DefinitionSystem Restore Show
System Restore is a utility to protect and revert the Windows client operating system to a previous state -- known as a restore point -- undoing system changes made since that time to avoid a reinstall of the operating system. System Restore attempts to correct issues with system stability after a particular event occurs that affects the performance of a computer. For example, System Restore could fix a problematic Windows update by bringing the machine to an earlier restore point. If a new program doesn't function properly, a patch slows down the operating system or the system stops responding, System Restore can attempt to correct these problems by reverting the system to a snapshot before the troubles began. Launch the System Restore feature from the Windows 7 operating system via the Control Panel.System Restore periodically creates automatic restore points that preserve key operating system files and the Windows registry. Users can use System Restore to create manual restore points before making any significant changes to the system, such as installing new programs. System Restore does not affect personal data -- such as new files, new email messages and changes to documents -- while it undoes system changes. What Windows System Restore doesMicrosoft disables System Restore by default in Windows 10. To access and enable System Restore, press the Windows key and use the search bar to find the Control Panel. Once the Control Panel opens, search for and then select Recovery > Configure System Restore, then Turn on system protection. Select Apply, then OK. This enables the automatic protection in System Restore and creates a new restore point when particular activities occur, such as a system update. To set a new restore point, press the Windows key and search for System Restore. Under the tab System Protection, select Create... Then, name the restore point and select Create to take a system snapshot. To restore the system, press the Windows key and search for System Restore. Under the tab System Protection, select System Restore… When the new window appears, select Next. Then, choose the date of the desired restore point, then Next > Finish. If the restore procedure fails, follow the restore steps from Safe Mode. On a system infected with malware, system administrators may wish to temporarily disable System Restore to run antimalware tools, and then re-enable System Restore to create a new checkpoint once the system is clean. Alternatives to System RestoreSystem Restore is one of several native Windows tools that can troubleshoot and correct system problems. Automatic Repair corrects operating system startup problems. Automatic Repair diagnoses the Windows operating system and tries to fix startup issues automatically. System Image Recovery creates an exact copy, or image, of an entire drive, which can restore a machine to an earlier state, but replaces all existing programs, settings and files. The Reset this PC feature enables the user to choose between keeping current files or resetting the operating system. If the user selects the option to keep the files, the feature will only reset settings and applications. Readers like you help support MUO. When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Read More.System Restore is a key Windows recovery tool. If you're experiencing a problem with your Windows computer, System Restore can help you roll back system files, program files, and registry information to a previous state. If these files have been corrupted or damaged, System Restore will replace them with good ones, solving your problem. However, there are times when System Restore won't work or returns an error message. If System Restore isn't working in Windows 10, there are a few fixes available to you. 1. Try an Alternative System Restore PointFirst, try another System Restore point. Something may have corrupted the default restore point during the store process and, as such, won't boot. Using an alternative point works for a wide range of restore issues. Type rstrui in the Start menu search bar and select the Best match. As you can see in the image below, I only have one System Restore point, meaning I could run into some trouble if this one throws up any issues. However, if your System Restore window has more than one point to choose from, select one before the most recent. You may have to click Show more restore points (not shown above) to see all of your backups. After selecting a restore point, press Next and follow the on-screen instructions. Ideally, this will solve your problem. However, if you see an error message or if System Restore performs a restore operation that doesn't solve your problem, please continue reading the next section. 2. Run System Restore From Safe ModeYour first port of call should be safe mode. Safe mode is a lifesaver in many situations. Unlike the regular boot process, safe mode loads a limited range of drivers and files. Problems encountered while running System Restore are usually alleviated by trying again in safe mode. Booting Into Safe Mode in Windows 10First, we need to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10. There are three easy ways to do this:
Once you're in Safe Mode, go ahead and type rstrui into the Start menu search bar and select the Best match to open System Restore in Windows 10 Safe Mode. Booting Into Safe Mode in Windows 7The Windows 7 Safe Mode boot process is very similar to the latest version of the operating system. That is, with some slight differences.
