--- title: "Acronis Survival Kit: The ultimate disk recovery tool" description: Easily create a recovery drive with the Acronis Survival Kit. Be prepared for system failures and data loss with this essential disk rescue software. canonical_url: https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/features/survival-kit/ locale: en last_updated: 2026-10-27 --- # Acronis Survival Kit: The ultimate disk recovery tool Now with boosted security From **€49.99** per year [Buy now](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/purchasing/?utm_webteam=product-header) [Try now](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/trial/?utm_webteam=product-header) Looking for help? ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is a recovery drive? A recovery drive is a CD, DVD or USB drive that lets you boot your computer without launching the operating system from the hard drive, so you can safely analyze and troubleshoot any issues that might be affecting your system. A “factory settings” version is sometimes included on the hard drive of new computers so you can create a rescue disk, but a better option is to occasionally create a rescue disk that is designed for your current system, which captures any changes. The Acronis Survival Kit in Acronis True Image is an all-in-one recovery drive, so you have the boot media, system partition and even backups needed to rescue your computer and recover any files needed. ### Can a recovery drive help when your computer doesn't boot from the hard drive? Absolutely, as long as you’ve adjusted the boot order in your computer's BIOS or UEFI to ensure your recovery drive is the first option the machine will check. For example, when you create an Acronis Survival Kit, it will be created as an external hard drive. If that drive connects via USB, your BIOS’ boot order needs to be set to read USB drives first. Then, if your computer won’t boot from the hard drive, you simply connect the Acronis Survival Kit to the USB drive. As long as the boot order is set to check the USB first, the machine will launch from the recovery drive. Then you can safely troubleshoot the issue. ### How do you use a recovery disk? Connect your recovery disk and restart the computer. With an Acronis Survival Kit, you can analyze and troubleshoot system issues, restore the system partition or individual files from backups, or recover your system using a recent full image backup. Once you make the necessary system changes or reset the system, you can try booting from the hard drive to confirm that the machine is running properly. ### Can I recover data from different storage devices using the Acronis Survival Kit? Yes, you can recover data from different storage devices using the Acronis Survival Kit. Recovery works in the same way as to regular bootable media. When you boot a machine from the survival kit, on the Home screen under Recover you can choose the storage device you would like to recover from. The advantage of creating a survival kit is that it prepares your external hard disk drive to contain both the Acronis bootable media files and your configured backup both in one place, in case other storage media is not accessible for some reason. ### Does the Acronis Survival Kit support encryption for secure data recovery? Yes, the Acronis Survival Kit supports encryption to ensure secure data recovery. When you use Acronis True Image to create a survival kit, you have the option to encrypt the backup data that is stored on your external USB drive. This encryption protects your data by making it inaccessible to unauthorized users, ensuring that your personal sensitive information remains confidential, even if the external drive is lost or stolen. ### Can I create a bootable USB drive with the Acronis Survival Kit? Yes, with the Acronis Survival Kit, you can create a bootable USB Drive. The Survival Kit is specifically designed to be a comprehensive recovery tool that includes a bootable component along with your backed-up data. This allows you to recover your system even if your computer fails to boot up normally due to system errors or hardware failures. ### Can I use the Acronis Survival Kit to recover data from damaged or corrupted hard drives? Yes, you can use the Acronis Survival Kit to recover data from damaged or corrupted hard drives, provided the damage is not severe, physical damage that makes the drive completely unreadable. The Acronis Survival Kit is designed to help you recover systems and data from various scenarios including software failures, system crashes and some types of hardware issues. Product help If you need product assistance, you can find helpful materials in the [Knowledge Base](https://care.acronis.com/s/support-portal/for-individuals). Or, post questions on our [discussion boards](https://forum.acronis.com/). Technical support For subscription owners, there is free, 24-hour technical support. Refer to the [Technical Support Site](https://www.acronis.com/support/protect-home-office/) to find the appropriate support contact. ## A recovery drive you can trust Imagine you lose an important file — how would you recover it? Stay one step ahead of any data loss, accidental deletion or disk damage and never lose a file again. The Acronis Survival Kit is your ultimate recovery tool. It’s an all-in-one recovery software that includes everything you need to restore your system, including boot media and all your backups. With the Acronis Survival Kit, you can have peace of mind knowing that your important files are always protected and easily recoverable. Don't wait for disaster to strike — be prepared with Acronis. ![Image 2: Acronis Survival Kit](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/6686b75b089ab3fc8e72aa3215582213.png) ## Core features of Acronis Survival kit ### Easy to prepare Build a recovery drive in just a few clicks — you just need an external hard drive. You can copy your system partition or the entire system, and the Acronis Survival Kit will identify the boot media that’s needed and add it for you. It’s that simple. ### Flexible data safety Recover lost files on your hard drive. Whether you have a Windows or Mac operating system, you deserve surefire recovery. Acronis True Image ensures that all users can create a customized survival kit. ### Comprehensive protection The Acronis Survival Kit is not limited to the **[backup](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/backup/)** and recovery basics — it goes beyond. With built-in all around **[cybersecurity](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/cyber-security/)** like antivirus, anti-malware and anti-ransomware defenses, your data is safe and secure from all kinds of threats. ## How to create your recovery drive with Acronis Survival Kit Creating your recovery drive with Acronis could not be easier. Simply follow these easy steps. 