How to Create a Windows 10/11 Recovery DVD/Disk?
"Can I create a recovery DVD (not usb) with Windows 10?
Hi I have many unused blank DVDs but no spare USBs. Hence I want to be able to create a recovery DVD for Windows 10. I have already read 'how to create a recovery drive', but that specifies USB drives, which is not what I want. Is this possible?" - From Windows 10 Community
Luckily you have realized the importance of Windows 10 recovery DVD or USB. As long as you have created Windows 10 recovery disk/USB drive in advance, things won’t be so bad and there is a remedy even if your Windows 10 computer encounters serious errors such as hardware failure and can’t boot up. The methods mentioned here are the only two feasible ways and workable for Lenovo, Dell, HP, ASUS, etc. computers, so just choose the way you like most.
Note: Before any actions, you are highly suggested to back up your important data with some backup tools, as personal files and any applications that did not come with your PC won’t be backed up.
Get quick access to your desired part:
1. What is Windows 10 Recovery DVD?
A recovery drive stores a copy of your Windows 10 environment on an external source, like a DVD or USB drive, so as to help troubleshoot and reset your computer when your computer is in serious condition and even when your computer fails to boot up. Windows 10 recovery media is what we are talking about here to offer some help when your computer goes kaput.
2. How to Create Windows 10 Recovery DVD or USB for Computer Restore?
Method 1. Create a System Repair Disc with CD or DVD Disk
- It is old yet very useful way.
- This created recovery drive is only for the current PC to restore.
- You need to prepare a USB drive with at least 16GB and connect it to your computer. Also, make sure the drive is empty as the following process will erase any data that’s already stored on the drive.
- You also need to prepare a CD or DVD. You can buy a new one or just use the spare one. If you have to purchase a new, here are top 3 best sellers from Amazon that you can choose from.
Best Windows 10 Recovery DVDs:
Name |
Price |
Compatibility |
Repair |
Windows 10 Home and Professional |
$12.99 |
x32/64 bit |
Crashes, Boot Manger missing, Boot.ini missing, OOTMGR is missing, NTLDR is missing, "Fatal System" error , Blue Screens of Death (BSOD) and more. |
Hiren's Boot CD/DVD PE |
$9.95 |
x64 bit |
Hard drive failing, nasty viruses, repair passwords, accidentally losing all the data, etc. |
Ralix Windows Emergency Boot Disk |
$12.99 |
x32/64 bit |
Virus detection, virus and malware removal, repair hard drive, recover lost files from FAT/NTFS, recover passwords, registry repair and restoration, etc. |
Step 1. In the search box of your Windows 10, type "backup settings". Then, find "Looking for an older backup" and click "Go to Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".
Step 2. In the new window, click "Create a system repair disc" at the left part.
Step 3. Now, select a CD/DVD drive and insert a blank disc into your computer’s drive.
Step 4. After that, click on "Create disc" to start the task to create Windows 10 recovery drive.
Optionally, we have also listed the way to create a recovery drive using USB is case needed.
Method 2. Create Windows 10 Recovery Disk via USB Drive
- You should prepare a flash drive that has at least 16GB capacity, and make sure it’s empty.
- This Win 10 recovery drive can be used on the same version of Windows 10, which means you can use it on another Windows 10 computer.
Step 1. Connect the USB drive to your computer, get access to the recovery drive and then click "Yes" to allow the app to make changes to your device.
Step 2. Find "Create a recovery drive" on your Windows 10, and here are two ways.
- In the search box of your Windows 10, type "recovery drive" to find it and then select it.
- Go to "Control Panel", select "View by small icons" and "Recovery", and then choose "Create a recovery drive".
Step 3. When there is a popup window, just check "Back up system files to the recovery drive.", and hit "Next".
Step 4. Now, select your USB flash drive and click "Next" to continue.
Step 5. Click "Create" to start creating Windows 10 recovery USB drive.
Step 6. After finishing, select "Delete the recovery partition from your PC" to free up some space on your computer.
As you have created your Windows 10 recovery DVD, you can reinstall your Windows 10 and rescue your computer from a hardware failure if needed.
3. How to Restore Windows 10 with Windows 10 Recovery DVD?
If your Windows computer just fails to boot, you can simply use the Windows 10 recovery disk or USB you created in advance to restore your computer and bring it back to working state.
Step 1. Insert your Windows 10 recovery USB drive or system repair disc.
Step 2. Press the displayed F-keys on the initial screen when you start your computer, and then change the recovery drive or disc as the first boot option in the BIOS and boot from it.
Step 3. Now, select keyboard layout and hit "Enter".
Step 4. When the troubleshooting page opens, click on "Recover from a drive". Then, select "Just remove my files" to delete only files on your computer. BTW, you can also choose "Fully clean the drive" to fully recycle this operating system.
Step 5. Click "Recover" to start restoring your Windows 10. After the process, simply follow the on-screen steps to configure your preference settings.
Wrap up:
Creating a copy of Windows 10 is one of the best ways to reinstall your Windows 10 and also speed up your computer. However, you should also learn that your personal files and applications won’t come along with the process, you should first backup your personal data and applications.
Best Tools to Backup Important Data on Your Windows 10
Backup PC with File History
This is Microsoft’s official method to help you backup your personal files, settings or programs.
Just select "Start" > "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Backup" > "Add a drive", and then choose an external drive or network location for backups.
WinX DVD Author – A Tool to Backup Movies to DVD Disc
Saving common MP4, MKV, MOV, ISO, etc videos to DVD discs is a wise choice to keep your movies or home video safe and long-lasting. And WinX DVD Author is such a tool to help burn daily videos and movies on your Windows 10 computer to physical DVD discs for safe backup. You can also use it to create DVD menu and add subtitles or other elements to your DVD.
WinX MediaTrans – Transfer Videos, Music & Photos to iPhone iPad
Your iPhone is the most portable and accessible flash drive to store data. With WinX MediaTrans, you can backup videos, movies, songs and pictures on your Windows 10 to iPhone or iPad quickly and without quality loss. You can also export your important office materials like Word, PDF, and Excel to iPhone in a bank-level safe way.
Resource: Create a recovery drive
