If I use a USB flash drive for a Win 10 recovery disk can store other files on the drive? (Linux, 32GB)

[Surfertx]

I want to create a Windows 10 recovery disk and want to know if the flash drive can only be used as a recovery disk. Can I also store back up files on the flash drive? Or would that create a conflict when booting up via recovery disk?

[TurcoLoco]

You should be able to do so just as long:
- You create the recovery/media creation drive first
- You do not modify any of the files created by the tool in question

I have used Windows Media Creation tool to format and create the bootable flash drive, then created a folder where I stored addition utilities and files.
I have done similar things with Windows bootable drives created using a Linux tool, and even UBCD. The program in question will simply ignore whatever folder(s)/files(s) you create just as long as whatever it created/needs to use is not missing or modified.

[Peregrine]

Correct.
You can but why would you?
Sticks are so cheap, just don't....

[Surfertx]

Thanks for the knowledge. I'll get one dedicated for boot up only.

[TurcoLoco]

Originally Posted by Peregrine

Correct.
You can but why would you?
Sticks are so cheap, just don't....

Cause I am "Loco"!


I have got a ton of USB flask drives but oddly, most of them are either <4GB or >32GB and Media Creation Tool requires 8GB minimum.
I have one 32GB, 2x 64GB, 2x 128GB, 1x 256GB and 1x 512GB flash drives. Two largest ones are ideal for bootable OS images as they use SSD chipset (Corsair Voyager GTX).

I had to use the 64GB drive as it was the only available flash drive at the time but didn't want to waste such a large drive just for that purpose. Plus, I asked the same question (to myself) as Surfertx.

That is how I learn, and subsequently break things most of the time. Between 1998 and 2008, I was re-installing Windows at least 3 times a year because of my monkeying around.

For UBCD, HBCD or Tails type apps, I'd recommend using the program's own editor/customizer, if one available, to add your own apps to it. A much more proper and easier way.

[bushewick]

Windows 10 has a built in restore option that will restore your system to a fresh install with the option to delete or keep your files. I'm not sure what you're trying to ask. A windows 10 USB stick would just function as an installer.