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 ![Image 3: Acronis True Image](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/202653d2976f76f62e26dc09569476d0.png) 1. Open Acronis True Image (formerly Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office) and select Add backup. 2. Specify source (entire PC, system HDD) and destination (external HDD). 3. Select the Make bootable option that appears under the destination panel. 4. Follow the wizard instructions to create your boot media and backup. ## Choose the Acronis True Image plan that meets your needs Essentials Local backup and anti-ransomware protection One-year subscription €49.99/year For 1 computer Cloud is not available Buy now * Flexible backups Protect an entire system — including OS, registry, drivers, apps, user data, and hidden files — allowing for easy recovery. * Active disk cloning Make a replica of your system while it’s in use. Enable painless migration of all system data to a larger or faster disk. * Quick recovery / Universal restore Restore your system and data even if the operating system does not boot, using a single recovery toolkit. * Ransomware protection Secure your critical data, apps, and systems against cutting-edge cyberthreats. * FREE UPGRADES to the most recent product version * Phone, email and chat support * Available for Windows and macOS Most popular Advanced Local and cloud backup and security One-year subscription €72.99/year For 1 computer 250 GB Buy now * Flexible backups Protect an entire system — including OS, registry, drivers, apps, user data, and hidden files — allowing for easy recovery. * Active disk cloning Make a replica of your system while it’s in use. Enable painless migration of all system data to a larger or faster disk. * Quick recovery / Universal restore Restore your system and data even if the operating system does not boot, using a single recovery toolkit. * Ransomware protection Secure your critical data, apps, and systems against cutting-edge cyberthreats. * Identity Protection Protect your identity and personal information, such as social security numbers, financial details and more to prevent identity theft. * Block viruses and malware Block even never-seen-before threats – by checking every file you interact with in real-time. * Cloud backup and features Access your account and retrieve files or folders from your Acronis Cloud backup — anywhere, anytime. * Automatic replication of data in the cloud Automatically replicate local backups to the Acronis Cloud, ensuring you always have an off-site copy available for recovery. * Microsoft 365 backups Back up your Microsoft 365 mailbox and OneDrive directly to the Acronis Cloud allowing for full account restoration in case of a disaster. * FREE UPGRADES to the most recent product version * Phone, email and chat support * Available for Windows and macOS Premium Up to 10 TB of cloud and local backup and security One-year subscription €124.99/year For 1 computer 1 TB for free Buy now * Flexible backups Protect an entire system — including OS, registry, drivers, apps, user data, and hidden files — allowing for easy recovery. * Active disk cloning Make a replica of your system while it’s in use. Enable painless migration of all system data to a larger or faster disk. * Quick recovery / Universal restore Restore your system and data even if the operating system does not boot, using a single recovery toolkit. * Ransomware protection Secure your critical data, apps, and systems against cutting-edge cyberthreats. * Identity Protection Protect your identity and personal information, such as social security numbers, financial details and more to prevent identity theft. * Block viruses and malware Block even never-seen-before threats – by checking every file you interact with in real-time. * Cloud backup and features Access your account and retrieve files or folders from your Acronis Cloud backup — anywhere, anytime. * Automatic replication of data in the cloud Automatically replicate local backups to the Acronis Cloud, ensuring you always have an off-site copy available for recovery. * Microsoft 365 backups Back up your Microsoft 365 mailbox and OneDrive directly to the Acronis Cloud allowing for full account restoration in case of a disaster. * Blockchain certification of files Confirm data authenticity with blockchain technology. * Electronic signatures on files Capture electronic signatures from multiple parties and record them in a blockchain ledger. * Ability to add up to 10 TB of cloud storage Expand your cloud storage as your data grows. * FREE UPGRADES to the most recent product version * Priority phone, email and chat support * Available for Windows and macOS **Give the gift of cyber protection** [Get Acronis True Image as a gift](https://www.acronis.com/en-us/lp/personal/gift/) **Need more details?