How to Create a Restore Point in Windows 10?

Creating a restore point helps you make changes to your Windows operating system with a peace of mind. Simply put, when you create a restore point in Windows 10, you can send your PC back to the time when you created the restore point.

As the name suggests, this feature restores all the configurations and settings in your Windows machine. Restore point is helpful when you want to make certain changes to your PC but you’re not sure whether it’ll make or break the system.

So what exactly restore point is all about in Windows 10 and how you can use it? Let’s see.

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What is Restore Point and When to Use it?

There are many instances where you might need to use the restore point feature in Windows 10.

Suppose you want to install new software or you want to change Windows system files for some reasons. Now, the chances are high that when you install a bulky software, like antivirus, or make changes to the system files, this is going to screw things up if things are not properly done.

If something goes wrong and your Windows PC stops working normally, you can use the system restore point to roll back the changes that you’ve just made.

Your Windows 10 PC gives you an option of a System Restore that allows you to revert recent changes made to your PC, without losing important files.

In simple words, it is equivalent to an UNDO button for recent changes made like registry keys, drivers, system files, applications, and other installed programs. System Restore turns ON by default.

Good news is you can also create System Restore checkpoints manually, as and when you want. This guide will walk you through, explaining to you about ways to use this feature and protect your PC from being harmed.

How to Create a System Restore Point in Windows 10

The System Restore feature is enabled by default, however, if it’s disabled on your PC, then you’ll first need to enable this feature.

1. Enabling Restore Point in Windows 10

Here’s how to enable the Restore Point feature in Windows 10—

Open Start and type Create a restore point and hit Enter .

Go to System Protection , select the system drive under Protection Settings and click on the Configure button.

Select Turn on system protection option.

(This is an optional step) Under the Disk Space Usage section, you can use the slider, if you want to set the amount of space for System restore to use. It is 1% by default.
Click Apply and then OK .

This action will automatically allow your system to create a new restore point if an important system change occurs.

2. Creating a System Restore point

Windows 10, in fact, create a System Restore checkpoint automatically if there is an important change in the system. But, sometimes you would want to create it manually before modifying anything that might create a problem in the future.

Open Start and type Create a restore point and hit Enter .

Go to System Properties , select the system drive under Protection Settings and click on the Create button.

In the next pop up, enter the description to identify the restore point. The date and time are added automatically in the process.
Click Create .

Use the restore point to roll back system changes if something goes wrong in the process you were trying to proceed.

How to Use System Restore Point to Undo Changes?

So you have created a Restore Point and have made the changes. Now, if you notice that your PC is not working as smooth as eariler, you can undo the changes made and take your PC to the previous point. Here’s how to:

Open Start and type Create a restore point and hit Enter .
Go to System Properties , select the system drive under Protection Settings and click on System Restore button.

Click Next .
Under the pop up “Restore your computer to the state, it was in before the selected event” select the known working restore point.
Click the Scan for affected programs button to check the list of application that will be removed by using the restored checkpoint.
Click Close -> Next -> Finish .

This process will take back your device to the previous state by rolling back the actions that just occurred.

How to Use System Restore When Your PC Won’t Boot?

What if your PC won’t boot after making the changes? The previous tips were to be used when you were able to access the desktop. However, there might be a situation when you might need to use System Restore on Start Up because a possible system change is preventing the device from starting.

In such cases, use the Advanced Options feature on Windows 10 to access System Restore. Follow the step below to perform the process.

Try restarting your PC three times for windows to trigger Automatic Repaid on Windows 10.
Go to Advanced Startup -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> System Restore .

Under the pop up “Restore your computer to the state, it was in before the selected event” select the known working restore point.
Click the Scan for affected programs button to check the list of application that will be removed by using the restored checkpoint.
Click Close -> Next -> Finish.

Tip: If you are unable to reach the Automatic repair section, you can always use a bootable device and select Repair Your Computer button and follow the instructions above.

This feature is a solution in disguise. It is simple and everyone can use it. Please remember, this isn’t a replacement to reset or back up option.

You might not be able to use this feature if there is a hardware problem. Do not force it, or there is a possibility that you may use important files.

Let us know if this guide helped you in the comments below.

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