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Set Up a Windows 11 25H2 Recovery USB on a New PC

Create a bootable Windows 11 recovery USB with system files and verify it works before you need it.

by@guidox updated:10/29/26 time:45 min level:Beginner works on:Windows 11 25H2, build 26200 family, Windows 11 x64, Microsoft Recovery Drive documentation reviewed October 2026 tools:Windows Recovery Drive
⚠ Safety notice

Creating recovery media erases the selected USB drive. Using its recovery options later can erase the PC's internal storage.

TL;DR

Use the built-in **Recovery Drive** tool to create a bootable USB containing Windows recovery files. Verify that your PC can boot from it without starting a reset.

Before you start

Requirements

  • Windows 11 25H2 on an x64 PC with administrator access.
  • An empty USB flash drive with at least 32 GB recommended capacity. Its contents will be erased.
  • A separate backup of personal files.
  • Microsoft Recovery Drive instructions: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/backup-recovery/recovery-drive
  • Access to the PC manufacturer's boot-menu instructions.
Step by step

Instructions

01

Confirm the Windows version

Open **Settings**, select **System**, and open **About**. Confirm that the PC runs **Windows 11 25H2** and check its system type.

winver
tipCreate the recovery drive on the PC you intend to recover. Manufacturer recovery components can differ between computers.
02

Prepare the USB drive

Connect the empty USB drive directly to the computer. Open **File Explorer** and confirm its capacity and drive identity before proceeding.

⚠ warningThe recovery-drive creation process erases the selected USB drive.
03

Launch Recovery Drive

Open **Start**, search for **Recovery Drive**, and select the built-in Windows utility. Approve the administrator permission prompt.

recoverydrive.exe
04

Include Windows recovery files

Enable **Back up system files to the recovery drive** and select **Next**. Allow Windows to calculate the required storage space.

tipIf an older recovery USB already exists, recreate it rather than assuming it contains the current Windows installation files.
05

Create the recovery media

Select the intended USB drive, click **Next**, and then choose **Create**. Keep the drive connected until Windows confirms completion.

06

Verify USB boot

Restart the PC and open its one-time boot menu using the manufacturer's documented key. Select the recovery USB and confirm that **Windows Recovery Environment** appears.

⚠ warningDo not select a recovery, reset, formatting, or disk-cleaning operation during this test.
07

Store the recovery USB

Exit the recovery environment and boot Windows normally. Label the USB with the PC model and store it separately from the computer.

Troubleshooting

Common issues

The recovery drive cannot be created.

Try another empty USB drive, connect it directly rather than through a hub, and confirm there is enough storage. Restart Windows and run **Recovery Drive** again with administrator permissions.

The USB does not appear in the boot menu.

Check the manufacturer's UEFI boot instructions and try another USB port. If the drive still cannot boot, recreate it and inspect the manufacturer's Secure Boot requirements.

The system files option is unavailable.

Check whether **Windows Recovery Environment** is enabled and whether the manufacturer's recovery components are intact. Use Microsoft's recovery-drive documentation before changing recovery partitions.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Does the recovery USB include personal files?

No. Back up documents, photos, application data, and other personal files separately.

Can the USB recover Windows after an SSD failure?

A recovery drive containing system files can support recovery after replacing a failed drive, subject to the device's recovery configuration.

Should I recreate the USB after Windows updates?

Yes. Microsoft recommends recreating recovery media periodically, including after significant system changes.

How to undo this

Creating the recovery USB does not change the installed Windows environment. To reuse the USB for ordinary storage, identify the correct removable drive in **Disk Management**, remove its recovery partitions if necessary, and format it. Formatting permanently deletes its recovery contents.

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