How to Do a System Restore

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to restore a previous version of your Windows computer's operation. Keep in mind that you will need to have a restore point on your computer in order to use System Restore. If you want to restore a Mac, you'll instead use Time Machine .

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Creating a Restore Point

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-2-Version-5.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-2-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so searches your computer for the restore point menu.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-3-Version-5.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-3-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the monitor-shaped icon at the top of the window.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3d\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-4-Version-5.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-4-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is in the lower-right side of the System Restore window. A new window will open.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the text box in the middle of the window, then type in your restore point's name.
    • You don't have to enter a date or time, as System Restore will note the date and time at which the point is created.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0e\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's below the text box. This will create your restore point, though the restore point may take a couple of minutes to create.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is at the bottom of the window.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the bottom of the System Restore window. Doing so will close the System Restore window. You can now proceed with restoring your computer whenever need be.
    9. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Restoring from the Desktop

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so will search your computer for the "Recovery" program.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a blue computer monitor-shaped icon at the top of the Start window. This will open the Recovery window.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This link is near the top of the Recovery window. Doing so opens the System Restore window.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/50\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-13-Version-3.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-13-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the bottom of the window.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-14-Version-3.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-14-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click your restore point's name in the middle of the page. Make sure that the date to the left of this point is correct before continuing.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-15-Version-3.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-15-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is at the bottom of the page.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9c\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-16-Version-3.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-16-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the bottom of the System Restore window. Doing so will prompt your computer to begin restoring. This process may take several minutes to over an hour, and your computer will restart at least once during the process.
    9. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Restoring from the Advanced Settings Menu

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-17-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-17-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is helpful if your computer is trapped in a restart cycle. Simply wait for the "Press [key] for advanced options" (or a similar phrase) prompt to appear when your computer is starting up, then press the key listed in the "[key]" section.
    • If you're here because of a blue screen of death, just wait for the "Choose an option" screen to appear after a few minutes.
    • To access the Advanced Settings menu from the desktop, open Start , click the Power icon in the lower-left side, hold down ⇧ Shift while clicking Restart , and release ⇧ Shift when the Advanced Options screen appears.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8a\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-18-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-18-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a symbol of a screwdriver and a wrench on this page.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-19-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-19-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll find this on the "Troubleshoot" page.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-20-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-20-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/92\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-20-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-20-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's the top option on the "Advanced options" page. Doing so will take you to the System Restore sign-in page.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-21-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-21-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-21-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-21-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click you account's name. If you only have one account on your computer, there should only be one name here.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-22-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-22-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-22-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-22-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This password may be different than the password that you use to log into your Microsoft account depending on your settings.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-23-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-23-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-23-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-23-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Doing so will submit your password and log you into your account.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-24-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-24-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-24-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-24-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the bottom of the System Restore window.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-25-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-25-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-25-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-25-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the point that you want to restore. