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Windows 11 Recovery USB: Download, Install & Create

Everything you need to create and use a recovery drive for your PC

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Your PC can sometimes run into issues thatmake it difficult to boot into it normally. In this case, you can revive it using a Windows 11 recovery USB.

While all this looks simple and straightforward, you still need to know how to create and use the recovery USB. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps you need to follow to perform this task effortlessly.

Can I download a Windows 11 recovery USB?

Can I download a Windows 11 recovery USB?

If your operating system crashes completely, you can download a Windows 11 recovery USB from another PC that works perfectly. However, the PC you are creating the recovery drive from must be of the same architecture as yours.

The best option still remains to create the USB from your PC when it is functional. This eliminates any compatibility risk.

Alternatively, you can alsodownload and use a Media Creation Toolinstead on another PC. This can also help you recover your PC if you have trouble booting into it.

How long does it take to create a Windows 11 recovery USB?

The duration it takes to create a recovery USB depends on many variables, like your PC strength and the quality of the USB drive. On average, it should take about an hour because of the number of files to be moved.

However, if your PC is slow, you can spend a few hours trying to finish the job.

How do I create a Windows 11 recovery USB drive?

How do I create a Windows 11 recovery USB drive?

1. Creating the drive

With this, we have completed the first step in creating the Windows 11 recovery USB. Note that using an empty USB drive is important because this process will wipe its contents.

Also, this process will take a while because many files will be copied to the recovery drive. So, you need to be patient and ensure your PC is connected to a power source and active.

2. Using the drive

At this juncture, we can conclude this guide on creating and using a Windows 11 recovery USB. Overall, creating a recovery drive when your PC is healthy is a good practice.

This will make it easy to recover your operating system when you encounter serious issues like the dreaded Blue Screen of Death.

However, if youcan’t create a recovery drive on your PC, check our detailed guide to force it through.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below if you encounter any issues applying the steps above.

More about the topics:Windows 11

Ola-Hassan Bolaji

Windows Hardware Expert

A Computer Engineering graduate, he has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers.

He finds joy in simplifying complex topics into simple solutions for PC users. The quality of his work and providing step-wise tested and proven solutions to PC issues are all that matter to him.

Away from computers, he is either reading or watching football!

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Ola-Hassan Bolaji

Windows Hardware Expert

He’s a Computer Engineering graduate who has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers & operating systems.