How to Do a System Restore on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 25, 2025

Ever wish you could turn back time on your PC after a bad update or software crash?
That’s exactly what System Restore in Windows 11 does.

System Restore lets you revert your system settings, registry, and drivers to a point when your computer was working properly — without affecting your personal files.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to do a System Restore on Windows 11 step by step, including:

  • Creating and using restore points

  • Restoring from Safe Mode

  • Fixing problems if System Restore fails

Let’s get started and bring your PC back to life!

Table of Contents

🧩 What Is System Restore in Windows 11?

System Restore is a built-in Windows recovery feature that automatically or manually saves restore points — snapshots of system files, settings, and installed programs.

When something goes wrong (like a bad driver, software conflict, or failed update), you can roll back to a working state.

🧠 Think of it like:

A time machine for your Windows settings — it doesn’t delete your photos or documents, just undoes recent system-level changes.

⚙️ How System Restore Works

System Restore focuses on:

  • Registry settings

  • System files and configurations

  • Installed programs and drivers

It does not affect:

  • Documents

  • Pictures

  • Videos

  • Personal data files

🧠 Pro Tip: System Restore is different from a factory reset. Resetting reinstalls Windows completely; restoring just reverts configurations.

🧭 Step 1: Check If System Restore Is Enabled

By default, System Restore is disabled on many new Windows 11 PCs. You need to turn it on before creating or restoring points.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Create a restore point, and hit Enter.

  2. In the System Properties window, under Protection Settings, select your system drive (C:).

  3. Click Configure.

  4. Choose Turn on system protection.

  5. Adjust the Max Usage slider (5–10% is ideal).

  6. Click Apply → OK.

Now your PC will automatically create restore points during major system events.

🧭 Step 2: Create a Manual Restore Point

It’s a smart idea to manually create a restore point before making big changes, like updating drivers or installing software.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Create a restore point, and open it.

  2. Under the System Protection tab, click Create.

  3. Type a name like “Before installing new driver.”

  4. Click Create → wait until it says Restore point created successfully.

💡 Tip: It only takes a few seconds and can save hours of troubleshooting later.

🧭 Step 3: Perform System Restore from Windows 11 Settings

If your PC is still booting normally, you can run System Restore directly from Windows.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open Settings → System → About.

  2. Scroll down → click System Protection (opens System Properties).

  3. Under the System Protection tab, click System Restore.

  4. Click Next.

  5. Select a restore point (check the date and description).

  6. Click Scan for affected programs (optional but helpful).

  7. Click Next → Finish → Yes to confirm.

Your PC will restart and begin restoring system files to the chosen restore point.

⚙️ Note: The process might take 10–20 minutes depending on system speed.

🧭 Step 4: Do a System Restore from Advanced Startup (When Windows Won’t Boot)

If your PC won’t start normally, you can still access System Restore via Advanced Startup Options.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Turn off your PC.

  2. Turn it on and hold the power button as soon as the logo appears to force shutdown.

  3. Repeat this 2–3 times — Windows will launch Automatic Repair.

  4. Select:

    Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore

  5. Choose your user account and enter your password.

  6. Select a restore point → click Next → Finish.

Windows will restore and reboot automatically.

💡 Pro Tip: You can also boot to recovery by holding Shift and clicking Restart from the Start menu.

🧭 Step 5: Use System Restore in Safe Mode

If System Restore fails in normal mode, try Safe Mode — it loads only essential Windows services.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I → go to System → Recovery.

  2. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

  3. Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.

  4. Press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.

  5. Once in Safe Mode, press Windows + R, type rstrui, and hit Enter.

  6. Follow the on-screen steps to select and restore a point.

Safe Mode ensures minimal interference from third-party apps or drivers.

🧭 Step 6: Run System Restore Using Command Prompt

If both Safe Mode and Settings fail, use Command Prompt for a direct restore.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open Advanced Startup Options.

  2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.

  3. Type the following command and press Enter:

    rstrui.exe

  4. The System Restore window will open. Follow the wizard to choose and apply a restore point.

⚙️ This method is powerful and often works when others fail.

🧭 Step 7: Check Restore Completion Status

After your PC reboots, you’ll see a message confirming if the restore was successful.

  • ✅ Success Message: “System Restore completed successfully.”

  • ⚠️ Failure Message: “System Restore did not complete successfully.”

If you get the latter, proceed to the troubleshooting section below.

🔧 Step 8: Troubleshooting Common System Restore Issues

Problem Cause Fix
System Restore fails Antivirus interference Disable antivirus temporarily
No restore points found Protection disabled Enable system protection (Step 1)
Restore stuck or frozen Corrupt files Run System File Checker (sfc /scannow)
Restore incomplete Insufficient disk space Free up drive space
Restore greyed out System protection off Turn it on for the system drive

🧰 Quick Commands:

  • Run SFC:

    sfc /scannow

  • Run DISM (repair system image):

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

🧭 Step 9: Restore from a Different Restore Point

If the most recent restore point doesn’t fix the issue, try an earlier one.

