If pressing F9 at boot does nothing, don’t worry, thousands face this. ASUS laptops typically have a 10-20GB recovery partition (e.g., 16GB for VivoBook, 20GB for ROG) that supports factory resets via F9.
This partition stores the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and ASUS-specific software and drivers.
However, when it’s often missing from Windows 11 upgrades, disk management mishaps, or malware cleanups, your factory reset is compromised. Don’t panic: your personal files aren’t necessarily lost; this is a boot partition issue, not data erasure.
Contents:
- Quick Diagnosis
- Solutions
- Solution 1: Use Windows Built-In Recovery
- Solution 2: ASUS Cloud Recovery – The Easiest Official Fix
- Solution 3: Recreate the ASUS Recovery Partition Manually
- Solution 4: Professional Tools or Custom Recovery System
- Prevention
- Alternative Methods
- Conclusion: Your ASUS Recovery Action Plan
Quick Diagnosis: Is Your ASUS Recovery Partition Actually Missing?
Before diving into fixes, confirm the issue. This takes just 5-10 minutes and prevents unnecessary steps.
Test 1: F9 Key Response Check
Restart your ASUS laptop and immediately tap F9 repeatedly during the ASUS logo screen. Expected outcome: The recovery menu loads with options like “Restore Factory Default.” If the boot proceeds to Windows or shows no response, the partition is likely missing or corrupted.
Test 2: Alternative Recovery Keys
Some newer models, like 2024 ROG Zephyrus use F12 instead of tapping it during boot. From Windows, hold Shift + Restart (from the login screen) to access Advanced Startup.
If Troubleshoot > Reset this PC fails with a “required partition missing” error, proceed.
Test 3: Disk Management Check
Right-click This PC > Manage > Disk Management. Look for a 10-20GB “Recovery” or “OEM” partition (often labeled Healthy, no drive letter). If absent, it’s deleted. If present but F9 fails, it’s corrupted; try boot repair first.
Also Read: Fixing Asus Laptop Startup Issues
Solutions To Fix “Asus Recovery Partition Missing”
Solution 1: Use Windows Built-In Recovery
Ideal for quick fixes when the partition is gone but Windows is bootable. This leverages WinRE without ASUS specifics, restoring a clean Windows install (no bloatware, but you can reinstall ASUS apps later).
Method A: Reset This PC
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC > Get started.
- Choose “Remove everything” for a full wipe, then “Cloud download” (faster on good internet, pulls fresh Windows 11 24H2).
- Select “Clean the drive fully” for security.
Time: 1-3 hours. Post-reset, download ASUS drivers from support.asus.com.
Method B: Advanced Startup
- Shift + Restart > Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
- If it errors on missing partition,
Use Command Prompt here: Run reagentc /info to check WinRE status.
If disabled, enable with reagentc /enable.
Method C: Recovery Drive
Create one via Settings > System > Recovery > Create a recovery drive (needs 16GB USB). Boot from it (F2 for boot menu), then Troubleshoot > Reset. This bypasses local issues entirely.
Notes: Won’t restore ASUS utilities like Armoury Crate, but it’s reliable for 2025 hardware. Backup files first via OneDrive if possible. Timeline: 2-4 hours.
Solution 2: ASUS Cloud Recovery – The Easiest Official Fix
ASUS’s Cloud Recovery, enhanced in 2025 BIOS updates, is a standout for missing partitions, no USB or downloads needed if your model supports it (most 2022+ laptops do). It restores the factory OS image from ASUS servers, including drivers.
Requirements: Internet connection, a valid ASUS account (created via the MyASUS app), and BIOS access.
Step-by-Step:
- Enter BIOS: Restart and press Del repeatedly. Go to Advanced > ASUS Firmware Update > Cloud Recovery (or search “Cloud” in BIOS search).
- Initiate Recovery: Select “Restore from Cloud.” Log in with your ASUS ID. It scans for your model and downloads the image (5-20GB, 30-60 mins on Wi-Fi 6).
- Wipe and Restore: Confirm wipe, it partitions the drive automatically, recreating the recovery area. The process reboots into recovery mode, applies the image, and installs updates. (Time: 1-2 hours total)
- Post-Restore: Boot to Windows, run the MyASUS app for optimizations. Test F9, it should now work.
For Older Models: If unavailable, download recovery media from asus.com/support (enter model > Drivers & Tools > Recovery). Burn to USB/DVD and boot from it.
Success Insights: Works post-SSD replacement or clean installs; one 2024 ROG G16 user restored after deleting all partitions.
Warning: Requires ~50GB free space. If it fails, error code 0x80070002 means server issues, retry or use Solution 3.
