Restore points have been a part of Windows for a while now but not many people actually use them. Restore points are snapshots of your system that can be used to restore it to that point in time should anything happen. If you like experimenting with your computer, change apps and programs a lot or like tinkering under the hood, you should learn how to create a restore point in Windows 10.
It isn’t a get out of jail free card but it is a useful tool should you do anything terminal to Windows. When correctly configured, Windows will automatically track any new apps or changes to the system and keep a recent restore point. It will remain ready to use should the worst happen. It is a very useful aspect of Windows.
Difficulty level: Medium
To get the best out of restore points, you need to enable it in Windows 10. Then you need to create a restore point and know how to use a one to return your computer to its original configuration.
Enable System Restore and create a restore point
If System Restore is enabled on your PC, proceed to create a restore point.
- Right-click the Windows Start button and select Control Panel.
- Click ‘View by’ in the top right and select ‘Small icons’.
- Select ‘System’ and then ‘System protection’ on the left.
- Check your C: drive has Protection turned on in the next window that appears.
- Click ‘Create’ beneath it to create a restore point.
You now have a current Windows 10 restore point.
If Protection says Off for your C: drive, you want to turn it on
- Highlight your C: drive in the middle of the System Properties window.
- Click the Configure button just underneath.
- Toggle on ‘Turn on system protection’ and click Apply.
To utilize a Windows 10 restore point
Once you have a usable system restore point, you will want to be able to use it when you need to. The easiest way is from the Advanced Start Menu.
- Boot your computer from your Windows 10 installation media.
- Select ‘Repair my computer’ instead of Install.
- Next, select Troubleshoot, Advanced options and System Restore.
- Lastly, select the latest restore point, click Next and Finish. Windows will load the latest version and reboot into a fully working desktop.