How to Restore Files from a Restore Point in Windows 10 and Windows 11

Windows offers a handy feature called System Restore that allows users to revert system settings and some files to a previous state. This feature can be essential when recovering from crashes or accidentally deleted system configurations. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to restore files from a restore point in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What is a Restore Point?

A restore point is a saved snapshot of your system's state, which you can revert to if something goes wrong. It includes system settings, installed programs, and critical system files, making it possible to restore your computer to a stable configuration without losing personal data.

How Does File Restoration with Restore Points Work?

Restore points are primarily designed to restore system files and settings, not personal files like documents or images. However, if your system has become unstable due to changes in system files or settings, using a restore point can help return your computer to a functioning state.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using System Restore in Windows 10 and Windows 11

The process of restoring from a restore point is nearly identical in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Start menu. Type “Control Panel” and select it.
  2. Go to the “Recovery” section. In the Control Panel, click on “Recovery,” then select “Open System Restore.”
  3. Select a restore point. A window will appear showing available restore points. Choose the desired restore point and click “Next.”
  4. Confirm the restoration. You’ll see a prompt to confirm the start of the restoration process. Click “Finish” to begin.

How to Manually Create a Restore Point

It’s a good practice to create a restore point before making significant changes to your system, like installing new software. Here’s how to create one:

  1. Open “System Properties.” Right-click on “This PC” and choose “Properties.”
  2. Find “System Protection.” In the window that opens, select the “System Protection” tab and click “Create.”
  3. Enter a name for your restore point and click “Create.”
  4. Wait for the process to complete, after which the restore point will be available for use.

Alternative Methods for Recovering Deleted Files

If you’ve lost specific personal files not included in the restore point, it’s best to use Windows backup tools or third-party data recovery software. These options offer better chances for successfully recovering lost personal files.