System Restore is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to restore your computer’s system files and settings to a previous point in time. This can be useful if you are experiencing issues with your computer, such as crashes or malware infections, that you suspect may have been caused by recent changes to the system.
In this blog post, we’ll go over what System Restore is, how to use it, and some tips for getting the most out of this feature.
What is System Restore?
System Restore is a tool built into Windows 10 that takes a “snapshot” of your computer’s system files and settings at a particular point in time. These snapshots are called “restore points,” and they allow you to roll back your system to a previous state if something goes wrong.
System Restore is not a replacement for backup, however. It only affects system files and settings, not your personal files or installed programs. If you need to back up your personal files, you should use a separate backup solution, such as cloud storage or an external hard drive.
How to Use System Restore in Windows 10
To use System Restore in Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Type “system restore” in the search bar on the taskbar and select “Create a restore point” from the results.
- In the System Properties window that opens, click the “System Restore” button.
- Follow the prompts to select a restore point from a list of available options. You can also scan for affected programs to see which programs may be affected by the restore point.
- Once you’ve selected a restore point, click “Next” and then “Finish” to start the restore process. Your computer will restart and the restore process will begin.
- Wait for the restore process to complete. This may take some time, depending on the size of the restore point and the speed of your computer.
- After the restore process is complete, your computer will restart again. When it starts up, it should be restored to the state it was in at the restore point you selected.
Tips for Using System Restore
Here are some tips for using System Restore in Windows 10:
- Create restore points regularly: To make sure you have multiple restore points to choose from, create restore points regularly. You can create a restore point manually by going to the System Properties window and clicking the “Create” button on the System Protection tab.
- Use System Restore in safe mode: If you are unable to start your computer normally, you can try using System Restore in safe mode. To do this, press the F8 key during startup to access the advanced startup options, and then select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt.” Once in safe mode, type “rstrui.exe” at the command prompt to start the System Restore wizard.
- Check for affected programs before restoring: Before you restore your computer to a previous state, it’s a good idea to check which programs may be affected by the restore point. You can do this by selecting the restore point and then clicking the “Scan for affected programs” button.
- Restore to a recent point: If you’re not sure which restore point to choose, try selecting a recent one. This will minimize the risk of losing any recent changes you’ve made to your system.
Conclusion
System Restore is a useful tool for fixing issues with your Windows 10 computer. By creating regular restore points and following these tips for using the feature, you can make sure you’re always prepared to roll back your system to a previous state if something goes wrong.
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