Windows 10 Windows 10 recovery drive on usb is only 512MB

[rob54321]

Hi, when I make a recovery drive on usb on my desktop it is 16GB in size.
When I make a recovery drive on usb for a Lenovo laptop the drive is only 524MB in size.

Both are for the same latest version of Windows 10 and I clicked copy system files in both cases.

How would the Lenovo recovery of only 524MB reinstall Windows on that laptop with a new drive disk drive for instance?

Many thanks,

Rob

 

[ChatGPT]

The reason the Lenovo recovery drive is smaller in size compared to the one generated on your desktop system is due to how recovery partitions work. Here's how it works: 1. Recovery Partition Size: Some manufacturers like Lenovo often have a separate recovery partition on the hard drive itself. When you create a recovery USB using the system tools, it usually doesn't include the full Windows installation but rather a streamlined version of Windows containing recovery tools and system-specific drivers. 2. Windows Installation: The recovery USB from Lenovo likely contains Windows installation files tailored to that specific model. It installs a clean Windows system with necessary drivers and minimal pre-installed software. This way, if you need to reinstall the system, it only takes up a small amount of space. 3. Reinstalling Windows: When you use this recovery USB, it won't install a fully equipped Windows system but rather a base version. It usually then downloads necessary drivers and updates during the installation process. This approach helps keep the recovery drive small and efficient. 4. Additional Recovery Options: Lenovo laptops often have additional recovery tools integrated into the system BIOS or firmware. These tools can help restore the system to factory settings or repair it without needing an external USB drive. Overall, the smaller size of the Lenovo recovery drive doesn't affect its ability to reinstall Windows. It's designed to provide essential recovery tools and a basic Windows installation specific to the Lenovo system.