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Create a recovery drive

It's a good idea to create a recovery drive. That way, if your PC ever experiences a major issue such as hardware failure, you'll be able to use the recovery drive to reinstall Windows 10. Windows updates to improve security and PC performance periodically so it is recommended to recreate the recovery drive annually. Personal files and any applications that did not come with your PC will not be backed up. You'll need a USB drive that's at least 16 gigabytes.

Warning: Use an empty USB drive because this process will erase any data that's already stored on the drive.

To create a recovery drive in Windows 10:

In the search box next to the Start  button, search for Create a recovery drive and then select it. You might be asked to enter an admin password or confirm your choice.

When the tool opens, make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and then select Next.

Connect a USB drive to your PC, select it, and then select Next.

Select Create. Many files need to be copied to the recovery drive, so this might take a while.

If you ever need to use the recovery drive to reinstall Windows 10 on your PC, see Recovery options in Windows 10 for further instructions. It's a good idea to back up your files frequently because the recovery drive isn't a system image. It doesn't contain your personal files, settings, or programs.

Need more options for creating a recovery drive?

For Windows 7, see Create a system repair disc .

For Windows 8.1, see Create a USB recovery drive .

To download Windows 10 installation media, see Recovery options in Windows 10 .

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Learn how to create a recovery drive for Windows 11 or Windows 10 using an empty USB drive and the Backup and Restore tool. A recovery drive can help you reinstall Windows 11 if your PC ever experiences a major issue such as hardware failure.

Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files - Microsoft Support. Windows 8.1 Windows 8.1 Enterprise Windows 8.1 Pro Windows 8 More... If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files.

Use a fix-it tool with Windows 10. Instead of fix-it tools, Windows 10 uses troubleshooters to help you solve problems with your PC. To run a troubleshooter: Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters , or select the Find troubleshooters shortcut at the end of this topic, and then select Additional ...

System recovery options can help you repair Windows if a serious error occurs. To use system recovery options, you'll need a Windows installation disc or access to the recovery options provided by your computer manufacturer. If you don't have either of those choices, you can create a system repair disc to access system recovery options.

A recovery drive lets you reset your Surface to its factory settings and can help you troubleshoot and fix problems with your Surface device. Windows comes with a built-in tool to create a USB recovery drive. You'll need to provide an external USB drive that:

The System Recovery Options menu contains several tools, such as Startup Repair, that can help you recover Windows from a serious error. This set of tools is on your computer's hard disk and on the Windows installation disc. Note: You can also create a system repair disc that contains the System Recovery Options menu.

Shrink a basic volume. Change a drive letter. Troubleshoot Disk Management. To open Disk Management, right-click (or long-press) the Start button and select Disk Management. If you need help freeing up space on your PC, see Disk cleanup in Windows or Free up drive space in Windows.

If you're having problems with Windows 10 on your PC or you want a fresh copy of Windows 10 without the clutter of old files or apps, you can reinstall Windows 10 to try and fix your issues and return your PC to a cleaner state. Check your disk space

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