A recent app, driver, update, or system change can sometimes make Windows unstable. When that happens, System Restore can help you go back to a point where the Windows 10 or 11 PC was working properly.
System Restore is a built-in Windows recovery feature that uses restore points to undo certain system changes. It does not delete your personal files, but it can remove apps, drivers, updates, or settings that were changed after the restore point was created.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to restore Windows from the desktop, how to access System Restore from recovery options, and what to check before using it.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use System Restore in Windows 10 and Windows 11, restore Windows from the desktop, access System Restore from recovery options, and check what to do before using it.
How to Restore Windows 10 or 11 from a Restore Point
If you want to “reset” your computer to an earlier date without doing a full factory reset, System Restore is usually the right tool to try first. Use this method if you can still sign in to Windows and access the desktop.
Follow these steps to use System Restore from the Windows desktop and roll your PC back to an earlier restore point.
- Step 1: Open System Properties
Open the Start menu from the taskbar, type Create a restore point in the search box, and select the top result to open the System Properties window.
- Step 2: Open the System Restore wizard
Make sure you are on the System Protection tab, then click System Restore. In the System Restore window, click Next.
- Step 3: Choose a restore point
Select the restore point you want to use. Pick a point created before the problem started.
- Step 4: Scan for affected programs
Click Scan for affected programs to see which apps, drivers, or updates may be removed during the restore. After reviewing the results, return to the System Restore window.
- Step 5: Confirm and start System Restore
Click Next, then click Finish to start the restore process.
Windows will restart and apply the selected restore point. After the process finishes, your PC should return to the earlier system state saved in that restore point.
Keep in mind that System Restore does not delete your personal files, but it may remove apps, drivers, updates, or settings changed after the restore point was created.
Tip: You can also open System Restore with a command. Press Windows + R, type rstrui.exe, and press Enter.
What if no restore points are available?
If the System Restore button is grayed out or Windows says there are no restore points available, System Protection may be turned off or Windows may not have any saved restore points for that drive.
Unfortunately, if no restore point exists, you cannot restore Windows to a date that was never saved. You will need to turn on System Protection and create restore points for the future.
For more help, read our full guide on how to create a system restore point in Windows.
How to Access System Restore from Recovery Settings
If Windows still opens, you can enter recovery mode from Settings instead of forcing shutdowns.
- On Windows 11: Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.
- On Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.
After the PC restarts, select: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore
What if Windows Won’t Boot?
If Windows will not start normally, you may still be able to use System Restore from the Windows Recovery Environment.
The general path is: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore
From there, choose your Windows account, select a restore point, and follow the on-screen steps. For a full walkthrough, read our guide on how to use System Restore when Windows won’t boot.
What Happens After Using System Restore?
After System Restore finishes, Windows should restart and show a message telling you whether the restore was successful.
If the restore worked, check whether the original problem is fixed. You may also need to reinstall apps, drivers, or updates that were removed during the process.
If System Restore does not fix the problem, you can try a different restore point, uninstall recent updates, run Startup Repair, or use other repair tools to check for corrupted Windows system files. If the issue is more serious, you may need to consider Reset this PC.
When Should You Use System Restore?
System Restore is most useful when Windows was working properly before a recent app, driver, update, or system setting change.
It may help when:
- Windows becomes unstable after installing software
- A driver or update causes problems
- The PC starts crashing, freezing, or behaving strangely
It is not the best option for hardware failure, malware, deleted files, or deeper Windows corruption. In those cases, you may need other repair tools.
Does System Restore Delete Your Files?
No. System Restore should not delete your personal files, such as documents, photos, videos, downloads, or music.
However, it may remove apps, drivers, updates, or settings installed or changed after the selected restore point was created. You can use Scan for affected programs before starting the restore to see what may be affected.
System Restore vs Reset this PC
Many users say they want to reset a computer to an earlier date, but that phrase can mean two different things in Windows:
- System Restore rolls Windows back to a previous restore point. It is usually faster and less drastic because it does not reinstall Windows or remove your personal files.
- Reset this PC is used to reinstall or reset Windows. It can keep or remove personal files depending on the option you choose, but it usually removes installed apps and resets many system settings.
If your PC started failing right after a recent change, try System Restore first. If Windows has deeper problems or you want a clean start, read our guide on how to factory reset Windows 10 or 11.
FAQ
A System Restore point is a saved snapshot of important Windows system settings and files. It lets you roll Windows back to a previous state if something goes wrong after a system change.
If you want to go back to an earlier working point without reinstalling Windows, use System Restore and choose a restore point created before the problem started. This is different from Reset this PC, which reinstalls or resets Windows and may remove apps or settings.
To use System Restore in Windows 10, open Create a restore point, click System Restore, choose a restore point, and follow the steps on the screen. In Windows 11, the process is very similar.
No. System Restore does not delete your personal files. However, it may remove apps, drivers, or updates installed after the selected restore point was created.
You may not see restore points if System Protection was turned off, if restore points were deleted, or if Windows has not created one yet.
In many cases, yes. If System Restore was completed from inside Windows, you may see an option to undo the restore by opening System Restore again.
However, this option is not always available, especially if the restore was completed from recovery mode or if other system changes happened afterward. Before undoing anything, check whether your PC is working better after the restore.
