Installation and Upgrade Create Recovery Drive in Windows 11

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This tutorial will show you how to create a bootable USB recovery drive that boots to advanced startup (WinRE) to troubleshoot, restore, or recover Windows 11.

If your PC won’t start, you can use a recovery drive to restore from a system restore point or recover your PC.

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 11. Windows updates to improve security and PC performance periodically, so it is recommend you recreate the recovery drive annually. Personal files and any apps that did not come with your PC will not be backed up.

References:

Recovery Drive - Microsoft Support

Create a recovery drive to reinstall Windows in case you experience a major issue such as hardware failure.
support.microsoft.com support.microsoft.com

Recovery options in Windows - Microsoft Support

Learn about the recovery options in Windows. Find out how to reset your PC, go back to a previous version of Windows, or use media to reinstall Windows.
support.microsoft.com support.microsoft.com

Creating and using a USB recovery drive for Surface | Microsoft Support

Learn how to reset your Microsoft Surface and solve problems using a USB recovery drive or Surface recovery image.
support.microsoft.com support.microsoft.com


EXAMPLE: Booting from Recovery Drive to Advanced Startup (WinRE)

Advanced_Startup_from_recovery_drive-1.png
Advanced_Startup_from_recovery_drive-2.jpg




Here's How:

1 Connect the USB flash drive you want to use as the recovery drive.

You will need a USB drive that is at least 16 gigabytes.


This process will format and erase any data on the USB drive.


2 Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click/tap on the Recovery icon.

3 Click/tap on the Create a recovery drive link to open RecoveryDrive.exe. (see screenshot below)

Recovery_drive-1.png

4 Check Back up system files to the recovery drive, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Back up system files to the recovery drive will require that the USB flash drive is large (at least 32-64 GB) enough for this.

If you choose not to back up system files when you create the recovery drive, the Recover from a drive option to reset/clean this PC will not be available in advanced startup when you boot from the recovery drive, but you will still have other WinRE options available.



Recovery_drive-2.png

5 Select the USB drive from step 1 if you have more than one USB connected, and click/tap on Next. (see screenshot below)

Recovery_drive-3.png

6 Click/tap on Create. (see screenshot below)

Recovery_drive-4.png

7 The recovery drive will now be created. Many files need to be copied to the recovery drive, so this might take a while. (see screenshot below)

Recovery_drive-5.png

8 Click/tap on Finish when the recovery drive is ready. (see screenshot below)

Recovery_drive-6.png


That's it,
Shawn Brink


Related Tutorials

 
Last edited:
Click to expand...
just add the setup.exe button to pemenu.wcs
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win7,Win11
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    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
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    cryorig m9i
  • Operating System
    win7,win11
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    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
➡️ add-to-wimv3.zip

ctrl+alt+r brings up recovery environrment, so no need for recenv button.

might as well have winntsetup button instead

Captured-pemenu-winntsetup.jpg
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i
  • Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
I guess I had better start over as I don't have any idea what all those screenshots mean. Thanks fo trying anyway.

I have found that my BIOS is not the latest version as its download was updated 3 weeks after I bought the PC in 2020 with a comment "Support 20H1". Current System Information shows BIOS as Megatrends RO2-A3 8/10/2020 and BIOS Mode UEFI. So I will deal with that first.
Last time I updated a BIOS was when I upgraded from MS-DOS to Win 95 so I have to relearn CMD. I will write again if anything changes.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire TC-886
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Acer for Intel
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidea
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Iiyama G-Master GB3466WQSU
    Screen Resolution
    3440 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SDD 1TB
    PSU
    Inbuilt
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Inbuilt
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K520 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Mouse
    Now using Re-Go Vertical Mouse, left handed. As remote alternative - Logitech Wireless M310 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Internet Speed
    200 MB
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender + Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    Backup external Seagate Plus 4 TB from AOMEI Backupper
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 64 unsuitable for Win 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo H30-05
    Other Info
    Kept up to date as a Win 10 backup
    System three is another Acer from 2008 with HDD x 2 carrying Win 7 Pro upgraded from XP. Useful to have for some old programmes.
Snugglebugs said:
so I have to relearn CMD
Click to expand...
I have no idea about your equipment but all my Bios updates are downloaded as .exe files which I can just double-click on without learning anything. And the download page normally includes instructions or a link to them.


