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RECOVERY DRIVE FOR WINDOWS 11

I D 0 Reputation points
2025-11-29T23:13:51.9533333+00:00

After creating a System Image, the system next asks if you want to create a System Repair Disk, but demands that you have a CD / DVD drive.  I have that and have tried to create a System Repair Disk on brand new, fresh out of the box CDs and DVDs and it just won’t work.

So I’ve been trying to create a Recovery Drive for Windows 11, and have tried using various USB flash drives of sizes 32 GB and 128 GB.  The flashes are not being recognised and the message is to use a USB Flash of at least 32 GB.  A whopping 128 GB and still not good enough!

I have also tried USB flashes of the formats FAT32, exFAT and NTFS.  Still can’t create a Recovery Drive.  Ditto flashes that are USB 3.1 Gen 1 and the more basic/older USB 3.0.  And yes, I’ve tried the various ports on my laptop.

Additionally I tried a FAT32 flash drive 32 GB that has previously been acceptable for creating a recovery drive – fresh out of the packet.  But now it won’t do a Recovery Drive – even after I have used Format to clear it.

It seems ridiculous that the Recovery Drive process demands a flash of “at least” 32GB when USB 32 GB flash drives are NOT a full 32 GB free.  After inbuilt system files, they only have a capacity of about 28.7 GB.  AND does not recognise higher capacity flash drives.

 

The only thing I’ve been able to create is a “Recovery Drive” on a FAT32 USB flash, where I DESELECTED “include system files to reinstall Windows”.  But then this really worries me that I don’t have those system files.

I am extremely concerned that I now don’t have an up-to-date Recovery Drive.

NOTES TO MICROSOFT:  (1)  Don’t state that you can create System Repair Disks on CDs and/or DVDs when you cannot.  (2)  Please make the Recovery Drive process FAR more straightforward so that it actually works.

HELP:  Why can’t my Windows 11 laptop create a Recovery Drive including the system files to reinstall Windows?  It shouldn’t be as impossible as I’m now finding.

HELP:  How do I set up a Recovery Drive.  What flash drive, size and format is to be used?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Recovery and backup
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  1. Sumit D - IA 151.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-30T00:06:25.1333333+00:00

    Hi,

    I think the USB drive cannot be made because of the issue with the File System.

    Make a USB drive using Rufus or the Media Creation Tool. It contains the files to recover the Operating System, or install the same if required.

    https://www.yourwindowsguide.com/2025/04/windows-11-bootable-usb.html

    I hope this helps you out.

    Disclaimer:

    The link included is a non-Microsoft website that would provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that are frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers as they sometimes do more harm than good.

  2. Sumit D - IA 151.5K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-30T01:13:36.41+00:00

    Hi,

    Yes, it must have shrunk the drive to ensure the compatibility - some devices don't boot from a 128GB drive, thinking it's an external drive.

    I am sure it would work correctly - you can make a partition from the remaining space but I am not sure if it would serve a purpose.

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