Use System Restore to revert changes done in Windows.

When it comes to installing certain programs in our computer, there’s a chance that one or more system files may be altered. On top of that, another entry in your registry is created and maybe even some system settings are changed in order to accommodate the newly-installed software. This can create problems down the time to the point where even Windows may not even boot. Also, some of the software installed may contain ads or certain forms of malware that manifest into something that can be difficult to get rid of. System Restore is here to save the day!

System Restore

Thanks to this neat little feature of Windows, we are now able to reverse any changes made to our system through a simple restoration process. System Restore is the process of reversing any changes made to the system while still being able to keep your files. It has been around since the early days of Windows XP, and has grown considerably in terms of functionality and reliability with every new edition of Windows. Restore points is a state of the operating system before it has been altered through a change or software installation. These restore points are created either manually, automatically through Task Scheduler, or when new software is installed.

By default, System Restore should be turned on. In order for us to check, open up your control panel by right-clicking on your start menu->search and then type in “control panel”. Look for the icon with the name “System” and click on it. On the left pane, click on “Advanced system settings”.

You are now at “System Properties”. Click on the “System Protection” tab.

You will now be able to configure System Restore here, you will notice that it is on by default. Here you can manually create a restore point by clicking on the “Create…” button. Lets look at more of the configuration by clicking on “Configure…”

Here you can turn system restore on or off. You can also specify the maximum amount of space the restore points used. Once the limit has been reached, it will start to delete the older ones. If you want to start fresh, click on the “Delete” button to remove all restore points currently stored.

Task Scheduler

Restore points are also specified in Task Scheduler. Under control panel head over to Administrative Tools->Task Scheduler. On the left navigation pane go to Task Scheduler Library->Microsoft->Windows->System Restore.

The task has already been run for today. You are free to make changes as to when it should be executed under “Triggers”, but its best to leave it as is.

Restore to an earlier point

Back under the “System Protection” tab, click on “System Restore…” to start.

You will be taken to a wizard. Click “Next” to continue.

You are now given a list of restore points to choose from. Depending on your configuration and max storage size for restore points, you may see 1 or multiple restore points available to choose from. Go ahead and click on the one that you desire and click “Scan for affected programs”. This tells you what software programs may be removed and added after restoration is complete. If you are satisfied with the end result, go ahead and click “Next” to continue.

When you are ready, click “Finish”. Windows will now begin the restoration process. Once that’s complete, your computer will reboot as normal. Your files won’t be affected. You have now successfully restored your computer.