** [Compare our products in depth](https://www.acronis.com/en-us/products/true-image/comparison/) [![Image 4](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/aadbaf079ed3109ec512a9b9a5eb45dc.png) 100% Detection Rate and 0 False Alarms in independent tests](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/acronis-true-image-excels-in-av-test-certification-unmatched-protection-and-usability/) [![Image 5](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/4d5333d1ea505ec644f498b4b7d3593d.png) Best Windows backup software, PCWorld](https://www.pcworld.com/article/407021/best-windows-backup-software.html) [![Image 6](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/2f919f77b7afbe9e3386eef3a49b2135.png) Cybersecurity Excellence Awards Winner](https://cybersecurity-excellence-awards.com/candidates/acronis-cyber-protect-home-office/) [![Image 7](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/03fe5f638ee1ac6a581ecdd72554c749.png) Editors' Choice, PCWorld](https://www.pcworld.com/article/393356/acronis-true-image-review.html) [![Image 8](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/0d56ed0fe1ba43c51e1c0d7f180c1e1b.png) OPSWAT Anti-malware Platinum certification](https://www.opswat.com/blog/opswat-access-control-certification-oaccp-update-for-july-2021) [![Image 9](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/b2ce59307620ff669b7f1b88612fdd1c.png) TIME's Best Cloud Backup Services](https://time.com/4738916/best-cloud-backup-services/) ## Product Reviews ### Acronis is the real deal I have had Acronis on my computer for several years now, and I can assure you that this is the real deal. With all the computer hacking and data thieves out there today, Acronis is something you can't be without. I have used it to recover my entire computer database dozens of times and it is easier to use and the results are flawless. A real bonus is that all the new security upgrades continue to be sent without any additional charges, unlike other backup software out there. I am not a computer expert, and I don't need to be with Acronis. Anyone can use it without a problem. John A. Verified Acronis user ### Fast and secure backup and recovery Acronis' product delivered convincing results … on average, twice as fast; in some cases, 10 times as fast as the competition. Jessica C. Verified Acronis user ### Straightforward recovery tool The Acronis recovery tool is a lifesaver! I accidentally deleted a vital project file I was working on, and with the Acronis Survival Kit, I was able to restore it within minutes. The process was straightforward, and it recovered everything I accidentally deleted. Jeff C. Verified Acronis user 1 of 1 ## Works On Multiple Platforms ### Microsoft Windows * Windows 11 (64-bit) * Windows 10 (64-bit) ### File systems on Windows * NTFS * Ext2/Ext3/Ext4 * ReiserFS(3) (Supported only for disk or partition backup/recovery operations) * Linux SWAP (Supported only for disk or partition backup/recovery operations) * HFS+/HFSX (Supported only for disk or partition recovery and cloning operations (without resizing)) * FAT16/32/exFAT (Disk or partition operations without resize. Supported only for disk or partition backup/recovery operations.) ### Apple macOS * macOS Tahoe 26 * macOS Sequoia 15 * macOS Sonoma 14 * macOS Ventura 13 * macOS Monterey 12 ### File systems on macOS * APFS * HFS+ * FAT32 * NTFS (including Boot Camp) ### Mobile operating systems * iOS 15 or later * Android 10 or later ## Acronis Mobile: Easy, secure and portable Never worry about losing your photos, videos, contacts or important files again. With the [Acronis Mobile app](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/features/mobile-app/), you can easily back up everything that matters on your phone and keep it safe in the cloud. Access your files anytime, anywhere from the Acronis Cloud, whether you're switching devices or just want peace of mind. It’s fast and always ready to protect your digital life. * [iOS](https://go.acronis.com/atimobile/download/iOS) * [Android](https://go.acronis.com/atimobile/download/Android) * [How to back up your mobile device via Wi-Fi to a PC or Mac](https://www.acronis.com/en/products/true-image/features/backup-your-mobile/) ![Image 10: Acronis Mobile: Easy, secure and portable](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/content/b5dd5cc618f1aa1763d8ef78131855a9.png) ## Want to learn more? Read the latest news and articles on our blog. [Acronis Blog](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/) ![Image 11: Best antivirus for Windows 11: Guide to choosing the right software](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/blog-card/ce9cf68c9a85a1451d89cb2d9af58ff1.png) [Best antivirus for Windows 11: Guide to choosing the right software](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/best-antivirus-for-windows-11/) Discover the best antivirus software for Windows 11 that provide robust protection against threats. Read our expert picks to secure your device today. **03 April 2026**18 min read ![Image 12: How to protect sensitive data: A practical guide for individuals](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/blog-card/b3a43006404113df2bac98461f8952bf.png) [How to protect sensitive data: A practical guide for individuals](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/how-to-protect-sensitive-data/) Acronis True Image is a personal backup and cybersecurity software designed to help individuals protect sensitive data through encrypted backups, ransomware protection, and reliable recovery options. Instead of manually copying files or relying solely on cloud folders, you can automate secure backups of your entire system or selected files. For U.S. customers with Advanced or Premium subscriptions, it also includes Identity P **20 March 2026**12 min read ![Image 13: How to scan for malware?](https://staticfiles.acronis.com/images/blog-card/d7369abadbb9827f721d6c9ca26ce15f.png) [How to scan for malware?](https://www.acronis.com/en/blog/posts/how-to-scan-for-malware/) Learn how to scan for malware step by step with this comprehensive guide to keep your devices protected. Get the best antimalware from Acronis True Image. **21 January 2026**10 min read