To create a System Restore point, first enable System Protection via sysdm.cpl, then click Create under the System Protection tab and name the point. 2. To use a restore point, run rstrui, select a point before the issue occurred, and confirm the restoration. 3. System Restore reverts system files, settings, and programs without affecting personal files, but does not remove malware. 4. Manage restore points by scheduling manual creations, monitoring disk space, and deleting old points if needed. 5. System Restore is a preventive tool for system changes, not a substitute for full backups, and should be used alongside antivirus measures when needed.

Creating and using a System Restore Point in Windows is a smart way to protect your system from problems caused by software changes, driver updates, or system errors. If something goes wrong, you can revert your computer to an earlier, stable state—without affecting your personal files. Here’s how to do it.

How to Create a System Restore Point Manually

System Restore isn’t always enabled by default, so first make sure it’s turned on, then create a restore point.

1. Open System Properties

   
   • Press Windows R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
   • Or: Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings.

2. Go to the System Protection Tab

   • In the System Properties window, click the System Protection tab.

3. Enable System Protection (if not already on)

   
   • Select your system drive (usually C:).
   • Click Configure.
   • Select Turn on system protection.
   • Adjust the disk space usage (10% is usually enough).
   • Click OK.

4. Create a Restore Point

   • Back in the System Protection tab, click Create.
   • Type a descriptive name (e.g., “Before Installing New Software”).
   • Click Create, then wait for the process to finish.
   • Click Close when done.

? Tip: Make a restore point before installing new software, drivers, or making major system changes.

How to Use a Restore Point to Fix Problems

If your PC starts acting up, you can use System Restore to go back in time.

1. Open System Restore

   • Press Windows R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
   • Or: Search for Create a restore point in the Start menu, then click System Restore in the bottom-left corner.

2. Choose a Restore Point

   • Follow the wizard and click Next.
   • Select Show more restore points to see all available options.
   • Pick a restore point from before the issue started (check the date and description).
   • Click Next.

3. Confirm and Restore

   • Review your choice.
   • Click Finish, then Yes to confirm.
   • Your computer will restart and begin the restoration process. This may take 10–30 minutes.

?? Note: System Restore affects system files, programs, and settings—but your personal files (documents, photos, etc.) are not deleted.

What System Restore Does (and Doesn’t) Fix

• ? Fixes: Driver issues, failed updates, registry problems, software conflicts.
• ? Reverts: System settings, installed programs, Windows updates (to earlier state).
• ? Doesn’t touch: Your personal files (photos, documents, emails).
• ? Doesn’t remove: Viruses or malware unless they were added after the restore point.

? For malware issues, use antivirus software before or after restoring.

Tips for Better Restore Point Management

• Schedule manual restore points before big changes.
• Check available disk space—System Restore needs room (usually 5–15% of your drive).
• Delete old restore points if you’re low on space: In System Protection > Configure > Delete (but don’t delete current ones).
• Use automatic restore points—Windows sometimes creates them before updates.

System Restore is like a safety net for your PC. It doesn’t replace backups, but it’s a fast way to undo system-level mistakes. Turn it on, create points regularly, and you’ll save yourself a lot of troubleshooting headaches later.

Basically, it’s not complex—just smart to use.

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