Can I recover system image backup by using Windows 10 pro usb stick?

[HPlaptopman]

I have a HP Spectre x360 which came with Windows 10 home and  I did make a system image backup to external harddrive straight out of the box after I did start the laptop a few times. After that I did upgrade it succesfully to Windows 10 pro.

Now, I want to restore the system image backup to my laptop which contains the original Windows 10 home. However when I try to recover system image windows says that: "In order to able to recover this laptop, Windows has to format this disk in which Windows recovery environment is currently being processed. If you want to continue recovery, turn this computer off and start it from Windows installation disk or system repair disk and try then again recovery." If I would create system repair disk, laptop requires external dvd which I prefer not to buy if there is another choice.

So what kind of "Windows installation disk" is required for system image recovery?

I have bought earlier Windows 10 pro usb stick with full retail license for my desktop computer so can I use that usb stick as a "Windows installation disk"? And can I start my Hp spectre x360 using that usb stick and will I be then able to succesfully recover the system image backup to my laptop?

I hope to get anwsers which are clear so that I don´t get any misunderstanding. Thank you!

[IT_WinSec]

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@HPlaptopman wrote:

I have a HP Spectre x360 which came with Windows 10 home and  I did make a system image backup to external harddrive straight out of the box after I did start the laptop a few times. (...)

Now, I want to restore the system image backup to my laptop which contains the original Windows 10 home.

(...)

If I would create system repair disk, laptop requires external dvd which I prefer not to buy if there is another choice.

So what kind of "Windows installation disk" is required for system image recovery?

I have bought earlier Windows 10 pro usb stick with full retail license for my desktop computer so can I use that usb stick as a "Windows installation disk"? And can I start my Hp spectre x360 using that usb stick and will I be then able to succesfully recover the system image backup to my laptop?

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Hello @HPlaptopman

Welcome to the HP Support forum. Thank you for posting.

By writing "System image backup" I think you mean about this built-in Windows feature.

Here is some general information about it > http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03544793

This feature can be stared from inside Windows or from booting the affected PC from Windows installation media or Windows system repair disk. Note that the Windows installation media and the repair disk could be both CD/DVD or USB devices.

How to create such disk > https://www.howtogeek.com/131907/how-to-create-and-use-a-recovery-drive-or-system-repair-disc-in-win...

Any Windows 10 ISO can be used to start this and load the Windows images from including the freely available Windows 10 downloads from Microsoft.

Additionally, yes, you can use your "Windows 10 pro usb stick with full retail license" on this HP Spectre as well.

1. Boot from the device

2. Select your language (e.g. English) and confirm

3. Instead of clicking on "Install Now" button, click on "Repair your computer" link in down/left section of the window

4. Recovery environment should load...

Click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Image Recovery

5. Ensure your external HDD is inserted so that Windows can find where the recovery images are stored.

6. Follow the on-screen instructions

when performing the instructions always select the option to format and re-arrange the HDD while the system image recovery is done.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any specific information and if something is not clear.