Sometimes things can go wrong with your operating system, whether due to corrupted files, updates that caused problems, or malware that changed settings. However, Windows 10 has a feature that can save your system: the ability to roll back to a previous restore point. In this article, you will learn the step by step guide on how to do it.
Different reasons can be given to restore Windows 10 to a previous point. These may be technical issues, but they may also be due to the need to remove unwanted programs or applications that have been installed without your permission. Regardless of your reasons, here we will explain how to do it safely and efficiently.
Understand the restore points process in Windows 10
Before continuing, it is important to understand what is a restore point. Essentially, Windows creates automatic backups called restore points. These points contain all system configurations, installed programs, drivers and more, at a certain point in time.
In the event that something happens to cause problems on your PC, you can restore all aspects of your system to how they were at that restore point. However, it should be noted that restore points do not save your personal files or modifications, so they will not be affected.
How to activate system protection and create a restore point
By default, Windows 10 does not have the system protection enabled, so there may be no restore points to go back to. So the first thing to do is activate this functionality.
- Open the Start menu and search for “Create a restore point.”
- Select the system drive (usually C:) and click "Setup."
- Make sure “System Protection” is enabled. Adjust the disk usage as desired and click Apply.
Once these steps are completed, the system will be protected and you can create a restore point.
How to create a restore point manually
Even with system protection enabled, you won't be completely safe unless you create a restore point manually. Here we'll explain to you how to do it:
- Click 'Create' in the same System Protection window.
- Give the restore point a name so you can identify it later.
- Press "Create" again for Windows to start creating the restore point.
How to restore Windows 10 to an earlier point
To restore your system to a previous point, simply follow these steps:
- Open the start menu and search for “Recovery”.
- Click "Open System Restore."
- Choose the desired restore point and follow the on-screen instructions.
Steps to follow after restoration
Once you have completed the restore, it is crucial that you **verify that everything is working correctly**. This involves checking all your programs and applications, as well as making sure there are no performance issues or errors. If you encounter any problems, you can simply restore to a previous point or fix it in the usual way.
Remember that system restore is not a substitute for a full backup solution. Make sure you have your important files backed up on an external device or in the cloud to avoid data loss in case of serious system failures.
We hope this article has served as a guide on how to restore Windows 10 to a previous point. If you have any questions or run into a problem, feel free to ask in the comments.