Solution 3: Recreate the ASUS Recovery Partition Manually
For tech-savvy users wanting a full OEM restore (including ASUS bloatware), recreate the partition using official media. 2025 tutorials emphasize WinRE.wim integration for Windows 11 compatibility.
Requirements: 16GB+ USB, admin access, ASUS recovery ISO (from support site).
Steps:
- Download Media: Go to asus.com/support, enter model, Download “Recovery Partition” or “System Restore” ISO. If unavailable, get Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft + ASUS drivers pack.
- Create Space: Disk Management > Shrink C: by 500MB (for WinRE) + 16-20GB unallocated (for ASUS recovery).
- Recreate WinRE First (Windows 11 Specific):
- Command Prompt (admin): reagentc /disable
- Diskpart: list disk > select disk 0 > create partition primary size=500 id=de94bba4-06d1-4d40-a16a-bfd50179d6ac (WinRE GUID). Format quick NTFS, assign R:.
- Copy WinRE: Mount Windows ISO, copy \sources\install.wim to temp, then dism /apply-image /imagefile:install.wim /index:1 /applydir:R:\ (adjust for recovery index). reagentc /enable.
- ASUS Partition: Create 20GB primary, format NTFS, no letter. Mount recovery ISO, copy files (including ASUS.swm if present).
Use bcdedit: /create {ramdiskoptions} /d “ASUS Recovery” /path \Recovery\WindowsRE\winre.wim etc., to make bootable. - Test: Reboot, tap F9. If errors, run bootrec /rebuildbcd in recovery CMD.
Tips: For ROG models, ensure BIOS is the latest (2025 versions fix F9 bugs). If stuck, use 7-Zip to extract .swm files from old backups.
Solution 4: Professional Tools or Custom Recovery System
For guaranteed results without ASUS dependency, use tools to scan/recover or build a custom setup to recover deleted data from ASUS laptop.
Professional Recovery:
Remo Recover: An effective partition recovery to restore missing recovery partitions, along with data from other lost or deleted partitions, in just a few simple clicks.
- Restores lost recovery partitions safely
- Retrieves data from deleted or missing volumes
- Designed for quick scans and easy recovery steps
- Ideal for both beginners and IT professionals
- Scan for lost partitions, select the drive, and click on “Scan” type. Recover to unallocated space, then repair the boot with bootrec /fixmbr. 2025 versions handle Windows 11 GUIDs better.
- Run in live USB mode if Windows won’t boot.
Custom System:
- Macrium Reflect Free: Create a full disk image to an external HDD. For recovery, boot from its USB rescue media and restore. Includes your setup, no bloatware loss.
- Windows System Image: Control Panel > Backup > Create system image. Pair with a recovery USB for a bootable restore.
- Custom USB: Microsoft Media Creation Tool for Windows USB + ASUS driver folder. Document steps in a text file on the USB.
Timeline: A Few hours (2-3) of setup, 30-60 min restores. Benefits: Portable, includes personal files/apps.
Prevention: Never Lose Your ASUS Recovery Again
Before Upgrades:
Test F9 monthly. Create a recovery USB via Settings. Backup partition with Macrium. Research model-specific impacts on ASUS forums (e.g., ROG series needs BIOS 318+ for 24H2).
Maintenance:
- Update BIOS/drivers via the MyASUS app. 2025 versions include Cloud Recovery auto-enable.
- Avoid cleaners deleting “hidden” partitions. Use ASUS disk tools if available.
- Keep 20GB free; place recovery at the disk end.
Model Notes: VivoBook: F9 standard. ROG: F9 or Armoury Crate recovery. ZenBook: MyASUS cloud options. For 2024+ G14/G16, Cloud Recovery is the default.
Alternative Methods If All Else Fails
- Cloud Reset in Windows 11: Settings > Recovery > Reset > Cloud download bypasses local partition, downloads fresh OS (ideal for internet users).
- MyASUS App: In-app recovery for supported models; links to cloud restore.
- Service Center: If under warranty, ASUS support recreates for free mention error codes from tests.
Last resort: Fresh Windows install from USB, then manual driver setup.
Conclusion
Resolve your ASUS recovery partition issue with confidence: Begin by testing F9 or F12 at boot. If unsuccessful, use ASUS Cloud Recovery for advanced users, manually recreate the partition (Solution 3) to restore full OEM functionality.
Always secure your data with a custom backup (Solution 4) for peace of mind. After fixing, adopt preventive measures, test recovery quarterly to stay prepared.
Even without F9, a Windows reset ensures your system remains operational. Your laptop is now restored to peak performance.
