Windows 10: Windows 11 Recovery Drive not detecting USB

​

If the USB drive shows up in your File Explorer but not in the Windows Recovery Drive creation tool, you are not alone. The issue usually occurs without an error message; therefore its hard to pinpoint whether the root cause of it is the USB, Windows itself, or a hidden system limitation. In this article, […]

This article Windows 11 Recovery Drive not detecting USB first appeared on TheWindowsClub.com.

read more...

 

Recovery Drive for Windows 10 Doesn't Recognize USB Drive

When I try to create a Recovery Drive in Windows 10, Windows doesn't recognize the flash drive.

I'm following the instructions to create a Recovery Drive listed here:

Recovery Drive - Microsoft Support

• 
  From the taskbar, search for Create a recovery drive and then select it. You might be asked to enter an admin password or confirm your choice. (I was asked to confirm my choice, and I clicked "Yes".)
  
• 
  When the tool opens, make sure Back up system files to the recovery drive is selected and then select
  Next.
  
• 
  (Secret Step) Wait a minute or so for the "Please Wait" screen to finish thinking
  
• 
  Connect a USB drive to your PC, select it ...
  

The issue is that when I connect a USB drive to the PC, it doesn't appear on the "Connect a USB flash drive" screen as a drive that can be selected, and the "Next" button is grayed out.

However, when I look in File Explorer, I can see the USB drive plugged into the computer. Selecting Properties shows that Windows considers its Type to be "Removable Disk". (Sounds right to me.)

I'm not getting any error messages.

My environment:

A brand new Toshiba Sattelite C55-C5241 laptop with Windows 10 Home. It's never had anything other than Windows 10 on it - unless they upgraded it at the factory.

A brand new ativa 8GB USB flash drive. Note that the packaging for the USB drive does not include Windows 10 in the System Requirements, but seriously?

What I've tried:

• Plugging the flash drive into all three USB ports (USB 2, USB 2, and USB 3)
• Reformatting the flash drive with FAT32
• Restarting the computer with the flash drive plugged in
• Turning off Real-Time Scanning in McAffee

I've seen a few threads with this issue in Windows 8, but none of the potential solutions in those threads have worked for me. So here I am asking the same question, but for Windows 10.

Does anyone have any suggestions for resolving this issue?

Thank you.

 

Recovery drive from USB

Hello,teddyboyfromoz

Thanks for raising your concerns in Microsoft Community.

Creating a recovery drive on a USB can be a helpful step to have a backup option in case of emergencies or system failures. Let's address your concerns:

• Warning about erasing files:
  
  

When you create a recovery drive using the method you described, the USB drive will indeed be formatted, erasing all the existing files on it. The warning is there to inform you about this fact. However, this process only affects the USB drive you selected for creating the recovery drive, not your internal drive or any other external drives. So, if you have any important files on the USB drive, make sure to back them up to another location before proceeding with the recovery drive creation.

• Risk of data loss due to USB failure:
  
  

If the USB drive you used to create the recovery drive fails, it might prevent you from using the recovery drive to restore your system in the future. However, it does not mean that your files are erased forever from your computer's internal drive or your external Seagate backup drive. The recovery drive is just an additional option to help you repair or reinstall Windows in case of major system issues.



To ensure better data redundancy and protection against a single point of failure, it's recommended to have multiple backup options. In your case, you already have an external backup drive (Seagate), which is a great step for safeguarding your important files.



In summary, creating a recovery drive won't affect your internal drive or Seagate external backup drive. It only formats the USB drive selected for the recovery drive creation. If the USB drive fails in the future, you can still rely on your Seagate backup to restore your important files.

Hope it helps! If any update, welcome to share with us.

Best regards,



Chandy |Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Installing Windows 11 from a recovery USB on Dell Inspiron 3580

Hi,

Background:

Drive was showing signs of death. Machine had Win 11 installed and updated.

• I created a USB recovery drive as per MS instructions.
  
• I removed the old drive, and added a new SSD drive.
  
• Upon boot Windows Setup launches. I select language, time and currency, and keyboard (all defaults) and click Next.
  
• I click Install Now.
  
• Setup starts.
  
• I respond to the applicable notices and license terms affirmatively and click Next.
  
• I am seeing 2 options: Upgrade which is not available because I am booting with a USB drive. I choose Custome, Install Windows Only. Which is fine by me.
  
• I choose the new drive from the list.
  
• The installation runs from Copying Windows files to Finishing up. All steps are marked complete.
  
• Then the Windows Setup launches again.
  

Dell diagnostics show the new drive is functional, and no other problems were found.

Can anyone please suggest what I might try next/differently, etc.?