What is the primary purpose of recovery media?

The primary purpose of recovery media is to restore the operating system to its original state. This type of media typically includes system files and tools necessary to reinstall the operating system on a device, particularly in instances where the system becomes corrupted or malfunctions. By using recovery media, users can reset their system to the state it was in when it was first purchased, allowing for a clean installation that resolves any software-related issues.

While options related to upgrading hardware, removing viruses, or improving performance may have their own importance in the realm of computer maintenance, they do not encapsulate the core function of recovery media. Recovery media is fundamentally about reinstating the operating system rather than addressing hardware upgrades or cybersecurity concerns. This makes the restoration process central to the utility of recovery media.