Windows · System Info
Create and manage restore points
Configures System Restore, which periodically saves snapshots of system files and settings so you can roll the PC back to an earlier working state after a problematic driver or software installation.
How to open System Protection & Restore Points
- Open Settings → System → About
- Click 'System protection' under Related links
- Select the drive and click 'Configure' to enable protection
- Click 'Create' to make a manual restore point, or 'System Restore' to roll back
What you should know
- Enable or disable System Restore per drive
- Create a manual restore point before making risky changes
- Adjust how much disk space is reserved for restore points
- Roll back the system to a previous restore point when needed
System Restore reverts system files, settings, and installed programs, but it does not affect personal files like documents or photos.
Why it matters
System Restore is a safety net that can undo the damage from a bad driver update, a misbehaving software install, or an unwanted system change without requiring a full reset or reinstall. Creating a manual restore point before major changes, like installing unfamiliar software or manually editing system settings, gives you an easy way back if something goes wrong. Because it's disabled by default on some drives and configurations, checking that it's actually active is worthwhile before you need it in an emergency.
Best practices
- Enable System Restore on your system drive if it isn't already active
- Create a manual restore point before installing unfamiliar drivers or system-level software
- Allocate enough disk space for restore points so multiple recent snapshots are retained
- Don't rely on System Restore as a substitute for backing up personal files
Common problems and fixes
- System Restore is turned off
- Open System Protection settings and enable protection for the desired drive.
- Restore points aren't being created automatically
- Check available disk space allocated to System Restore and increase it if it's set too low.
- A restore point failed partway through
- Restart the PC and try restoring again, or select an earlier restore point if available.
Tips and tricks
- Create a restore point manually right before a major Windows feature update if you want extra rollback flexibility
- Access restore points quickly by searching 'Create a restore point' in the Start menu
Frequently asked questions
Will System Restore delete my personal files?
No, it only affects system files, installed programs, and settings, not personal documents or photos.
How long are restore points kept?
This depends on allocated disk space; older restore points are automatically deleted to make room for new ones.
Is this the same as a full system backup?
No, System Restore is much narrower in scope and isn't a replacement for a proper file or image backup.
Related settings
- About / System InformationAbout shows your PC's core specifications at a glance — processor, installed RAM, device ID, and system type — alongside your exact Windows edition, version, and build number. It's the single quickest place to find the information support technicians, driver downloads, and compatibility checks almost always ask for first.
- BackupWindows Backup uses OneDrive to continuously back up your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders, along with your list of installed apps, saved Wi-Fi network passwords, and select personalization settings like your theme and wallpaper. It's designed to make restoring your setup on a new PC, or after a reset, far less painful than starting from scratch.
- Windows ResetWindows Reset allows you to reinstall the operating system while choosing whether to keep your personal files or remove everything. This option is useful when your PC is experiencing serious performance issues, system corruption, or persistent software problems.
More System Info guides for Windows
- Date & TimeDate & Time settings control your system clock, time zone, and whether Windows sets these automatically using your location and an internet time server. Correct time settings matter well beyond the clock display — they affect file timestamps, certificate validation, scheduled tasks, and login to network resources.
- ActivationActivation shows whether your copy of Windows is genuinely licensed and linked to your hardware or Microsoft account, which edition you're running, and lets you enter a new product key or upgrade to a different edition, like from Home to Pro. A properly activated Windows unlocks full personalization options and removes the persistent activation watermark.
- Advanced System SettingsAdvanced System Settings (opened via sysdm.cpl or 'Advanced system settings' in search) is a legacy System Properties dialog covering performance options like visual effects and virtual memory, system startup and recovery behavior, user profile management, and manual environment variable editing. These controls predate the modern Settings app and remain the only place for several deeper configuration options.
- Rename This PCLets you change the device name Windows uses to identify this PC on networks, in file sharing, and when pairing devices like Bluetooth accessories.
- Environment VariablesLets advanced users view and edit environment variables such as PATH, TEMP, and custom variables that control how applications, scripts, and the command line locate files and behave.
- Domain or Workgroup SettingsLets you configure whether this PC belongs to a home network workgroup or a business network domain, which affects sign-in options, network resource access, and group policy management.