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To run Dell Recovery, use SupportAssist OS Recovery if your Dell model supports it and Windows repeatedly fails to start. From its recovery screen, choose a repair or reset; for a reset, back up files first because Dell says both reset options permanently delete data and installed programs. If the built-in recovery environment is unavailable, create bootable USB media with Dell OS Recovery Tool or a Windows Recovery Drive.
Choose the recovery route that fits your situation
| Your situation | Route | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Windows repeatedly fails to start | Try SupportAssist OS Recovery, if your model supports it. | It may start automatically after repeated unsuccessful boot attempts. Availability depends on the model and factory-installed Windows version; Qualcomm processor systems are not supported by SupportAssist OS Recovery. Dell’s SupportAssist OS Recovery guide |
| You need to restore or reinstall Windows and built-in recovery is unavailable | Create a Dell OS Recovery USB for the computer. | Dell’s tool identifies recovery images for the computer, and the USB is reformatted during creation. Dell OS Recovery Image instructions |
| You can use a working Windows computer to make recovery media | Create a Windows Recovery Drive. | Dell’s described procedure calls for a USB drive of at least 32 GB and erases its contents. It does not back up personal files, settings, or applications. Dell’s Windows Recovery Drive instructions |
Before you reset: protect files and prepare
- Copy important personal files to separate storage and check that the backup is readable. SupportAssist may offer a backup flow and display the total size; use an external or USB drive larger than the displayed total.
- Keep the computer connected to power during a factory reset.
- Find product or license keys for paid software, and plan to reinstall applications that were not supplied with the computer.
- Before making recovery media, confirm the selected USB drive contains nothing you need. Both Dell OS Recovery Tool and Windows Recovery Drive erase the selected drive.
- Check the support information for your exact Dell model, installed operating system, and processor before relying on SupportAssist. Dell recommends SupportAssist OS Recovery on supported computers, but support is not universal.
Run SupportAssist OS Recovery
Open the recovery environment
On supported systems, SupportAssist OS Recovery may launch automatically after repeated unsuccessful attempts to boot. Its available tools can include hardware diagnostics, repair, file backup, and restore. If it opens, follow the options shown for your computer. If the operating system cannot start and the recovery environment does not appear, use the Dell OS Recovery USB route below.
Choose repair or reset deliberately
If the recovery page offers Start Reset, select it to view the choices available for your system. Dell documents two reset options, though the options shown depend on the computer and the state of its operating system:
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- Reset and update: downloads and installs the latest operating system, critical drivers, and applications.
Dell warns that either reset permanently deletes data on the hard drive and installed programs. Do not proceed until you have copied files you need and are ready to reinstall software. In one documented SupportAssist factory-reset flow, Dell says the process may take 45 minutes or more when no file backup is selected; this is an estimate for that flow, not a guaranteed duration.
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Back up through SupportAssist, if offered
Review the file list and displayed total before starting the backup. Choose a USB or external drive with more capacity than that total, select the folders to preserve, and complete the backup. A recovery backup is not a substitute for checking that your important files can be opened from the separate storage.
Complete the reset
Choose the intended reset option and read the deletion confirmation. Confirm only when you accept the loss of data and installed programs. Dell’s documented factory-reset flow restarts the computer when it finishes; connect to Wi-Fi during setup if prompted. Keep the computer on power throughout the process.
Create and boot a Dell OS Recovery USB
Create the USB
- Open Dell’s OS Recovery Tool instructions and use the tool to identify the computer with its Service Tag.
- Review the recovery images available for that system. Dell’s tool identifies the original operating system preinstalled on the computer. Dell says Windows 11 supports only the “Automated by SupportAssist” image option in this workflow.
- Connect a USB drive with at least 16 GB of free space. The tool reformats the selected drive and permanently erases its existing contents, so verify the drive before continuing.
- Download, verify, and copy the recovery image to the USB by following the tool’s prompts.
If Dell’s tool does not recognize the Service Tag, contact Dell Technical Support rather than choosing an image for a different model or operating system. Local factory-image availability and cloud restore options vary.
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Start the computer from the recovery USB
- Connect the recovery USB to the Dell computer.
- Start or restart the computer and press F12 repeatedly when the Dell logo appears to open the One Time Boot Menu.
- Select the USB drive and press Enter.
- When SupportAssist OS Recovery loads, follow the reset choices displayed for your system.
Create a Windows Recovery Drive
- On a working Windows computer, search Start for Create a recovery drive and open the wizard.
- Leave Back up system files to the recovery drive selected.
- Connect the USB drive you intend to erase. Dell specifies at least 32 GB for the procedure described in its guide.
- Confirm the selected drive, then follow the wizard to create the recovery drive. Dell says the process may take two hours or more.
This Windows Recovery Drive is recovery media, not a personal backup: Dell says it does not save personal files, settings, or applications. Store a separate copy of important files before relying on it.
When an option is missing
- SupportAssist OS Recovery does not appear: check whether the exact model and factory-installed Windows version support it. Qualcomm processor systems are not supported by SupportAssist OS Recovery; Dell says to try Windows Push-Button Reset first.
- A reset choice is absent: available choices depend on the computer and the condition of its operating system. Use the options shown for that device rather than assuming every Dell has the same recovery paths.
- The Service Tag is not recognized: contact Dell Technical Support. Do not use an image intended for another computer.
- You need to preserve files: stop before confirming a reset and make a separate backup if possible. A reset deletes data, and a Windows Recovery Drive does not contain personal files.
Because recovery availability and screens vary by model, operating system, processor, and image availability, use the current Dell support page for the exact device when a documented option is unavailable.
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