create recovery program for a different computer

Create a bootable Windows 10 installation USB on the working computer, then start the broken computer from that USB and select Repair my PC rather than installing Windows.

1. Create the recovery USB

You need:

• A working Windows computer with internet access.
• A blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB. Everything currently on the USB will be erased.

On the working computer:

1. Open Microsoft’s Download Windows 10 page.
2. Under Create Windows 10 Installation Media, select Download Now.
3. Run MediaCreationTool.exe.
4. Accept the license terms.
5. Select Create installation media for another PC.
6. Choose the appropriate language, Windows 10 edition, and architecture—normally 64-bit.
7. Select USB flash drive, choose the correct USB drive, and let the tool finish. Microsoft documents the requirements and creation process here: ^1^

Do not use the working computer’s Recovery Drive as a general substitute. Recovery drives can contain files and manufacturer customizations intended for the computer on which they were created; Microsoft installation media is the appropriate media to create for another PC.^2^

2. Start the broken computer from the USB

1. Turn off the broken PC.
2. Insert the USB.
3. Turn it on and open its boot menu or UEFI/BIOS settings. The key varies by manufacturer—commonly F12, F9, Esc, or Del.
4. Select the USB drive.
5. At the Windows Setup screen, select the language and then Next.
6. Select Repair my PC in the lower-left corner—not Install now.
7. Select Troubleshoot to enter the Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE). If the setup screen never appears, consult the PC manufacturer’s instructions for changing its boot order.^3^

If BitLocker encryption is enabled, some recovery operations require the BitLocker recovery key.

3. Attempt repair without erasing files

Start with:

Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair → Restart

Startup Repair checks for common startup failures, including damaged system files and boot configuration data.^4^

If Startup Repair cannot fix it, return to Advanced options and try, as applicable:

• System Restore — returns system files and settings to an available restore point without affecting personal files.
• Uninstall Updates — useful when the failure began immediately after an update.
• Startup Settings — provides startup troubleshooting options such as Safe Mode.
• System Image Recovery — only if a system-image backup was previously created.

4. Reset or reinstall only as a fallback

If repair options fail, choose Troubleshoot → Reset this PC. Windows 10 can offer Keep my files, which reinstalls Windows while retaining personal files, although applications and settings may be removed.^5^

A clean installation from the USB is the final option. It removes personal files, applications, settings, and manufacturer customizations, so recover or back up important data first if possible.^6^

Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. The computer can still run Windows 10, but it no longer receives free security fixes; if the hardware supports Windows 11, plan to upgrade after recovering the machine.^1^

References

1. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/create-installation-media-for-windows)
2. Backup, restore, and recovery in Windows | Microsoft Support
3. Windows recovery environment | Microsoft Support
4. Startup Repair | Microsoft Support
5. Recovery options in Windows | Microsoft Support
6. Reinstall Windows with the installation media | Microsoft Support