Is a Recovery Drive and an .iso file the same?


  1. Posts : 427
    Windows 10
       #1

    Is a Recovery Drive and an .iso file the same?


    Right after getting this computer, which came with Windows 10, I created a Recovery Drive. I forgot how I even did it, but when I plug it (the USB drive) into a USB port and read it, it shows several files and folders. This is supposed to get me back in the game if my computer suddenly lost its operating system, I guess.

    However, I recently upgraded to version 1903 by downloading the .iso file for it and running the installation process. When I click the .iso file, it shows several files and folders just like my Recovery Drive does. Now I'm thinking that if my HDD crashed and I lost everything, and then I used my Recovery Drive as it is now, I'd be installing a much earlier version of Windows 10. Could I just erase what's on the R.D. right now and replace it with the .iso file for version 1903? Then I'd be getting something more recent when I did the recovery rather than a very early version which I'd then have to upgrade to afterwards.

    There's one small difference that makes me question the idea. Like I said, when the Recovery Drive is plugged in and read, it immediately shows those files and folders. OTOH, with the .iso file, I have to click on the file in order to display those things. I'm thinking maybe the Recovery Drive as it is right now is configured in a way that automatically installs the OS since a computer with no OS in the first place wouldn't allow me to click on anything. Is this correct?
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 13,848
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #2

    An .iso file is made from the original source such as a CD, DVD or DVD/DL, depends upon the size. Downloading the .iso file allows using a program to burn an exact copy of the original when that original is not available. It is a very good way to distribute software without the cost of the blank disc, labor involved in the processing and shipping. In many cases an .iso file can be Mounted in File Explorer and the setup run from it.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 4,480
    several
       #3

    Delly10 said:
    my Recovery Drive as it is now, I'd be installing a much earlier version of Windows 10. Could I just erase what's on the R.D. right now and replace it with the .iso file for version 1903?
    You could extract the latest .iso to bootable usb using e.g. rufus. That is a lot quicker than making a recovery drive.

    Rufus
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 41,366
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       #4

    On a Windows recovery partition a computer manufacturer can install files and folders that are not on an iso.
    For example software, firmware, etc.
    The computer will return to its state as a factory shipment.

    The iso makes the cleanest install.

    An alternative is to create your own recovery partition:
    Factory recovery - Create a Custom Recovery Partition
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 427
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    SIW2 said:
    You could extract the latest .iso to bootable usb using e.g. rufus. That is a lot quicker than making a recovery drive.

    Rufus
    Isn't extracting the .iso to a bootable USB the same as creating a recovery drive? I thought that's what the flash drive I currently have is called.

    - - - Updated - - -

    zbook said:
    On a Windows recovery partition a computer manufacturer can install files and folders that are not on an iso.
    For example software, firmware, etc.
    The computer will return to its state as a factory shipment.

    The iso makes the cleanest install.

    An alternative is to create your own recovery partition:
    Factory recovery - Create a Custom Recovery Partition
    What I'm looking to have (and believe I already have, but just an older version) is a separate items such as a flash drive that can restore a computer in case its hard drive died and had to be completely restored, or even physically replaced. I had that happen with my previous computer.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 41,366
    windows 10 professional version 1607 build 14393.969 64 bit
       #6

    Delly10 said:
    Isn't extracting the .iso to a bootable USB the same as creating a recovery drive? I thought that's what the flash drive I currently have is called.

    - - - Updated - - -



    What I'm looking to have (and believe I already have, but just an older version) is a separate items such as a flash drive that can restore a computer in case its hard drive died and had to be completely restored, or even physically replaced. I had that happen with my previous computer.

    What you have described is a backup image.

    There are free and pay versions depending on the features.

    (Acronis, Aoemi, EaseUS, Macrium, Paragon, etc.)

    Macrium is widely used in Ten Forums.

    Macrium Software | Your Image is Everything
    Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect
      My Computer


 

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