Enable System Restore manually via sysdm.cpl, select the system drive, click Configure, choose Turn on system protection, and set max disk usage to 5–10%. 2. Create a manual restore point immediately by clicking Create in the System Protection tab and providing a description. 3. If System Restore won’t turn on, ensure the Volume Shadow Copy service is running and set to Automatic, temporarily disable third-party antivirus, and check Group Policy settings (or Registry on Home edition) to confirm System Restore isn’t disabled. 4. Use Command Prompt as Administrator to run wmic recoveryenvironment get recoveryenabled to check status, use PowerShell to enable restore with Enable-ComputerRestore -Drive "C:\", and create a point via wmic.exe /Namespace:\\root\default Path SystemRestore Call CreateRestorePoint "Manual Restore Point", 0, 100. 5. Run sfc /scannow to repair corrupted system files that may be blocking System Restore functionality, then retry enabling it, and verify operation by creating a test restore point to ensure it works properly.
If System Restore isn’t working or isn’t enabled in Windows 10, you’re not alone—this is a common issue that can leave your system vulnerable to problems after updates or software changes. The good news is that you can usually fix or enable System Restore with a few straightforward steps. Here’s how.
? 1. Enable System Restore Manually
System Restore is often disabled by default, especially on new installations or after major updates.
Steps:
- Press Windows R, type
sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. - Go to the System Protection tab.
- Under Protection Settings, select your system drive (usually C:).
- Click Configure.
- Select Turn on system protection.
- Adjust the Max Usage slider (recommended: 5–10%) to allocate disk space for restore points.
- Click Apply, then OK.
? Note: If the option is grayed out, you may need to run this as an administrator or check group policy settings (see below).
?? 2. Create a Restore Point Immediately
Once enabled, create a manual restore point to ensure it’s working.
Steps:
- In the same System Protection tab, click Create.
- Enter a description like “Baseline Restore Point”.
- Click Create, then wait for confirmation.
This gives you a fallback if something goes wrong later.
? 3. Fix Issues If System Restore Won’t Turn On
Sometimes, System Restore won’t enable due to policy restrictions or service problems.
A. Check the System Restore Service
- Press Windows R, type
services.msc, and press Enter. - Look for System Restore Service (also called File History Service or Volume Shadow Copy).
- Ensure Volume Shadow Copy is:
- Set to Automatic startup.
- Currently Running.
- If not, right-click it → Start, and set startup type to Automatic.
B. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily
Some aggressive antivirus programs block System Restore. Try disabling it briefly to see if that allows activation.
C. Check Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise editions)
- Press Windows R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → System Restore - Make sure Turn off System Restore is set to Disabled.
- Also check Create restore points is enabled.
?? Home edition users:
gpedit.mscisn’t available by default. You’ll need to use Registry Editor or enable Group Policy manually.
? 4. Use Command Line to Repair or Enable (Advanced)
If GUI methods fail, use Command Prompt.
Steps:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
-
Run this command to check status:
wmic recoveryenvironment get recoveryenabled
(Should return
TRUEif enabled.) To enable System Restore via command:
powershell Enable-ComputerRestore -Drive "C:\"
To create a restore point:
wmic.exe /Namespace:\\root\default Path SystemRestore Call CreateRestorePoint "Manual Restore Point", 0, 100
? 5. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files can break System Restore.
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run:
sfc /scannow
- Wait for completion. If issues are found and fixed, restart and try enabling System Restore again.
Final Notes
- System Restore only works if previous versions of files are available and shadow copies aren’t corrupted.
- It’s not a replacement for backups—use File History or an external backup tool too.
- Some Windows updates or disk errors can disable restore points automatically.
Basically, enabling or fixing System Restore comes down to turning it on in System Properties, ensuring the service runs, and removing policy or software blocks. Once set up, it runs quietly in the background—just make sure to verify it’s working by creating a test restore point.
The above is the detailed content of How to enable or fix System Restore in Windows 10. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!
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