Restore Points

This guide will cover the following:

1.) What is a restore point and why do I think they are necessary

2.) How to create a restore point

3.) How and when to use a restore point

4.) How to locate and delete a restore point

What is a Windows Restore Point?

Windows restore points are made to take the computer back to an earlier point in time. The points are made automatically when the computer gets new drivers and software but can also be created manually whenever the user wants to. When you use a restore point, none of the personal files are affected but any software, apps, drivers, etc.. that were installed after the creation of the restore point will be removed. The restore point also takes some time when restoring so it's always good to leave the system during the process and DO NOT attempt to shut it down otherwise the entire system could break.

How to create a restore point

Creating a restore point is pretty simple, I recommend creating one before any major software installs and system updates to allow a revert in the event of an unfinished update or bad software causing issues.

Step 1.) Open start and search 'restore point' then select 'create a restore point' from the list.

Step 2.) Once opened, click on the 'system protection' tab if it did not open on that.

Now do the following in the order I list:

Click create
Name the restore point (it automatically add the date and time)
Click create on the name window
Click OK

That's all it takes to create a restore point on a Windows PC, contact me if you are running into any issues creating one.

How and when to use a restore point

You can use a restore point anytime you want but I only recommend using it when you need to, otherwise, it's a waste of time because if the system is not having any issues, it's not necessary to use one. As I mentioned before, using a restore point will not affect your personal files, but it will delete any apps, drivers, and updates that were installed after the restore point was made.

Now, how to use one

Step 1.) Open the restore point window that was used to create one and select 'System Restore'

Step 3.) You will be given two options now, either use the recommended restore point that the system automatically created, or you can you a manually created point for a specific restore.

That's it, just choose the restore point you want, select NEXT, then select FINISH

Now you will just need to wait and let the system run through the cycle to get your computer back to the desired point.

How to delete a restore point from the system

There are many reasons why you would want or need to delete a restore point from the system, the main ones are:

1.) Storage filling up

2.) Old restore points from older updates

3.) Old restore points that you have made a while ago and no longer need

4.) Accidentally made duplicate points

5.) Getting rid of the computer

Before you delete a restore point, NOTE You cannot recover ones that get deleted

(at least not as I am writing this solution)

Let's delete some restore points

Step 1.) Open up the system restore window and select the drive that you saved the restore points on (the drive will be your C drive by default) then select 'Configure'

Step 2.) Now you will want to make sure the System Protection is ON and then select delete

Step 3.) Now all that's left is to confirm the deletion of the restore points, and select 'Continue' and that will remove all restore points from the selected drive

You should see a confirmation prompt that the points have been successfully deleted

David's

<Tech Repair\>

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Restore Points

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