If you recently installed an app, hardware driver, or updated Windows 11 and the PC isn’t working properly, it could be something has changed and is causing the issues, and you might be able to get things running normally again by restoring the computer to an earlier point, called a restore point. Windows 11 creates restore points so that your computer can be restored to a previous working state. It’s like going back in time when you need it most. It should be turned on in most cases, especially for home computers. The just released preview of Windows 11 comes with many new features such as redesigned user desktop-centered Start menu and taskbar, rounded corners windows, themes and colors, and many more. Although Windows 11 is new, system restore works the same way it does in previous versions of Windows. To get started restoring Windows 11 PC, follow the steps below:
How to restore your PC from a restore point
As mentioned above, Windows creates a restore point so that you can revert changes. If you have identified recent changes that are causing your PC to not work, simply restore it to an earlier state. Below are the conditions under which System restore works:
Restoring from a restore point won’t affect your files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates that were installed after the restore point was created. System restore works for changes made in the last 7 to 14 days.
To restore Windows 11, continue below. Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from its System Settings pane. To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings as shown in the image below: Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it. Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click System, and select About on the right pane of your screen shown in the image below. On the About settings pane, click on the System protection link as highlighted below. On the System Protection settings pane, click on System Restore to initiate a restore. A new system restores wizard will launch. Click Next to continue to restore your PC from an earlier state. On the next screen, select a restore point from the list to restore to. Make sure to select a date before the recent changes, then click Next. If you don’t see any restore points, it might be because system protection isn’t turned on. Click Finish to confirm and start restoring your computer. System restore can not be interrupted when started. Make sure you’re connected to a power source and that you have ample time to complete the process. Once ready, click Yes. Your system should begin restoring to an earlier state and may reboot several times. After that, your computer should be restored to the date selected above. That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed you how to perform a system restore from an earlier state in Windows 11. If you find any error above, please use the comment form to report it.
