In the intricate world of Windows operating systems, unforeseen errors and unexpected changes can sometimes disrupt the harmony of your digital experience. Enter ‘System Restore’ – a knight in shining armor for many Windows users. This built-in recovery feature acts as a time machine, whisking your system back to a moment when everything was running smoothly. Think of it as a snapshot capturing the essence of your Windows settings, drivers, registry keys, system files, and installed programs at a particular point in time. When a recent Windows update throws a curveball or a newly installed application disrupts the system’s equilibrium, System Restore offers a way out. It enables you to revert those specific changes, ensuring your PC’s stability and performance aren’t compromised. In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate the steps to create and effectively use System Restore on Windows 11/10, ensuring you’re always a step ahead in maintaining the integrity of your system. Let’s embark on this journey and discover the magic of System Restore!
This article will guide you on creating and using System Restore on Windows 11/10. You will learn the following:-
- Enable the System Restore Point
- Create a System Restore point manually
- Recover Windows 10 using System Restore
How to enable System Restore Point on Windows 11/10?
Step 1. Open the Start menu and search for Create a restore point.
Step 2. Click on the Create a restore point app from the results to open System Properties.
Step 3. Then, click on the System Protection tab.
Step 4. After that, under the “System Protection” section, select the primary “System” drive and click the Configure button.
Step 5. Select Turn on system protection from the available options.
Step 6. Finally, click on Apply and then the OK button.
Quick Tips: Windows 11/10 can automatically manage the space; however, under the “Disk Space Usage” section, you can also use the slider to specify the maximum storage capacity to reserve for System Restore.
Once you complete the above steps, Windows 10 will automatically start creating a restore point when a new update or specific system changes are made.
Note: The system Restore feature is only available for system drives (on which your OS is installed).
How to Create a System Restore Point Manually on Windows 11/10?
Step 1. Open the Start menu and search for Create a restore point.
Step 2. Click on Create a restore point app to open System Properties from the results.
Step 3. Under the “System Protection” tab, click the Create button.
Step 4. Type a descriptive name when prompted.
Step 5. Once you have entered the system restore point name, click the Create button.
Step 6. It will start creating a system restore point on demand.
Step 7. After a few minutes, you should receive a message, “The restore point was created successfully.”
Step 8. Now, you can close the system protection window.
How to Recover Windows 11/10 using System Restore?
Once you run into trouble after making system changes, you can undo the changes using a previously created restore point without spending more time troubleshooting the problem. You can restore your Windows 10 by accessing the desktop, even if your computer won’t boot correctly.
Undo system changes using desktop
If you still have access to the desktop, you can revert system changes using a restore point:-
Step 1. Open the Start menu and search for Create a restore point.
Step 2. Click on the Create a restore point app from the results to open System Properties.
Step 3. Under System Protection, click on the System Restore button.
Step 4. The System Restore window will open; click on the Next button.
Step 5. Select the restore point that you want to use on your computer.
Step 6. Click Scan for affected programs. It will show the apps list that will no longer be available after system restoration because it was added after creating the system restore point.
Step 7. It will start scanning affected apps.
Step 8. It will list the affected apps and drivers, which will not be available after Windows restore.
Step 9. Once you have seen the list of apps/drivers which will not be available after the system restore, note down and click the Close button.
Step 10. Click on the Next button to continue restoring the system.
Step 11. Once you have completed the above steps, click on the Finish button.
The System Restore feature will return your computer to the previous working state.
Undo system changes using Advanced startup
If Windows 11/10 does not boot up correctly, it will automatically repair it. Even you can launch an Advanced startup manually to access System Restore.
Step 1. Turn on the PC.
Step 2. When the Windows logo appears on the screen, interrupt the boot by pressing the power button.
Step 3. Repeat steps 1 to 2 until the device boots into recovery.
Step 4. Click the Advanced options button.
Step 5. Click Troubleshoot.
Step 6. Click Advanced options.
Step 7. Click System Restore.
Step 8. Under the System Restore window, click on the Next button.
Step 9. Click the restore point you want to use on your computer.
Step 10. Click Scan for affected programs if you want to see the list of apps/drivers that will not be available after restoration.
Step 11. It will start scanning affected apps.
Step 12. You will get a list of affected apps and drivers, which will not be available after Windows restore.
Step 13. Once you have seen the list of apps/drivers which will not be available after the system restore, note down and click the Close button.
Step 14. Click on the Next button to continue restoring the system.
Step 15. Once you have completed the above steps, click on the Finish button.
Now, the System Restore feature will return your computer to the previous working state, and you can boot it normally.
Conclusion
System Restore is a crucial tool embedded within Windows 10 and 11, acting as a safety net against unforeseen software glitches and unintentional changes. It’s a lifesaver, especially when facing system instability post an update or software installation. By creating restore points periodically or before major changes, you ensure a quick recovery pathway, mitigating prolonged system downtime. Embracing System Restore isn’t just about reacting to issues; it’s a proactive measure to ensure the health and stability of your PC.
