Reinstall disk/usb

A bootable Windows USB cannot be attached to a Microsoft 365 subscription; because this PC cannot start, you need access to another working Windows PC and a blank USB drive with at least 8 GB to create the media.

Obtain the USB

Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool requires a working PC with Internet access and erases the USB while creating the installation media.^1^

Since you do not have another computer, the practical options are to:

• Borrow a Windows PC from a friend or family member.
• Ask a local computer repair shop to create official Microsoft installation media. Tell them whether you need Windows 10 or Windows 11 if known.
• If this is a manufacturer-built PC, ask its manufacturer whether model-specific recovery media is available.

Your Microsoft 365 subscription covers productivity apps and services; it is separate from Windows installation media and Windows activation.

Determine whether you had Windows 10 or 11

Before creating the USB, check:

• The PC manufacturer’s original order information or specifications for its serial/model number.
• Any purchase receipt or Windows purchase-confirmation email.
• Whether you remember the Start menu: Windows 11 normally has centered taskbar icons by default, while Windows 10 normally places Start at the lower-left.
• If it is a work or school device, ask the organization that manages it.

If it was Windows 10, be aware that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. The computer can still run it, but it no longer receives free security fixes; use Windows 11 if the computer supports it.^2^

On the working PC:

1. Insert a blank USB drive of at least 8 GB.
2. Open Microsoft’s Windows software-download website.
3. Select Windows 10 or Windows 11.
4. Under Create installation media, select Download Now.
5. Run MediaCreationTool.exe and choose the USB flash drive.^1^

Use recovery before reinstalling

Because the built-in recovery environment has already failed, booting into Windows Recovery Environment from external media is the appropriate next step.^3^

1. Connect the created USB to the broken PC.
2. Turn it on and open its one-time boot menu. The key varies by manufacturer; check the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Select the USB device.
4. At Windows Setup, choose the language and keyboard options, then select Next.
5. Select Repair my PC, not Install now.
6. Enter Troubleshoot → Advanced options and try the available recovery tools from this external environment.^2^

If BitLocker encryption is enabled, some recovery tools may request the BitLocker recovery key.

Reinstall only as the fallback

A clean installation removes personal files, applications, settings, and manufacturer customizations. Back up recoverable files before proceeding if possible.^4^

If Setup asks for a key:

• Choose I don’t have a product key when the PC previously had an activated digital license or has a key embedded in its firmware.
• Install the same edition previously licensed—typically Home or Pro. Windows 10 versus 11 is the version; Home versus Pro is the edition.
• Do not guess between Home and Pro. The installed edition must match the digital license for activation.^4^

After installation and connection to the Internet, activation will usually occur automatically when the edition and device license match.

References

1. Create installation media for Windows | Microsoft Support
2. Windows recovery environment | Microsoft Support
3. How to fix a Automatic repair loop - Microsoft Q&A
4. Reinstall Windows with the installation media | Microsoft Support