logo
Windows 11 Windows 11 System Restore with Restore Points

How to Perform Windows 11 System Restore with Restore Points?

By Lydia | Last Updated

Windows 11 provides a System Restore feature that allows windows 11 revert to earlier date when issues occur. This feature is highly practical but isn't enabled by default. However, you need to create restore points to enable system restore on Windows 11.

How to Perform Windows 11 System Restore with Restore Points

Part 1: Applicable Scenarios for System Restore

1. System instability or problems: When Windows 11 encounters various vulnerabilities or bugs, System Restore can revert the system to a previously stable state.

2. Installation of problematic software or drivers: Using System Restore can return the system to its state before the installation.

3. Malware infection: In case of malware or virus infection on your computer, after cleaning the malicious software, System Restore can ensure system integrity and stability.

4. System updates issues: After installing Windows updates, if there's a decrease in system performance or compatibility issues, System Restore can rollback the system to its state before the update.

5. Configuration errors or mistakes: When system configuration changes or operational mistakes lead to abnormal system operation, or if important files are accidentally deleted and need recovery, System Restore can undo these changes.

The Windows 11 System Restore feature works by restore points, helping users repair system issues without affecting personal files.

Part 2: How to Create Restore Point in Windows 11

Way 1: Enable Automatic System Updates Restore Points

Once set, every system update will automatically create a new restore point.

Step 1: Press <Windows + i> to open the Windows 11 Settings menu, then navigate to System -> About. Then click on "System protection"

System Protection

Step 2: In the System Properties window, then click the "Configure" button.

System Properties Interface

Step 3: In the pop-up window, check "Turn on system protection" and set the Max Usage. Click the "Apply" button to save the changes.

Enable Automatic Restore Point

Way 2: Enable User Manual Update Restore Points

Step 1: Type "Create a restore point" in the search box, and press Enter.

Create a Restore Point Feature

Step 2: In System Properties interface, click on "Create" button.

Create Manual Restore Point

Step 3: In the pop-up window, type your own description for this restore point, and click "Create" to start.

Create a Restore Point

Step 4: The process may take some time. Just wait, until it says "The restore point was created successfully."

Create Restore Point Successfully

Part 3: How to Use System Restore Point for System Restore

When selecting a restore point, it's advisable to choose the closest one to the time when the issue occurred and known to be stable.

Method 1: When Windows 11 Boots Normally

Step 1: Press <Win + i> to open the system settings, then navigate to System > About > System protection. Click on the "System Restore" option.

System Restore Option

Step 2: Click "Next".

Restore System Files and Settings

Step 3: Click "Scan for affected programs". Then choose the most appropriate restore point and click "Next".

Choose one Restore Point

Step 4: Select the disk you want to restore, then click "Finish".

Select the Drive to Restore

Step 5: In the confirmation dialog that appears, review the restore point details, then select "Yes".

System Restore Details

Step 6: The computer will restart to begin the System Restore process.

System Restore Process

Note: Before starting System Restore, ensure that protection status for the system drive under Protection settings is "on".

Method 2: When Windows 11 Fails to Boot

If you are unable to log into the system, you need to use WinRE to perform a system restore on Windows 11.

Step 1: Turn on/off the computer the computer three times consecutively using the power button to trigger Windows to automatically enter recovery mode.

Step 2: Navigate to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced" > "System Restore".

System Restore in WinRE

Step 3: Following steps are as the same as described in the previous method.

By following these steps, you can perform a System Restore using restore points in Windows 11 to revert your system to a previous stable state.

Tips: When finishing the Windows 11 system restore, it also provides "undo the system restore" option to resume your system to its previous state.

Undo System Restore

Part 4: How to Delete All System Restore Points

Step 1: Press <Win + i> to open the system settings, then navigate to System > About > System protection.

Step 2: In the "System properties" window, click on "Configure".

Step 3: Click the "Delete" button. In the confirmation dialog that appears, click "Continue".

Delete Restore Points

Note: Deleting all system restore points will remove all previously saved restore points from your system.