A restore point is a snapshot of Windows system files, drivers and registry settings. If a driver update, a new app or a bad Windows update breaks the PC, you can roll the system back to that snapshot in a few minutes, and your documents and photos stay where they are. It is one of the cheapest safety nets in Windows, yet on many PCs it is switched off by default.
Quick answer
Search for Create a restore point, select your C: drive, click Configure and choose Turn on system protection. Then click Create before any risky change. To roll back, run rstrui or, if Windows will not start, use Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore from the recovery menu.
What a restore point saves, and what it does not
| Saved and rolled back | Not saved |
|---|---|
| Windows system files | Your documents, photos, music and downloads |
| Registry settings | Files you deleted |
| Installed drivers | Anything after a hardware failure |
| Programs installed or removed after the point | Data encrypted by ransomware |
That is why a restore point is not a backup. Use it to undo bad changes, and keep real backups of your files in OneDrive, on an external drive, or both.
Step 1: Turn on System Protection
- Press Start, type Create a restore point and open it.
- On the System Protection tab, select the drive with Windows (usually C:) and click Configure.
- Choose Turn on system protection.
- Set Max Usage to around 5 to 10% of the drive. When the space is full, Windows deletes the oldest points.
- Click OK.
Step 2: Create a restore point
In the same window, click Create, type a name such as "Before graphics driver update", and click Create again. It takes under a minute.
From PowerShell (as administrator) it is one line, handy in scripts:
Checkpoint-Computer -Description "Before driver update" -RestorePointType MODIFY_SETTINGSWindows only allows one restore point every 24 hours from this command by default. If it silently does nothing, that is why. You can change the limit with the SystemRestorePointCreationFrequency registry value (in minutes) under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SystemRestore. I cover more scripting like this in automating Windows admin tasks with PowerShell.
When to create one
- Before installing or updating drivers, especially graphics, network and chipset drivers.
- Before installing software that adds services or system tools.
- Before registry edits or tweaks from guides on the internet.
- Before a big feature update, if you want a manual point in addition to the one Windows usually makes.
How to restore Windows to an earlier point
If Windows still starts:
- Press Win + R, type
rstruiand press Enter. - Choose a restore point. Click Scan for affected programs to see which apps will be removed or restored.
- Click Next, then Finish. The PC restarts and rolls back.
If Windows does not start: after two failed boots, Windows opens the recovery menu by itself. Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore and pick the point. This is often the fastest fix for a blue screen after a driver update; see what each BSOD code means.
A System Restore can be undone. If the result is worse, run rstrui again and choose Undo System Restore.
Why automatic restore points are not enough
Windows creates some restore points by itself, mainly before Windows updates and some driver installs. It does not do this for everything, and old points are deleted when the space limit is reached. A manual point right before a risky change is the one you will actually want.
Lost a document rather than a working system? See how to recover unsaved Office files.
Frequently asked questions
Does System Restore delete my files?
No. It changes system files, drivers, registry settings and installed programs, but leaves your documents, photos and other personal files alone. It also cannot bring back files you deleted.
How do I create a restore point in Windows 11?
Search for Create a restore point, make sure protection is on for the C: drive, then click Create, give it a name and confirm. In PowerShell as administrator, run Checkpoint-Computer.
Why is the Create button greyed out?
System Protection is turned off for that drive. Select the drive, click Configure and choose Turn on system protection.
How do I use System Restore if Windows will not boot?
Let Windows fail to start twice so it opens the recovery menu, then go to Troubleshoot, Advanced options, System Restore and choose a restore point.
Is a restore point the same as a backup?
No. A restore point only covers system settings and files. It does not protect your personal files from deletion, disk failure or ransomware, so keep a separate backup.