.
Test the recovery drive by booting your computer from it to ensure it works correctly. You don’t need to fully reinstall Windows, just verify that the recovery environment loads.
Keep your recovery drive in a safe place, away from heat, moisture, and magnetic fields.

Understanding Recovery Drive Types

The primary difference lies in whether or not system files are backed up. Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Recovery Drive (No System Files)	Recovery Drive (With System Files)
Storage Required	Smaller	Larger
Backup Scope	Only Recovery Environment	Full System Backup (Windows, Apps, Files)
Restore Time	Faster	Slower
Use Case	Basic System Recovery	Complete System Restore

A Safety Net for Your Windows 11

Creating a Windows 11 recovery USB drive is a proactive step that can save you from potential headaches down the line. By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle system issues and restore your PC to a working state, ensuring minimal disruption to your workflow.

FAQ

What happens if I don’t have a USB drive with enough space? You will need to acquire a USB drive with at least 16GB of storage. The recovery tool will not proceed without sufficient space.

Can I use the recovery drive on another computer? The recovery drive is specifically designed for the computer it was created on. Using it on another computer may lead to compatibility issues.

How often should I create a new recovery drive? It’s recommended to create a new recovery drive after major Windows updates or significant changes to your system, ideally every six months to a year.

Will creating a recovery drive delete my files? Creating the recovery drive itself will not delete any files on your computer. However, the process of creating the drive will erase all data on the USB drive you use.

What if the recovery drive doesn’t work when I try to use it? Ensure that your BIOS settings are configured to boot from USB. If the issue persists, try creating a new recovery drive or consider other recovery options, such as a clean installation of Windows.