How to System Restore Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve been using Windows 11 for a while, chances are you’ve run into a glitch or two. Maybe your PC suddenly started running slow, a new app caused issues, or a recent update messed up your system. Don’t panic—Windows has a built-in feature that can save the day: System Restore.

Think of it like a time machine for your computer. It doesn’t delete your personal files, but it rolls your system back to a point when everything was working smoothly. Sounds helpful, right? Let’s dive into a complete, step-by-step guide on how to use System Restore in Windows 11.

Table of Contents

What Is System Restore in Windows 11?

System Restore is a recovery tool that lets you revert your computer’s system settings to a previous state.

It restores system files, drivers, and settings.
It does not affect personal files like documents, photos, or videos.
It’s especially useful after installing faulty drivers, software, or updates.

In short, System Restore is your safety net when things go wrong.

Why You Might Need System Restore

So, when should you actually use System Restore? Here are a few situations:

After a bad update: If your PC started acting weird right after an update, restoring back to an earlier point can fix it.
Driver issues: Installed a new driver and now your screen is glitching? System Restore can undo that.
Corrupted system files: Sometimes, changes in settings or software can cause corruption. Restore helps fix it.
Random crashes or slowdowns: If your PC was fine yesterday but is struggling today, rolling back could solve the issue.

How System Restore Works in Windows 11

Here’s the simple version:

Windows automatically creates restore points when major changes (like updates or driver installations) happen.
You can also manually create restore points before making big changes.
If something goes wrong, you just pick a restore point, and Windows takes your system back to that snapshot.

Step 1: Check If System Restore Is Enabled

Surprise! System Restore isn’t always turned on by default in Windows 11. Before using it, you need to check.

Press Windows + S and type Create a restore point.
Click on the result under System Properties.
Look for your main drive (usually C:) under Protection Settings.
If it says On, you’re good. If it says Off, you’ll need to turn it on.

Step 2: Turn On System Restore (If Disabled)

If System Restore is disabled, here’s how to enable it:

Select your main drive (C:) and click Configure.
Choose Turn on system protection.
Adjust the disk space usage (5–10% is usually enough).
Click Apply, then OK.

Boom—System Restore is now active.

Step 3: Create a Manual Restore Point

Even if Windows makes automatic restore points, it’s smart to create one before making changes.

Go back to System Properties.
Under System Protection, click Create.
Enter a name like “Before installing driver XYZ”.
Click Create.

Now you’ve got a safety net you can always roll back to.

Step 4: Perform a System Restore in Windows 11

Okay, let’s say your PC is acting up. Here’s how to roll it back:

Press Windows + S and type Create a restore point.
In System Properties, click System Restore.
Choose Next.
Select a restore point from the list (look for dates before the issue started).
Click Next, then Finish.
Your PC will restart and begin the restore process.

This can take several minutes, so be patient.

Step 5: Use System Restore from Advanced Startup (If Windows Won’t Boot)

What if your computer won’t even start? No worries—you can still access System Restore.

Turn on your PC and immediately press Shift + F8 (or boot from a recovery drive).
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
Select your account and enter your password.
Pick a restore point and let Windows do its magic.

Common Issues and Fixes During System Restore

System Restore Failed Error

Sometimes, you may see an error like “System Restore did not complete successfully.”

Try running it in Safe Mode.
Disable your antivirus temporarily—it may interfere.
Pick an older restore point.

No Restore Points Available

If you don’t see any restore points:

It could be because protection was turned off.
From now on, enable and create manual restore points before big updates.

Tips for Using System Restore Effectively

Tip #1: Always Enable It After Installing Windows 11

Microsoft doesn’t always turn it on by default. Do it yourself right away.

Tip #2: Create Restore Points Before Updates

Windows updates are notorious for causing problems. A manual restore point is your insurance.

Tip #3: Use It Alongside Other Recovery Options

System Restore isn’t the only tool. You can also use Reset This PC or Recovery Drives if needed.

System Restore vs. Reset This PC: What’s the Difference?

You might be wondering: Why not just reset the PC?

System Restore: Rolls back system files/settings but keeps personal files.
Reset This PC: Reinstalls Windows and can remove apps and files (depending on the option you pick).

If it’s a small issue—go with System Restore. If your PC is completely broken, Reset may be the better choice.

Does System Restore Delete Your Files?

Nope! Your documents, pictures, and videos stay safe. However, apps or drivers installed after the restore point may be removed.

How Long Does System Restore Take?

Usually, anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. If your system is big or you have lots of data, it might take longer.

Pros and Cons of Using System Restore

Pros:

Quick and easy fix for common problems.
Doesn’t delete personal files.
Built into Windows—no extra software needed.

Cons:

Doesn’t always solve the problem.
Can’t help with severe hardware issues.
Restore points may disappear if disk space is low.

Final Thoughts

System Restore in Windows 11 is like your computer’s “undo” button. Whether you’re dealing with a buggy update, a faulty driver, or random crashes, it can roll things back to a time when your PC was working fine. The key is to make sure it’s enabled and create restore points regularly. That way, you’ll always have a backup plan when things go wrong.

FAQs

1. Will System Restore remove my installed apps?
Yes, any apps or drivers installed after the restore point will be removed. But your personal files remain untouched.

2. Can I undo a System Restore?
Absolutely! If you don’t like the result, you can run System Restore again and choose Undo Restore.

3. Is System Restore the same as a backup?
No. A backup saves your personal files, while System Restore only resets system settings and files.

4. How often should I create restore points?
Create one before installing new drivers, apps, or major updates. Otherwise, once a month is a safe bet.

5. What if System Restore doesn’t fix my problem?
If System Restore doesn’t help, you may need to try Reset This PC, run SFC/DISM scans, or even reinstall Windows 11.