I did system Image backups on a portable hard drive on each, and created a flash drive recovery drive for each. I also was able to create a USB boot disk. I created an ISO on the desktop on each, mounted and installed on both. I couldn't create a bootable DVD, I guess because the ISO is now too large to fit on a DVD, and Windows won't let you do it to a Blu-Ray.

To download Windows 10 installation media, see Recovery options in Windows.I just did an in-place upgrade to 20H2 on two different HP laptops, which went smoothly once I disconnected everything that was attached to my USB ports, and was then able to install all the latest updates as well. 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.

Windows 10 repair disk