What Does System Restore Do in Windows 10
System Restore is the most useful tool for the times when installing new programs or making changes to Windows causes unforeseen issues or problems. And when such problems arise, returning your Windows PC to an earlier point in time seems like the only option. Windows System Restore offers some useful features for uninstalling a rogue program, recovering corrupt or damaged Windows installations, or to boot up your PC in case of corrupted drivers. It is always a good idea to create several systems restore points from time to time or maybe daily.
So in this article, we will discuss what does System Restore does, how long does it take for this activity to complete, can it delete your data on the PC, and what if the System Restore itself goes wrong. Keep reading to know it all.
What Does a System Restore Do?
System Restore is a built-in Windows utility application that allows you to create a snapshot of your Windows system files and installed applications at a specific point, known as a restore point. These restore points are stored in your computer’s hard drive so that they can be used by your PC if anything happens to your PC.
To access this option in Windows 10, go to the Start menu and click “Create a Restore point.” A pop-up window will appear there, click on the relevant icon to enable System Restore. The Windows system restore creates several Restore points from time to time, which are arranged neatly date-wise, making it super easy for you to select the required event for restoration.
How Long Does the System Restore Take?
System Restore can take variable amounts of time depending on the number of files on your system and how complex is the program that is being deleted. If you are using a restore point from a few days back, then the whole process of restoration should be completed within 25 to 40 minutes.
Also, keep in mind that the activity cannot be interrupted midway after initiating it. In case you get stuck, you will have to force reboot the system using the Power button. Once the system restarts, the following message will appear on your screen: “Please wait while your Windows files and settings are being restored, System Restore is initializing.” If the activity is consuming too much time, it is probably because there are too many files to fix.
Does System Restore Delete Files?
System Restore does not have any impact on any documents, pictures, videos, batch files, or other personal data stored on hard disks. It will only restore your system files and settings. The main aim of System restore is to repair the Windows environment by reverting to the previous configuration that was saved in the restore point, so the recently installed programs and drivers might get uninstalled. You can always review the programs that will be affected in the System Restore option. Also, if you updated your Windows version after the Restore Point you are using, then know that your system will go back to a previous version.
What If There’s Something Wrong with System Restore
You will get an error screen the restart upon System restore if there were any issues with the Restore point. You can solve this problem only through Safe mode by starting Advanced recovery. To do so, go to “Start > Change Advanced Startup Options > Advanced Startup > Restart Now.” A blue screen will appear, where you will find the option for System Restore in Safe mode.
System Restore is a frequently-used and trusted tool to go back to a certain point where your PC or laptop was in the most appropriate health state. Also, this is a perfect way to get rid of any unknown problem that is affecting your system.
