How to Create and Restore a System Restore Point on Windows
By Site Editor · Updated September 1, 2026 · 6 min read
A System Restore Point is a safety net that lets you roll Windows back to a working state after a bad update or software install. Here is how to create one and use it when things go wrong.
1. Create a restore point manually
Search for Create a restore point in the Start menu → the System Properties window opens. Select your C: drive and click Create. Give it a descriptive name like "Before installing X" and click Create again. Windows saves a snapshot of your system files and registry in seconds. This is something worth doing before any major software install, driver update, or Windows upgrade.
2. Make sure System Protection is turned on
In System Properties → System Protection tab, click your C: drive and check whether Protection shows as On or Off. If it is Off, click Configure, select Turn on system protection, and allocate at least 5–10% of disk space. Without this enabled, Windows cannot create restore points — including the automatic ones it normally creates before major updates.
3. How to restore your system using a restore point
If something breaks, search for Create a restore point → System Restore → Next. Choose the restore point dated before the problem started and click Next → Finish. Windows restarts and rolls back to that state. Your personal files, photos, and documents are not affected — only system files, installed programs, and registry settings change.
4. Restore when Windows will not start
If Windows cannot boot, you can still access System Restore from the recovery environment. Hold Shift while clicking Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Restore. Choose a restore point and let it run. If your PC will not reach the login screen at all, booting from a Windows USB installation drive and selecting Repair your computer gets you to the same menu.
5. What System Restore does not do
System Restore does not back up your personal files — it only saves Windows system files, installed programs, and registry settings. If you delete a document or a photo, System Restore will not get it back. For full file backup, use Windows Backup (Settings → System → Storage → Advanced storage settings → Backup options) or an external drive. Think of System Restore as an undo button for Windows itself, not for your data.
Frequently asked questions
How many restore points does Windows keep?
Windows keeps restore points until the allocated disk space runs out, then deletes the oldest ones to make room. With the default 5–10% disk allocation, a typical system stores one to two weeks of restore points. You can see all available points inside the System Restore wizard.
Will a system restore delete my documents?
No. System Restore only affects Windows system files, installed programs, and registry settings. Your personal files — documents, photos, music, and downloads — are not touched. However, programs installed after the restore point was created will be removed.
Can I undo a System Restore if it makes things worse?
Yes. After a restore, run System Restore again and you will see an option to undo the last restore. This brings your system back to the state it was in just before you ran the restore.