As we know, most Windows problems are caused by various aspects of the Windows operating system. System Restore is one of those useful utilities for Windows users and can be of great help when used in the early stages of troubleshooting. System Restore is a Windows feature that allows users to fix major computer problems.
According to the latest developments, we have explained how to use System Restore in Windows 10. Apart from minor differences, this method works for other versions of Windows. For Windows 7, 8, and 10, follow these instructions to take full advantage of System Restore.
What is System Restore?
Every user takes care of their share of systemic problems in their daily life. If something unexpected happens to your computer because of incompatible software or applications you installed, troubleshooting might be difficult. System restore is a Windows function that allows users to restore their computer to the latest operating state.
Returning the computer to its original state is usually accomplished by creating a “restore point”. Restore points can be created manually or automatically by the user. A restore point stores your Windows system files, specific program files, registry settings, and some hardware drivers. This restore point can be explicitly created by the user if deemed necessary. However, for the convenience of the user, the system automatically creates restore points once a week.
Windows even creates restore points before important system processes, such as: B. installing device drivers or updating Windows. In the future, if one of the problems occurs because of this recently installed application or driver, you can run System Restore to undo the changes by referring to the point that was recently restored. Recently installed drivers and various programs will be removed, except documents, photos, and music.
In addition, System Restore will restore your system settings, files and drivers and restore your system to a previous state. This is why it is widely recommended as the best recovery method to use System Restore as a temporary solution to system problems. For example, if you download a media driver for your system but it’s causing some problems by shutting down some computer processes.
You may have removed the current driver to resolve the problem. However, in some cases, this may not be deleted properly or may result in system files becoming corrupted during deletion. Using system restore mode instead of installing and selecting a restore point created before the driver was installed can revert your system files to their previous state.
How Does Using System Restore Affect My Personal Files?
System restore is not the same as backing up your personal data. System Restore works specifically on the main Windows system, not on your hard drive. As mentioned earlier, System Restore doesn’t keep a copy of your personal files on the system.
Rest assured that System Restore will not delete or replace your personal files while it is recovered. The task of System Restore is to restore your system to a previous state. Without your personal documents, photos, and music, your System Restore will remove any other applications or drivers that you recently installed.
So if you expect System Restore to serve as a backup. Here we inform you that the backup is not activated when using the system restore feature. However, it is recommended that you maintain and follow good backup procedures to keep your personal files safe.
How Does Using System Restore Affect My Apps?
Usually, when we restore our computer to a previous restore point, it will delete any applications or drivers that we installed after the restore point was created. Applications that were installed before the restore point was created will remain silent. Also, any apps that you uninstalled after creating a restore point will be restored, but with comments.
Note that while System Restore will only recover certain types of files, the program it is recovering will often not function properly or effectively until you restart the installer. Although Windows allows its users to see the number of programs and their details, it will be affected during the restoration process. It is recommended that you restore your system to the latest restore point to minimize problems.
If you are concerned that a certain application will be uninstalled along with the application you wish to uninstall, we recommend creating a manual restore point before making the latest updates or changing your settings, so that it is your responsibility to reverse your system. A new point of recovery whenever you feel it is needed.
Can System Restore Remove Viruses or Other Malware?
System restore is not a suitable feature to remove virus/malware on your system. This is because malware is usually at the root of most places on the system.
So, you can’t completely rely on System Restore to remove all areas of malware. Instead, it is in your best interest to recommend that you install a good quality antivirus which will scan your system frequently and keep you informed about the safety of your system against malware and viruses.
How to Enable System Restore
On most systems, System Restore protection is enabled by default for your primary device (C 🙂 and not for other devices. While for some, System Restore is not enabled by default on any system devices. There is no particular reason for that.
Whether Windows was recently installed or recently updated, the amount of space left on your system or the type of device available on your system does not depend on why this is happening. If you want to use system restore rights provided by Windows, enable system restore protection for one of the devices.
Follow the instructions below to enable System Restore and enable it for your specific device of choice.
Step 1: Click the Start menu at the bottom left corner of the screen or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
Step 2: Now, type “restore” in the search bar and select “Create restore point” from the options listed and click on it. There’s no need to panic as this step alone won’t create a restore point.
Step 3: A dialog box named System Properties will appear. Select the “System Security” tab on the horizontal menu bar. In “Security Settings” you will find the devices available on your system and whether protection is enabled for each device. If security is disabled for all devices, select the device of your choice from the list and click the configuration button under security settings.
Step 4: Then in the System Protection dialog box under Restore Settings you will see two radio buttons. Select the Enable System Protection option and adjust the Maximum Usage slider according to the amount of space on this hard drive that you want to use for system recovery. Finally, click OK.
