How to Create and Use a Restore Point in Windows 10

System Restore lets you return Windows system files, registry settings, installed programs, and drivers to an earlier restore point. It is useful when a recent software, driver, or configuration change makes Windows unstable.

System Restore is not a replacement for a file backup, but normal personal files are not the primary target of a restore operation.

Windows 10 support note: Windows 10 reached end of normal support on October 14, 2025.

Turn on System Protection

1. Open Start and search for Create a restore point.
2. Open the result to display System Properties > System Protection.
3. Select the Windows system drive.
4. Select Configure.
5. Select Turn on system protection.
6. Use Max Usage to decide how much disk space Windows can use for restore points.
7. Select Apply > OK.

There is no universal reason to force a fixed percentage such as 10%; choose a value appropriate for the available disk space.

Create a restore point manually

1. On the System Protection tab, select Create.
2. Enter a description that explains why you are creating the point.
3. Select Create.
4. Wait for the confirmation and select Close.

Restore Windows to an earlier point

1. Open Create a restore point again.
2. Select System Restore.
3. Select Next.
4. Choose the restore point you want to use.
5. Optionally select Scan for affected programs.
6. Select Next > Finish and confirm.

If Windows will not start, you can also open System Restore from Windows Recovery Environment under Troubleshoot > Advanced options.

Official references

• System Protection: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/backup-recovery/system-protection
• System Restore: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/backup-recovery/system-restore