Create a USB recovery drive for Windows
Create a recovery drive to troubleshoot and fix problems that may occur with Windows. An empty USB flash drive with a minimum capacity
of 16 GB is required to create the recovery drive.
NOTE:
This process may take up to an hour to complete.
NOTE:
The following steps may vary depending on the version of Windows installed. Refer to the
latest instructions.
1
Connect the USB flash drive to your computer.
2
In Windows search, type Recovery.
3
In the search results, click Create a recovery drive.
The User Account Control window is displayed.
4
Click Yes to continue.
The Recovery Drive window is displayed.
5
Select Back up system files to the recovery drive and click Next.
6
Select the USB flash drive and click Next.
A message appears, indicating that all data in the USB flash drive will be deleted.
7
Click Create.
8
Click Finish.
For more information about reinstalling Windows using the USB recovery drive, see the Troubleshooting section of your product's
Service Manual at www.dell.com/support/manuals.
Reinstall Windows using a USB recovery drive
CAUTION:
This process formats the hard drive and removes all data on your computer. Ensure that you back up data on your
computer before beginning this task.
NOTE:
Before reinstalling Windows, ensure your computer has more than 2 GB of memory and more than 32 GB of storage
space.
NOTE:
This process may take up to an hour to complete and your computer will restart during the recovery process.
1
Connect the USB recovery drive to your computer.
2
Restart your computer.
3
Press F12 after the Dell logo is displayed on the screen to access the boot menu.
A Preparing one-time boot menu message appears.
4
After the boot menu loads, select the USB recovery device under UEFI BOOT.
The system reboots and a screen to Choose the keyboard layout is displayed.
5
Choose your keyboard layout.
6
In the Choose an option screen, click Troubleshoot.
7
Click Recover from a drive.
8
Choose one of the following options:
•
Just remove my files to do a quick format.
•
Fully clean the drive to do a complete format.
9
Click Recover to start the recovery process.
Microsoft support site
Create a USB recovery drive for Windows
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