System Restore Point
System Restore is a legacy function incorporated into Windows 10 that allows users to make a snapshot of the computer’s present working state and save it as a “restore point.” If a serious problem occurs after installing an update, driver, or software, or after mistakenly updating system settings with the Registry Editor or another tool, you can use a restore point to revert the device to an earlier point in time to fix the problem without losing your files.
Although this is a handy recovery tool, it is deactivated by default, which means you must enable it before the system can save restore points automatically or manually by you.
Creating System Restore Point on Windows 10
To manually establish a restore point in Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Start the program.
- Search for Create a restore point and access the System Properties page by clicking the first result.
- Click the Create button in the “Protection Settings” section.
- Give the restore point a descriptive name.
- Select the Create option.
- Click the Close button to finish.
- Then press the OK button.
- Click the Close button to finish.
After completing the instructions, you should be able to undo system modifications if something goes wrong while installing a new driver, software, or making changes to the Registry.
How to use System Restore on Windows 10 to Revert Changes
Revert Changes through Desktop Interface
If something unexpected occurs after installing or changing system settings, you can use System Restore to apply a restore point to undo the changes and resolve the issue. If your computer still starts properly, you can accomplish this procedure from the Windows 10 desktop otherwise, you can use the advanced startup settings.
If you have access to the Windows 10 desktop, follow these steps to undo the system changes:
- Start the program.
- Search for Create a restore point and access the System Properties page by clicking the first result.
- Select the System Restore option. A quick reminder: If the option is grayed out, it signifies that the system does not have any available restoration points.
- Next, press the Next button.
- To undo changes and repair problems in Windows 10, select the available restore point.
- To validate the apps that will be removed because they were added after setting the restore point, click the Scan for affected programs option.
- Click the Close button to finish.
- Next, press the Next button.
- Finish by clicking the Finish button.
When you finish the procedures, System Restore will apply the restore point and restore the PC to its former good working state. If you were affected by one or more apps, remember to reinstall them following the recovery process.
Access Advanced Startup
Follow these procedures to gain access to the Windows 10 advanced startup environment and use System Restore:
- Start the device.
- Press the power button as soon as the Windows logo shows on the screen to stop the startup sequence.
- Steps 1 and 2 should be repeated twice more. (Or until the device enters the recovery mode.)
After you’ve completed the instructions, you can use System Restore to undo any modifications you’ve made to your system.
If you are unable to access the recovery environment using the said steps, you can start the computer with a Windows 10 installation media and, while in the “Windows Setup” experience, click the Next button, then click the Repair your computer button from the bottom-left corner, and then follow the steps below.
Revert Changes through System Restore
- Select Advanced options by clicking the button.
- Select Troubleshoot.
- Select Advanced options.
- Select System Restore.
- System Restore Advanced Options
- Confirm the password for the account.
- Continue by clicking the Continue button.
- Next, press the Next button.
- Choose a restore point to undo changes and resolve computer issues.
- To validate the apps that will be removed because they were added after setting the restore point, click the Scan for affected programs option.
- Click the Close button to finish.
- Next, press the Next button.
- Finish by clicking the Finish button.
Once you’ve finished the procedures, the restore point will be used to undo system changes that may be causing problems with the computer, such as preventing it from starting properly.
This guide focused on Windows 10, but because this is a legacy function, you may also apply these instructions if you’re running Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.
System Restore is just a tool that allows you to swiftly restore a device from configuration issues. It is not a backup solution or a way to restore the machine to its factory default settings.
References:
https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-restore-windows-10
https://www.easeus.com/images/en/screenshot/todo-backup/guide/backup-computer.jpg