How to Use System Restore When Windows Won’t Boot

If Windows 10 or 11 will not boot, you may still be able to use System Restore from the Windows Recovery Environment. This can help roll your PC back to an earlier working point without doing a full reset.

This method is useful when a driver, update, app, or system change prevents Windows from starting normally. Instead of opening the tool from the desktop, you access it from Advanced Startup or Automatic Repair.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to boot into Windows Recovery, open System Restore, choose a restore point, and what to try if the option is not available.

Quick Answer

To use System Restore when Windows won’t boot, start the PC and enter the Windows Recovery Environment. Then go to:

Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore

Choose your Windows account, select a restore point created before the problem started, and follow the on-screen steps. If no restore points are available, Windows cannot roll back to an earlier point using this method.

When Should You Use System Restore from Windows Recovery?

Use this method when Windows cannot start normally and you want to undo a recent system change.

It may help when:

Windows fails to boot after a driver update
A recent Windows update causes startup problems
The PC gets stuck in Automatic Repair
Windows reaches a black screen or restart loop
A system setting or Registry change causes boot issues
Windows starts loading but never reaches the desktop

This is different from Startup Repair. System Restore rolls Windows back to a previous restore point, while Startup Repair tries to fix startup problems directly.

How to Boot into Windows Recovery

If Windows does not start, you can often trigger the Windows Recovery Environment by interrupting the normal startup process.

Use this method only when Windows cannot boot normally:

Start the PC and force shutdown. Press the power button to start the computer. When the Windows logo appears, press and hold the power button until the PC turns off.
Repeat until Automatic Repair appears. Repeat the startup and forced shutdown process two or three times. Windows should open Automatic Repair or the Advanced Startup recovery screen.
Open Advanced options. Select Advanced options to continue to the recovery tools.

Automatic Repair advanced startup screen in Windows — Automatic Repair can open Windows Recovery options when the PC cannot start normally.

Microsoft also explains that Windows Recovery Environment includes troubleshooting tools such as System Restore, Startup Repair, Command Prompt, and other recovery options. You can read more in Microsoft’s official guide to Windows Recovery Environment.

How to Use System Restore When Windows Won’t Boot

Once you are inside Windows Recovery, follow these steps to restore Windows from a restore point.

Step 1: Open Advanced options
On the recovery screen, select Troubleshoot, then choose Advanced options.
Step 2: Select System Restore
Click System Restore.
Step 3: Choose your Windows account
Select your Windows account and enter your password if prompted.
Step 4: Choose a restore point
Select a restore point created before the startup problem began.

If you see Show more restore points, select it to check for additional restore points. You can also click Scan for affected programs to see which apps, drivers, or updates may be removed during the restore.
Step 5: Confirm and start System Restore
Click Next, then click Finish to start the restore process.
Windows will apply the selected restore point and restart the PC. If the restore works, Windows should return to the earlier system state saved in that restore point.

Microsoft’s System Restore documentation also lists the Windows Recovery path as Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore. It notes that you may need your BitLocker recovery key if the device is encrypted. You can read Microsoft’s guide to System Restore.

What if No Restore Points Are Available?

System Restore can only use restore points that already exist. If Windows did not create a restore point before the problem started, you cannot roll the PC back to that earlier date using System Restore.

No restore points may appear if:

System Protection was turned off
Windows deleted older restore points
The PC was recently reset or reinstalled
Not enough disk space was reserved for restore points
You are checking the wrong Windows installation or drive

For more help with this issue, read our guide on what to do when System Restore is grayed out or no restore points are available.

How to Open System Restore from Command Prompt

You may also be able to open System Restore with a command from the recovery environment.

From Advanced options, open Command Prompt and run:

rstrui.exe

This command opens the System Restore wizard when the tool is available. From there, choose a restore point and follow the on-screen steps.

If the command does not open System Restore, return to Advanced options and try selecting System Restore directly.

What if System Restore Does Not Fix the Boot Problem?

If System Restore completes but Windows still will not boot, try these options next:

Run Startup Repair from Troubleshoot > Advanced options
Uninstall a recent update from recovery options
Use another restore point if one is available
Check for corrupted Windows system files
Consider Reset this PC if Windows has deeper problems

Startup Repair is another Windows Recovery tool designed to fix startup issues.

If you can reach recovery tools but Windows remains unstable, you may also need to repair corrupted Windows system files.

What to Do After Windows Starts Again

If Windows starts again after using System Restore, you can use the desktop method the next time you need to roll Windows back.

Open Create a restore point, click System Restore, choose a restore point, and follow the on-screen steps. For the full desktop process, read our guide on how to use System Restore in Windows 10 and 11.

It is also a good idea to create a new restore point manually before installing drivers, changing advanced settings, or making system changes. That gives you a recent point to return to if a future problem prevents Windows from starting correctly.

For the full process, read our guide on how to create a System Restore point in Windows.

FAQ

Can I use System Restore if Windows won’t boot?

Yes. If Windows will not boot, you may still be able to use System Restore from the Windows Recovery Environment. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore and choose an available restore point.

How do I boot into Windows Recovery?

If Windows cannot start, turn on the PC and force shutdown during startup two or three times. Windows should open Automatic Repair or Advanced Startup, where you can select Advanced options.

Does System Restore delete my files?

No. System Restore should not delete your personal files. However, it may remove apps, drivers, updates, or settings changed after the selected restore point was created.

What if there are no restore points available?

If no restore points are available, System Restore cannot roll Windows back to an earlier date. You may need to use Startup Repair, uninstall recent updates, repair system files, or use another recovery option.

Can I run System Restore from Command Prompt?

Yes, in some cases. From Advanced options, open Command Prompt, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter. If the command works, the System Restore wizard should open.