not able to restore windows from system image backup

Question

I am having trouble restoring my windows 11 pc from a system image backup stored on an external HDD.

In the restore procedure I get to the screen where I enter my recovery key then the next page says enter your key id.

I try to enter the key but the text input bar only allows me to type one letter

Could you please help?

Answer 1

No one knows what software you used to make your system image. Microsoft doesn't have a supported utility for making system images, and has not had such a utility for several years.

Answer 2

Welcome ROBERT FISH,

I understand how frustrating it can be when you are unable to restore your Windows 11 PC from a system image backup because the recovery environment is requesting a recovery key and then a key ID, but the input field only allows a single character. 

Before proceeding, could you please confirm: 

• Is the system drive protected with BitLocker Device Encryption? 
• Are you restoring the image from Windows Recovery Environment (Advanced Startup) or from Windows installation media? 

In the meantime, you can try these workaround steps below to troubleshoot the issue:  

Option 1: Verify that the recovery key matches the Key ID being requested.  

• If you use a Microsoft account, check your recovery keys at: 
• https://account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey 

Option 2: Restart the recovery process.  

• Disconnect all unnecessary USB devices except the keyboard, mouse, and external HDD containing the backup 

Option 3: Try a different keyboard if available.  

• A keyboard input issue in the recovery environment can sometimes prevent normal text entry 

Option 4: If using wireless peripherals:  

• Connect a wired USB keyboard and retry entering the information 

I hope the steps above help you deal with your issue.  

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