Dell Recovery with USB: Reinstall the OS Using a Direct Media Drive

Summary: Information about Dell recovery and OS reinstallation using Direct Media USB.

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Symptoms

There is no symptom information available.

Cause

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Resolution

Dell Direct Media Online Instructions

Complete the following steps to use the Dell Direct Media.

Step 1: Connect power to your Dell Desktop or Laptop and insert the Dell Direct Media USB drive. Some devices may need a USB-C adapter.
Connect Power to Your Dell Computer or Laptop and Insert the Dell Direct Media USB Key into a USB Port

Step 2: Power your Dell Computer or Laptop on and press the F12 Key to enter the "One Time Boot Menu." Select "USB Storage Device" to boot to the Dell Direct Media USB drive.
Power Your Dell Computer On and Press the F12 Key to Enter the One Time Boot Menu and Select USB Storage Device

Step 3: The Dell Desktop or Laptop boots to the Dell Direct Media USB drive. Follow the on-screen instructions and Windows begins to install.
SupportAssist OS Recovery Process Menus Will Apear, Follow on Screen Instructions, and Windows Will Install

Additional Information

You can find the Dell SupportAssist OS Recovery User’s Guide on the following documentation page:

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Affected Products

Alienware, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Inspiron, Latitude, Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations
Article Properties
Article Number: 000129655
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 14 Jul 2025
Version:  10
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