zip file that you previously downloaded to open it.

When the recovery drive is ready, select Finish.ĭouble-click the recovery image. Select your USB drive, and then select Next > Create. Some utilities need to be copied to the recovery drive, so this might take a few minutes. Make sure to clear the Back up system files to the recovery drive check box and then select Next. In the User Account Control box, select Yes. You may need to enter an admin password or confirm your choice. Select Start, enter recovery drive, and then select Create a recovery drive or Recovery Drive from the results. If you can, use a USB 3.0 drive with at least 16 GB. Make sure your Surface is turned off and plugged in, and then insert the USB recovery drive into the USB port. zip file, follow these steps to create a recovery drive: Make sure you're using a blank USB drive, or be sure to transfer any important data on your USB drive to another storage device before using it to create a recovery drive.Īfter you've downloaded the recovery image. Important: Creating a recovery drive will erase everything that’s stored on your USB drive. From there, select your Surface and download a recovery image. If you're able to use your Surface or you have another Windows 11 PC, visit our Download a recovery image for your Surface page. Create a recovery drive with a downloaded factory image If the USB recovery drive doesn’t work on your Surfaceĭownload and create a factory recovery image for your Surface Before you beginĪ recovery drive image lets you reset your Surface to its factory settings and can help you troubleshoot and fix problems with your Surface device. I am having trouble booting to the recovery drive My Surface is working great, and I would like to create a recovery drive now in case I ever need it later.Ĭreating and using your own USB recovery drive How to reset your Surface to factory conditions using a downloaded recovery image I have already downloaded a recovery image or was sent one from Microsoft and need to use it to reset my Surface My Surface isn’t working well, and I need to download a factory recovery drive imageĭownload a recovery image for your Surface Your Surface comes with Windows recovery info that allows you to refresh it or reset it to its factory condition. If your Surface does turn on, see Restore or reset Surface.įind the scenario that best fits your issue and then select the solution for more information. If your Surface won’t start, or if the recovery info has been removed, you can use your USB recovery drive to access recovery tools and solve problems.

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