After Booting Into Safe ModeIf System Restore works in Safe Mode, it is a clear indicator that something, likely a program or service, is impeding it during a regular boot. At times, antivirus settings can cause System Restore to misbehave (for instance, Norton's Product Tamper Protection is a well-known culprit). Alternatively, a virus or malware infection could be creating an issue. In this case, you’ll need to scan your system using an up-to-date antivirus program. 3. Configure System Restore Disk Space UsageIf you still cannot get System Restore to run properly, try adjusting the hard disk space allocation. It might have run out without informing you (a classic Windows move). I would recommend allocating at least 4GB. Some will say that is overkill. However, I would contend that each major Windows 10 update weighs in at around 4GB (major updates are the now half-yearly huge packages rather than the regular cumulative updates). On the other hand, you might not want System Restore to take up too much space, especially if you're already limited. Still, adjusting the recovery tool's disk space is another way you can attempt to fix System Restore when it stops working. Configuring Disk Space in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10Let's check what is going on with your System Restore allocation.
Configuring Disk Space in Windows 7Windows 7 takes us on a slightly longer route. Open your Start Menu, right-click Computer, and select Properties. Select System Properties from the left-hand column. Under Protection Settings, select Configure. Check your current restore point storage allocation. Windows 7 doesn't need as much disk space as Windows 8, 8.1, or 10. But if you have the space to spare, consider increasing from the default 3 percent to over 5 percent. 4. Ensure System Restore Points Are Being CreatedThis won't entirely help solve your current issue, but it will absolutely help you next time. Are System Restore Points turned on? Are they regularly and automatically created? Windows 8, 8.1, and 10Type rstrui in the Start menu search bar and select the corresponding entry. Press Next when prompted, and you'll see a list of your current System Restore points. Nothing there? You'll need to head back to the System Protection options we used earlier.
Windows 7The Windows 7 version is minutely different.
5. Reinstall, Reset, or Repair Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10This is where the options between Windows 7 and modern Windows versions diverge. Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 users can either Refresh or Reset their installation files. This process usually clears any lingering issues relating to system files. Furthermore, with additional options as to what files are refreshed or reset, you do not lose any important data. (But back up any important files first!) Windows 8, 8.1, and 10Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 users can choose to either Refresh or Reset their operating system.
Windows 8 Refresh featured evolved into Windows 10 Reset with Keep My Files. They perform the same restoration process.
Note that this process resets your Settings and will remove your Windows apps. (Here's exactly what will happen when you hit the Reset button!) Click Reset when prompted, and the actual process can take a few minutes to complete. Windows 7Windows 7 users are limited to reinstalling or repairing.
If the Advanced Boot Menu repair option fails (or isn't there), revert to your Windows 7 installation media or a system repair disc.
When you arrive at the Welcome to Startup screen, select Repair Install, and follow the on-screen instructions. How to Delete Old System Restore PointsYou can delete old System Restore points. Ultimately, System Restore updates your System Restore points as it goes, replacing the oldest one each time. (This is why some people allocate lots of space to System Restore.) That said, if you do want to delete your System Restore points, I'll show you how to do it without wrecking everything. Delete Old System Restore Points in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 users should:
How to Delete Old System Restore Points in Windows 7Windows 7 users should:
Related: The Ultimate Windows 10 Data Backup Guide How to Fix System Restore and Recover Your SystemIt can be an excruciating moment when System Restore fails. Don't panic. One of the methods listed above will coax System Restore back into life, and with it, the rest of your ailing system. Remember: Which Windows system recovery option attempts to automatically fix problems?If Windows won't boot, you can use the Startup Repair option to automatically fix problems.
What are the different options in Windows recovery?You can refresh, reset, or restore your PC from the Windows Recovery Environment. If you want to back up and restore your personal files using File History, see Backup and Restore in Windows.
What does system recovery options mean?The System Recovery Options menu contains several tools, such as Startup Repair, that can help you recover Windows from a serious error. This set of tools is on your computer's hard disk and on the Windows installation disc. Note: You can also create a system repair disc that contains the System Recovery Options menu.
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