System restore is a feature that allows Windows users to save their system’s current state and use it as a restore point. If an issue occurs when installing new drivers, apps, or updates or modifying the system, this restore point can revert your computer to its previous state. This valuable feature is disabled by default in Windows 10, so if you want to use it, you’ll need to enable it manually.
If you’re interested in learning how to perform a system restore in Windows 10, you’ve come to the right place. This article will provide a detailed step-by-step guide on performing a system restore quickly and efficiently.
How to Make a System Restore Point in Windows 10
If you want to install new programs, drivers, apps, or updates on your Windows 10 or modify the system in any way, it’s recommended to make a system restore point. Once you create it, you can use that point to undo the changes you made if anything goes wrong.
Before making a system restore point in your Windows 10, you’ll need to enable system protection. Follow the steps below:
- Launch the Start menu by pressing the Windows icon at the bottom-left corner.
- Start typing “Create a restore point” in the search box and press the first result to open System Properties. Ensure you’re on the System Protection tab.
- Press “Configure” next to “Configure restore settings, manage disk space, and delete restore points.”
- Mark the checkbox next to “Turn on system protection.”
- If you want, you can configure the maximum disk space for system protection and delete previous restore points.
- Select “Apply.”
- Press “Ok.”
Now that you’ve enabled system protection, you can move on to making a system restore point on your Windows 10 computer. Here’s what you need to do:
- In the same menu (the System Protection tab in System Properties), press “Create.”
- Choose a name for the restore point. Use a descriptive name that will help you remember exactly when you created the restore point. For example, use “Before installing new drivers” or “Before updating the system.”
- Press “Create.”
- Select “Close,” “Ok,” and “Close” again.
This creates a system restore point your OS can use to back up to, reverting to the state it had at that time. This menu also allows you to review and change restore points as needed. If enabled, System Restore will occasionally create an automatic restore point for significant changes and updates.
You can also change how much storage space restore points can use. This affects how far back you can go with a restore point since old automatic restore points get overwritten with new ones.
How to Perform a System Restore in Windows 10
If you encounter an issue with your Windows 10 computer after modifying the system, you can perform a system restore and undo the changes. Follow the steps below to make the issue go away:
- Open the Start menu.
- Begin typing “Create a restore point” and open the top result.
- Go to the “System Protection” tab if you’re not already there and press “System Restore…” Note: If this option is grayed out, you haven’t created any system restore points. If you need System Restore to fix a catastrophic system issue, you’ll need to investigate other options.
- Select the desired system restore point and choose “Next.”
- Press “Scan for affected programs” to confirm which apps, programs, drivers, etc. will be deleted after you perform the system restore. Tip: Write down the programs that will be removed after the restore so that you remember to reinstall them later.
- Select “Close.”
- Choose “Next.”
- Press “Finish.
How to Do System Restore in Windows 10 From Boot
In some cases, your computer may experience an issue due to which you won’t be able to start it correctly. Fortunately, it’s possible to perform a system restore from Advanced Startup Settings. We’ve divided the instructions into two parts for easier navigation. The first part shows you how to access Advanced Startup Settings, while the second explains how to perform a system restore from the settings.
Follow these instructions to access Advanced Startup Settings:
- Push the power button to start your computer.
- Once you see the Windows logo, press the power button to stop the boot sequence.
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 twice or until your computer goes into “Recovery Mode.”
Once in Recovery Mode, use the instructions below to perform a system restore:
- Press “Advanced options.”
- Choose “Troubleshoot.”
- Go to “Advanced options” and select “System restore.”
- Click on your Windows account and enter your password.
- Press “Continue” and then choose “Next.”
- Select the system restore point you want to use to fix the issue with your Windows 10 computer.
- Press “Scan for affected programs” to see which programs will be deleted from your computer after the system restore. Remember these programs in case you want to reinstall them after fixing the issue.
- Select “Close,” choose “Next,” and then press “Finish.”
How Long Does It Take to Do a System Restore in Windows 10?
A system restore typically takes between 20 and 50 minutes.
If the process takes longer than one hour, it’s likely your computer has encountered an issue initializing or restoring different files. Fortunately, there is a way to fix this by performing the restore in Safe Mode. Here’s what you need to do:
- Use another computer to go to the Microsoft website, download the Windows 10 tool, and create an installation disc.
- Insert this media into your computer and ensure your computer boots from the media. The steps differ depending on your PC manufacturer, so ensure to check the manufacturer’s website or the instruction manual.
- On the Windows Install screen, choose “Repair your computer” to enter the Windows Recovery Environment.
- Press “Choose an option,” go to “Troubleshoot,” select “Advanced Options,” and then click on “Startup Settings.”
- Choose “Restart” and press the F6 key that stands for “Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.”
- Select your account and enter your password.
- Type “rstrui.exe” in the Command Window and press Enter. This will lead you to the System Restore menu, where you can choose a different restore point or undo the system restore.
FAQ
Is a system restore the same as a backup?
Although many people use the two terms interchangeably, they don’t represent the same thing. A system restore is a way to restore the system’s functionality if an issue occurs after installing a program, driver, or update, or modifying the system. If you enable the system restore feature, Windows will create restore points automatically, but you can also create them manually if you know there’s a risk of malfunction. These restore points don’t represent copies of your user files; they are a copy of your system settings.
A backup is a copy of different files usually kept on an external drive like an eternal hard drive or a USB stick, or the Internet (cloud). The most important purpose of a backup is file protection. If you do regular backups, you can have peace of mind knowing your files won’t get permanently lost or damaged in case of a malfunction or accidental deletion. Usually, people back up their important documents, photos, projects, or financial records.
You Don’t Have to Worry Anymore Thanks to Windows System Restore
The Windows system restore feature can help you regain your system’s functionality in just a few clicks. Since this convenient option is disabled in Windows 10 by default, many users don’t even know it exists or whether they’re protected from significant update errors. Fortunately, enabling and using the system restore feature is relatively easy and quick.
Have you ever used the Windows system restore option? How long did the process last? Tell us in the comments section below.
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