System Restore is a valuable tool in Windows 11 that allows you to revert your computer to a previous state when it was working properly. This feature can be a lifesaver when you encounter system issues after installing new software or making configuration changes. Let’s explore how to use System Restore effectively in Windows 11.
Enabling System Restore
Before you can use System Restore, you need to ensure it’s enabled on your system:
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type “Create a restore point”.
Step 2: Click on “Create a restore point” in the search results to open System Properties.
Step 3: In the System Protection tab, select your system drive (usually C:) and click “Configure”.
Step 4: Select “Turn on system protection” and adjust the disk space usage with the slider.
Step 5: Click “OK” to save the settings.
With System Restore enabled, Windows will automatically create restore points before significant system changes.
Creating a Manual Restore Point
While Windows creates restore points automatically, you can also create them manually:
Step 1: Open System Properties as described earlier.
Step 2: Click the “Create” button in the System Protection tab.
Step 3: Enter a description for your restore point and click “Create”.
Step 4: Wait for the process to complete and click “Close”.
Creating manual restore points before making major system changes is a good practice to ensure you have a recent, stable point to return to if needed.
Performing a System Restore
If you encounter issues and need to use System Restore:
Step 1: Open the Start menu and type “Create a restore point”.
Step 2: Click “Create a restore point” in the search results.
Step 3: In the System Protection tab, click “System Restore”.
Step 4: Click “Next” in the System Restore wizard.
Step 5: Select a restore point from the list. You can click “Scan for affected programs” to see what changes will occur.
Step 6: Click “Next” and then “Finish” to start the restore process.
Step 7: Confirm your choice when prompted. Your computer will restart to complete the restoration.
Using System Restore in Safe Mode
If Windows won’t start normally, you can perform a System Restore from Safe Mode:
Step 1: Restart your PC and press F8 repeatedly before Windows starts loading.
Step 2: Select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” from the Advanced Boot Options menu.
Step 3: At the command prompt, type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
Step 4: Follow the System Restore wizard as described in the previous section.
Accessing System Restore from Advanced Startup
For cases where Windows 11 won’t boot at all:
Step 1: Force a shutdown by holding the power button for 10 seconds.
Step 2: Turn on the PC and immediately hold the power button to force another shutdown.
Step 3: Repeat step 2 once more. On the third startup, Windows should enter the Advanced Startup environment.
Step 4: Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “System Restore”.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the System Restore process.
Managing Restore Points
To manage your restore points:
Step 1: Open System Properties and go to the System Protection tab.
Step 2: Click “Configure” and adjust the disk space usage if needed.
Step 3: To delete all restore points, click “Delete” under the disk space usage section.
Step 4: To view or delete individual restore points, use the vssadmin command in an elevated Command Prompt:
vssadmin list shadows
vssadmin delete shadows /for=C: /oldest
Replace C: with the appropriate drive letter if necessary.
Troubleshooting System Restore
If you encounter issues with System Restore:
- Ensure you have sufficient disk space allocated for restore points.
- Run System File Checker by typing
sfc /scannowin an elevated Command Prompt. - Use the DISM tool to repair Windows image:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- If System Restore fails, try performing it in Safe Mode or from the Advanced Startup environment.
System Restore is a powerful feature that can save you from many Windows-related headaches. By understanding how to use it effectively, you’ll be better prepared to handle system issues and keep your Windows 11 PC running smoothly. Remember to create restore points regularly, especially before making significant changes to your system.