Step 5: Exit System Properties by clicking OK in this dialog box. Users should note that when you create restore points (or if you create them manually), System Restore will automatically create restore points for all the devices you have system protection enabled on.
How to Create Restore Point
After you enable System Restore, you need to know the restore point. how and when they were created. As described above, System Restore creates restore points for a period of up to one week.
Even when major process events such as application or driver installations occur. Users can also easily create their own restore points. To do this, follow the steps mentioned here one by one.
Step 1: Click the Start Menu by clicking the Windows icon in the lower-left corner of the Windows screen or clicking the Windows button on the keyboard. Enter “create a restore point” in the search bar and select from the options listed.
Step 2: As previously mentioned, the System Properties dialog box is available to you. Click the System Security tab on the menu, then click the Build button below.
Step 3: Then enter the description you want to provide for your restore point. Make sure you save it and click Create again.
Step 4: This process should take no more than a minute to complete and create a restore point. After the system creates your restore point, you will be notified about system restore. Click Close to exit smoothly.
How to Restore Your System to an Earlier Restore Point
Congratulations, you’ve successfully activated System Restore and carefully created your own restore points. Of course, most users have had issues with system apps / drivers. In this case, the restore point you created is very helpful.
Now remember that performing a system restore will return you to the day you created the restore point you chose. We will now help you restore your system to an earlier point in time.
Step 1: Again, the restore process starts in the same section of system security where you configured system restore options. Select the “Start” menu and type “recovery” in the search bar. Now click on the “Create a restore point” option.
Step 2: In the System Properties dialog box, select the System Protection tab from the menu and click the System Restore button.
Step 3: The welcome page in the System Restore window will contain a brief description of the current process. Click the Next button to continue.
Step 4: The next page will display a list of restore points available on your system. However, by default, it only displays a few restore points that are automatically generated each week or that you create manually. If you want to see all automatic restore points created before the new installation, select the checkbox with the text “Show additional restore points”.
Step 5: Now select your preferred restore point. However, it is recommended that you choose the latest restore point. Now click the Scan Affected Programs button to have System Restore automatically detect any programs that were uninstalled during the process.
Step 6: System Restore will finally display two sets of lists along with descriptions and dates. The first list shows the programs and drivers that will most likely be removed when you select a Windows restore point. The second list shows the programs and drivers that have proven to be returned after the process. Also, any applications or drivers that are restored to this point cannot be guaranteed to work effectively until a reinstallation is performed.
Step 7: If you have selected a restore point that you want to continue, select it and click on the Next button.
Note: You don’t need to click the scan button for the affected program. You can skip this particular function and continue independently with Next. However, it’s a good idea to count the affected apps or drivers before you speed up the process.
Step 8: At this stage, you need to make sure that you have selected the correct restore point. When prompted for confirmation, click Finish.
System Restore warns you that System Restore cannot be stopped once it is started. Click “Yes” to start. Now all you have to do is sit back and watch your piece of work get done. Windows will restart your computer and begin the recovery process. The time is estimated to be around 15 to 20 minutes as System Restore will take some time to recover certain files and applications.
After the computer starts, work on the restore point of your choice. The final step is to check if the problem you are facing has really been resolved. Windows, being a reliable operating system, even creates restore points before the recovery process continues. If you’re sorry, you can undo the action by following the same instructions and selecting the latest restore point.
How to Fix System Problems by Different Ways
If System Restore can’t solve your problem, don’t worry. There are many ways to solve your problem. If you think your system files are corrupt or if you want to double-check them for security reasons. You can try to use System File Checker to scan and repair corrupted system files.
Since most of us download different drivers for our needs, if you have an update or hardware driver installed and then you run into problems, try uninstalling that driver or update, and even block it from reinstalling automatically.
If your Windows doesn’t start properly, causing problems performing any of the above functions, you can start in Safe Mode. So go to “Advanced Startup Options”. It will be displayed automatically if Windows 10 cannot start normally and you can use the options there.
There are many reasons why System Restore sometimes fails to restore your computer to a specific restore point. Safe mode is useful here. You can start in Safe Mode and then try to restore the system again. However, as Straspey’s reader noted, after charging you return to a restore point in Safe Mode. Your system restore will not create new restore points. As a result, you are not offered any cancellation options for restoring.
Even if one of the other methods above failed, there are two things that can help you. Computer reset function You can restore Windows to the factory default state or perform a clean install of Windows while your personal information is being saved.
Conclusion
At the end of the article, you should find various solutions to your system problem. System restore is not a cure for all system problems. However, there are still many problems that can be fixed.
It’s just a shame System Restore has gotten worse over the last few years compared to advanced Windows recovery tools. Before contacting your technician or system manufacturer for your problem, we recommend that you restore your system.