Best of luck,
Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200.8037
I have found that my BIOS is not the latest version as its download was updated 3 weeks after I bought the PC in 2020 with a comment "Support 20H1". Current System Information shows BIOS as Megatrends RO2-A3 8/10/2020 and BIOS Mode UEFI. So I will deal with that first.
Click to expand...

Do you mean this:

Product Support - Aspire TC-886 | Acer United Kingdom

Product Support - Aspire TC-886 | Acer United Kingdom
www.acer.com www.acer.com

tc-886-bios.jpg
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i
  • Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire TC-886
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Acer for Intel
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidea
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Iiyama G-Master GB3466WQSU
    Screen Resolution
    3440 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SDD 1TB
    PSU
    Inbuilt
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Inbuilt
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K520 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Mouse
    Now using Re-Go Vertical Mouse, left handed. As remote alternative - Logitech Wireless M310 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Internet Speed
    200 MB
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender + Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    Backup external Seagate Plus 4 TB from AOMEI Backupper
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 64 unsuitable for Win 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo H30-05
    Other Info
    Kept up to date as a Win 10 backup
    System three is another Acer from 2008 with HDD x 2 carrying Win 7 Pro upgraded from XP. Useful to have for some old programmes.
Seems odd that if they had released a newer bios it has the same number RO2-A3 but look at the RO2-A1

I dont have an oem acer, but it is reasonable to think running the afuwinx64 executable will do the job

they provide a batch file with the download, maybe that is it

it contains
AFUWINx64.exe ..\ROM\R02-A3.CAP /P /B /N /R /MEUL /CAPSULE

acer-flash.jpg


if you notice the date it says 202001008

lets look at the cap file

acer-cap.jpg


did something prompt you that you should update the bios?
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i
  • Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
SIW2 said:
Seems odd that if they had released a newer bios it has the same number RO2-A3 but look at the RO2-A1

did something prompt you that you should update the bios?
Click to expand...
Doesn't matter how odd it seems, if I try and use anything other then their official download they won't be responsible.
I am following the pdf instructions from Acer for getting and installing the download.

Also, yes I was prompted - when looking for answers to my problem, most told me a list of things to check and the BIOS was one of them.
 
Last edited:

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire TC-886
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Acer for Intel
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidea
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Iiyama G-Master GB3466WQSU
    Screen Resolution
    3440 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SDD 1TB
    PSU
    Inbuilt
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Inbuilt
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K520 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Mouse
    Now using Re-Go Vertical Mouse, left handed. As remote alternative - Logitech Wireless M310 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Internet Speed
    200 MB
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender + Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    Backup external Seagate Plus 4 TB from AOMEI Backupper
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 64 unsuitable for Win 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo H30-05
    Other Info
    Kept up to date as a Win 10 backup
    System three is another Acer from 2008 with HDD x 2 carrying Win 7 Pro upgraded from XP. Useful to have for some old programmes.
It looks like the same one you already have, in case you didnt read the previous post. The .cap file is dated 08/10/2020.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win7,Win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i7-9700
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x16gb 3600mhz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    benq gw2480
    PSU
    bequiet pure power 11 400CM
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i
  • Operating System
    win7,win11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    i5-8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200
    PSU
    xfx pro 450
SIW2 said:
It looks like the same one you already have, in case you didnt read the previous post. The .cap file is dated 08/10/2020.
Click to expand...
Interesting. I think I will contact Acer and point that out. They are usually pretty good at replying
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire TC-886
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Acer for Intel
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidea
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Iiyama G-Master GB3466WQSU
    Screen Resolution
    3440 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SDD 1TB
    PSU
    Inbuilt
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Inbuilt
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K520 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Mouse
    Now using Re-Go Vertical Mouse, left handed. As remote alternative - Logitech Wireless M310 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Internet Speed
    200 MB
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender + Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    Backup external Seagate Plus 4 TB from AOMEI Backupper
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 64 unsuitable for Win 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo H30-05
    Other Info
    Kept up to date as a Win 10 backup
    System three is another Acer from 2008 with HDD x 2 carrying Win 7 Pro upgraded from XP. Useful to have for some old programmes.
Snugglebugs said:
Interesting. I think I will contact Acer and point that out. They are usually pretty good at replying
Click to expand...

