How to create restore point in Windows 11?

• System restore points are a backup copy that contains basic Windows operating system settings and files.
• Restore points can be used to restore the System to a previous point in time in case of system instability or failure.
• They can be created manually or automatically. They only impact OS and application files but not user data.

Why do I need to create restore point?

A restore point is a feature that takes a snapshot of your current system state and saves it as a restore point. The restore point contains Windows system files, registry settings, drivers and installed applications.

You can roll back to the previous state, if you incorrectly modified the system settings in the registry, or if your system is affected by a driver or system update. The restore point does not affect your personal files, but only your system files and settings.

Windows automatically creates restore points when a driver or system undergoes an upgrade. However, you can do this manually also. 

Restore points are also helpful in times when you are having issues related to drivers, you desperately want to uninstall those drivers but you’re unable to do that. In that case you can use the restore points to get back to old system state when the problem didn’t occurred.

How can I create restore points in Windows 11?

Windows operating system enables restore points on your root drive by default for many users. Your root drive is most likely your C drive. However, it may differ depending on how you set up your computer.

Restore point is an excellent way to diagnose and fix problems. Your PC probably came with it enabled from day one. System Restore can be enabled manually from System Protection.

Follow the steps to enable System Restore:

1. Press Win + S. to open Windows Search.

2. Type restore point and click on Create a restore point from the search results.

3. Open the System Protection tab in the System Properties window.

4. Under the Protection Settings section, ensure that Protection is On.

5. Click the Configure button if it is set to Off.

6. Select Turn on system protection.

7. Drag the slider to adjust storage space to save restore points.

8. To save your changes, click Apply and OK.

Continue the steps above to enable System Recovery for any other drives on your System. This is recommended for apps installed on drivers other than C: drive.

How can I create a Restore Point in Windows 11 manually?

Windows OS creates an automatic restore point when there is a significant event, such as Windows update installation. Or, you can manually create restore points before making any modifications to your computer or as a routine backup.

Follow these steps to create a restoration point:

1. In the System Properties window, open the System Protection tab.

2. Click the Create button.

3. For the restore point, enter a description. It is recommended to include the event name and date.

4. Click on Create. System Protection will create the restore point, and if it succeeds, it will display a success message.

5. Click Close.

Use Restore Point to restore your System’s prior state

Restore points can be used to reverse the system modifications by rolling back to the prior restore points. However, you shouldn’t just use a restore point as soon as possible. This is a time-consuming but capable process. It is best to use it only as a last resort to fix major Windows system problems.

Follow these steps to Restore your System using system restore:

1. In the System Properties window, open the System Protection tab.

2. Now, Click on System Restore.

3. Click the Next button in the System Restore window.

4. On the next page, you can view all available restore points and their type (manual/automatic).

5. To view hidden restore points, click on the Show More box.

6. Click on Scan-affected programs. System Restore will scan for the affected drivers and programs and display a list. This list contains the drivers and programs that will be deleted or restored.

7. To continue, click Close and then click Next.

8. Read the confirmation screen description to learn more about the restoration and the drivers that will be affected.

9. To confirm, click the Finish button.

10. System Restore will display an alert saying, “Once started, System Restore can’t be interrupted.” To confirm, click Yes and continue.

Windows will create a restore point to restore the current state, then restart the computer to begin the restoration process.

Can restore point anyway hamper or destroy my personal files and folders?

As I have told in the intro part that restore point won’t affect your personal files and folders. However, if you rollback to your prior restore points then your system modifications, drivers upgrade will reverse back to its prior state. All the applications will be removed which have been installed after the creation of that restore point.

Also all those programs will appear which you have uninstalled after the creation of the restore point. However, few of the programs might not run properly.

Points to keep in mind while creating a restore point

• Restore points are used to backup system files and settings. This includes registry settings, drivers and operating system files. Restore points can be used to restore your computer after a crash.
• It is important to not mistake system backup for restore points. The restore point does not create a backup or restore files that you may have accidentally deleted. Windows Security Account Manager, (SAM), and passwords can’t be backed-up in the restore points.
• A system restore could cause connection loss to a domain-joined corporate computer. To resolve the issue, they will need to reconnect to the connection. This feature should only be used in extreme circumstances or with care.

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