Windows 10: Can a Windows Recovery drive restore an entire system?

I created a Windows recovery drive on a USB thumb drive. Can I boot that drove and restore the entire system?


I have read that "A Recovery Drive lets you boot your system and easily access a number ofrecovery and troubleshooting tools to revive a failing Windows 10 system.

I am not interested in running troubleshooting tools. I want the ability to restore the system to whatever state it eas at when the recovery drive was created.


I have a Win 10/64 Thinkpad system that has been kept up-to-date with all Windows and Lenovo updates.


Thanks fopr any enlightenment on this!

:)

 

Recovery Drive

Hi,

Thank you for posting your concern. In some cases, this could happen if you created a system restore point on your computer. Windows will use the recovery drive to revert to the previous time where your computer is working properly, or where you created
it. Please don't attempt to put any files in the recovery drive or the restore process will fail. To give you more suggestion and helpful information, we would like to more about your computer. Please answer the question below:

• Did you make any changes to your computer before this issue occurs?
• Have you install Windows Update before getting the Recovery drive?
• Which version of Windows are you using? To check it, follow the steps through this
  link.
  

In the meantime, you can check the files inside the recovery drive and confirm if there are essential files that you need.

We'll be waiting for your response.

 

Failure to restore system using a system restore point

Hi Alpe,

There are several ways to perform a system restore, such as through Control Panel, using a recovery drive, or using an installation media. For us to add clarification, we would like to know the following:

• Why do you need to perform a system restore? Have you encountered any system failures?
• Have you encountered any error messages when performing a system restore?

In the meantime, you can use this article as your reference in performing a system restore:

Recovery options in Windows 10. Click each drop down to view the steps.

Let us know if you need further assistance.

 

Missing icons / buttons after System Restore

Hi Terrie,

To address your concern, we suggest that you try to undo the restore or pick another restore point.

Please follow these steps to access system restore:

• Right-click (or press and hold) the Start button, and then select Control Panel.
  
• Search Control Panel for Recovery.
  
• Select Recovery > Open System Restore > Next.
  

Let us know how it goes.