I have solved the BIOS version mystery. The PC had two versions at different times! When I bought it in 2020 it came with RA2-01. See image below from the Acer support webpage. BUT, The MSinfo32 file a couple of days ago shows RO2-03. How, is the question! More memories reveal that:

Still in warranty two years later I sent it to their repair sub-contractor as the graphics card had failed. It seems they took the precaution of updating the BIOS when they installed a new card. Simple really!!!

So (relieved sigh) I don't need to bother with the BIOS driver I downloaded. Now back to the Recovery Disc problem.


1713711182253.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire TC-886
    CPU
    Intel
    Motherboard
    Acer for Intel
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidea
    Sound Card
    Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Iiyama G-Master GB3466WQSU
    Screen Resolution
    3440 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SDD 1TB
    PSU
    Inbuilt
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Inbuilt
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K520 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Mouse
    Now using Re-Go Vertical Mouse, left handed. As remote alternative - Logitech Wireless M310 connected via Mouse without borders to other desktops.
    Internet Speed
    200 MB
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender + Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    Backup external Seagate Plus 4 TB from AOMEI Backupper
  • Operating System
    Win 10 Pro 64 unsuitable for Win 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo H30-05
    Other Info
    Kept up to date as a Win 10 backup
    System three is another Acer from 2008 with HDD x 2 carrying Win 7 Pro upgraded from XP. Useful to have for some old programmes.
There have been some threads about Recovery drives lately [for example].

Recovery drive recoveries used to be limited to re-writing Windows on entire disks with no facility for selecting specific partitions. So, for example, I could not recover to my partitioned disk in which my D:\ drive contains my data files without destroying that drive and all its contents.

Because fo this limitation, I lost all interest in Recovery drives. Does this limitation still exist?

My first line of defence is the combination of a system image with the imaging utility's boot disk together with file backups of my data drives.
After that, I'd fall back on an installation USB & my driver backups together with file backups of my data drives.


All the best,
Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200.8037
Try3 said:
There have been some threads about Recovery drives lately [for example].

Recovery drive recoveries used to be limited to re-writing Windows on entire disks with no facility for selecting specific partitions. So, for example, I could not recover to my partitioned disk in which my D:\ drive contains my data files without destroying that drive and all its contents.

Because fo this limitation, I lost all interest in Recovery drives. Does this limitation still exist?

My first line of defence is the combination of a system image with the imaging utility's boot disk together with file backups of my data drives.
After that, I'd fall back on an installation USB & my driver backups together with file backups of my data drives.


All the best,
Denis
Click to expand...

Hello Denis,

It's basically just a WinRE USB.

I agree. A installation USB would be much better to have since it can boot to WinRE and/or reinstall/repair Windows.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    TerraMaster F8 SSD Plus NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Amazon Basics Wired Full Keyboard MD005
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 4
    Internet Speed
    2 Gbps Download and 100 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    CyberPower CP1500PFCLCD
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Laptop 7 Copilot+ PC
    CPU
    Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) 3.42 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" HDR
    Screen Resolution
    2496 x 1664
    Hard Drives
    1 TB SSD
    Internet Speed
    Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
I have just successfully tested two methods of making use of the spare space on a Recovery drive to store my own files.
- In test 1, I used unallocated space on the Recovery drive's USB for an NTFS partition.
- In test 2, I extended the Recovery drive's existing Fat32 partition across the whole 64GB USB.
The Recovery drive still booted correctly after each of these tests.
See Problems Creating Recovery Drive - my post #27 - ElevenForum


Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 25H2 Build 26200.8037
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