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Suppose after installing a new update, some apps or devices on your system are not functioning properly. Naturally, before any installation or upgrade, you backed up the entire system. However, on Windows 10, Microsoft added the System Restore feature, enabling users to restore their system to a stable state.
Mastering System Restore on Windows 10
Understanding How System Restore Works on Windows 10
By default, System Restore on Windows 10 is disabled. However, when activated and configured correctly, System Restore will automatically create system restore points. You can also manually create system restore points before making any system adjustments. A comprehensive guide to using System Restore on Windows 10 will help you grasp this feature, enabling you to safeguard your data thoroughly.
In the case of using Windows 7, refer to how to use System Restore in Windows 7 here
Understanding How System Restore Works on Windows 10
Activating System Restore
On Windows 10, System Restore is disabled by default. However, you can still enable or disable System Restore by following the steps below:
Step 1: Open Start.
Step 2: Type Create a restore point in the Search box, from the list of results, select System Properties.
Step 3: In the System Properties window, under Protection Settings, select the main drive and then click Configure.
Step 4: Select the option Turn on system protection.
Pro Tip: You can also adjust the slider to set the storage capacity for System Restore, which defaults to just 1%.
Step 5: Choose Apply.
Step 6: Select OK.
After completing the above steps, a new system restore point will be automatically created when significant changes occur, such as before installing Windows 10 updates.
To delete previous restore points, simply click the Delete button at the top of the window.
Note that you can only activate System Restore on supported drives. If you have multiple drives, you cannot configure System Restore.
How to Create a System Restore Point
Although new restore points are automatically created during system changes, there may be times when you want to manually create these restore points before making any adjustments that could cause issues on the system.
Step 1: Open Start.
Step 2: Type Create a restore point into the Search box. From the search results list, click on System Properties.
Step 3: In the Protection Settings section, select the main drive and then click on the Create button.
Step 4: Enter a description to identify the system restore point.
Step 5: Click on Create.
After completing the above steps, if any errors occur during registry tweaks, installing a new application, or driver, you can use System Restore to revert the system to a stable state.
Restore the system to a previous state using System Restore
In case you encounter any issues before reinstalling Windows 10, you can use System Restore to revert the system to a previous state.
Step 1: Open Start.
Step 2: Type Create a restore point into the Search box, then click on System Properties from the search results list.
Step 3: Next, click on the System Restore button.
Step 4: Click on Next.
Step 5: Select the most recent restore point, ensuring system stability for restoration and error resolution.
Step 6: Click on the Scan for affected programs button to view applications that will be removed if installed after creating the system restore point.
Step 7: Click on Close.
Step 8: Click on Next.
Step 9: Click on Finish.
After completing the above steps, your computer will be restored to its previous state, functioning more stable.
Using System Restore when the device fails to boot
Step 1: Boot your computer 3 times to activate the automatic repair feature on Windows 10.
Step 2: Click on Advanced Startup.
Step 3: Click on Troubleshoot.
Step 4: Click on Advanced options.
Step 5: Click on System Restore.
Step 6: Click on Next.
Step 7: Select the most recent restore point, ensuring system stability for restoration and error resolution.
Step 8: Click on the Scan for affected programs button to view applications that will be removed if installed after creating the system restore point.
Step 9: Click on Close.
Step 10: Click on Next.
Step 11: Click on Finish.
If you cannot access the automatic repair environment, you can create a Boot USB and use it to boot the device, then click on Next and select Repair your computer, then follow the on-screen instructions.
In the previous section, Mytour has provided you with comprehensive guidance on using System Restore in Windows 10. Additionally, you can apply the same instructions on Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 machines.
It's important to note that System Restore isn't a substitute for full backups or resetting your device to its original manufacturer's default state. If your computer is experiencing hardware issues, you can't use System Restore to restore the system, and there's a high chance of data loss.
