Before you start
- Administrator access
- Some free disk space (a few GB)
Method 1 Turn on System Protection
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Step 1: Open System Protection
Search for Create a restore point in Start and open it.
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Step 2: Configure C:
Select the C: drive (System) and click Configure.
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Step 3: Turn it on
Choose Turn on system protection, set Max Usage to about 5–10% and click OK.
Method 2 Create a restore point
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Step 1: Click Create
In the same window, click Create.
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Step 2: Name it
Type a description such as “Before graphics driver update” and click Create. It takes under a minute.
Method 3 Restore your PC
If Windows won’t start, open System Restore from Advanced startup > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
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Step 1: Open System Restore
In the System Protection tab, click System Restore > Next.
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Step 2: Choose a point
Select a restore point from before the problem. Click Scan for affected programs to see what will change.
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Step 3: Finish
Click Next > Finish. The PC restarts and rolls back. Don’t interrupt it.
Troubleshooting
“System Restore did not complete successfully”
Try from Safe Mode, or choose an older restore point. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus.
No restore points are listed
System Protection was off, or old points were deleted when space ran out. Turn it on and create one now.
Frequently asked questions
Does Windows create restore points automatically?
Yes, before major updates and driver installs, when System Protection is on.
Can I undo a System Restore?
Yes. Windows creates a restore point before restoring, so you can choose Undo System Restore.
Summary
Open Create a restore point, turn on protection for C:, and click Create before risky changes. If something breaks, System Restore rolls Windows back without touching your files.