  1. Reopen System Restore.

  2. Select Choose a different restore point.

  3. Check the box for Show more restore points.

  4. Pick an older one → Next → Finish.

🧭 Step 10: Create Automatic Restore Points Before Major Changes

Windows often creates restore points automatically before:

  • Installing updates

  • Adding new drivers

  • Making registry changes

But you can force it to create one before big changes.

🧠 Use a PowerShell command:

Checkpoint-Computer -Description "Before installing GPU driver" -RestorePointType "MODIFY_SETTINGS"

🧭 Step 11: Use File History or Backup for Added Safety

System Restore doesn’t back up files, so pair it with File History or Backup and Restore for full protection.

🪜 To set up File History:

  1. Go to Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Backup options.

  2. Click Add a drive.

  3. Select your external drive or network location.

  4. Turn on Automatically back up my files.

🧭 Step 12: Difference Between System Restore, Reset, and Recovery Drive

Feature What It Does Data Affected Best For
System Restore Reverts system settings Keeps files Fixing software or driver issues
Reset This PC Reinstalls Windows Option to keep or remove files Major OS corruption
Recovery Drive Boots or repairs Windows Optional backup When Windows won’t start at all

💡 Use System Restore first, as it’s non-destructive.

🧩 Step 13: Use System Restore Points in Dual Boot Systems

If you dual boot Windows 10 and Windows 11:

  • Each OS maintains separate restore points.

  • Don’t restore across versions — it may break the installation.

Instead, boot into the correct version before restoring.

🧩 Step 14: Best Practices for Using System Restore

✅ Keep System Protection ON for your C: drive.
✅ Create manual restore points monthly or before big updates.
✅ Label restore points clearly (e.g., “Before BIOS update”).
✅ Run restore in Safe Mode for best success rate.
✅ Combine with OneDrive or File History for full recovery coverage.

🧩 Step 15: Advanced — Automate Restore Point Creation

You can automate restore points using Task Scheduler.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type Task Scheduler, and open it.

  2. Click Create Task → Name it Auto Restore Point.

  3. Under Triggers, choose Daily or Weekly.

  4. Under Actions, choose Start a program.

  5. In the Program/script field, enter:

    powershell.exe

  6. In Add arguments, paste:

    -ExecutionPolicy Bypass Checkpoint-Computer -Description "Automatic Restore Point" -RestorePointType "MODIFY_SETTINGS"

  7. Click OK.

Now your PC automatically creates restore points on schedule.

🧱 Step 16: Restore from a Recovery Drive or Installation Media (Last Resort)

If Windows 11 won’t boot and System Restore isn’t available:

  1. Insert your Windows 11 installation USB or Recovery Drive.

  2. Boot from it and click Repair your computer.

  3. Navigate to:

    Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → System Restore

  4. Follow the wizard to pick a restore point.

This method works even if your main OS is inaccessible.

🧮 Summary Table: System Restore Methods

Method Difficulty Works When Tool Required
Windows Settings ⭐ Easy PC boots normally Built-in
Safe Mode ⭐⭐ Medium PC boots partially Built-in
Advanced Startup ⭐⭐ Medium PC won’t start Built-in
Command Prompt ⭐⭐ Medium GUI inaccessible Built-in
Recovery Drive ⭐⭐⭐ Advanced OS corrupted USB recovery
PowerShell ⭐⭐ Medium Automation Script

🎯 Key Takeaways

  • System Restore reverts system changes — not personal files.

  • Always enable protection and create manual restore points.

  • If Windows doesn’t boot, use Safe Mode or Advanced Startup.

  • Pair with File History for complete data safety.

  • Regular restore points can save hours of troubleshooting.

🧠 Conclusion

Knowing how to do a System Restore on Windows 11 can save your system from crashes, slowdowns, or faulty updates — without wiping your data.

Whether you use Settings, Safe Mode, or Command Prompt, the process is simple and powerful.

Think of System Restore as your first line of defense before resorting to drastic steps like reinstalling Windows.

💬 Next time your PC misbehaves, don’t panic — just roll it back to a happier time.

❓ FAQs: How to Do a System Restore on Windows 11

1. Does System Restore delete my files?

No. It only affects system settings, drivers, and installed apps — your personal files remain safe.

2. How long does System Restore take in Windows 11?

Usually 10–30 minutes, depending on system speed and restore point size.

3. Can I use System Restore if Windows doesn’t start?

Yes! Access it via Advanced Startup → Troubleshoot → System Restore.

4. Why can’t I find any restore points?

System protection might be disabled. Turn it on from Control Panel → System → System Protection.

5. What’s the difference between System Restore and Reset This PC?

System Restore rolls back settings and drivers; Reset reinstalls Windows entirely.

6. How often does Windows create restore points automatically?

Windows usually creates them before updates or app installations, but you can make manual ones anytime.

7. Is System Restore available on all Windows 11 editions?

Yes — including Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions.

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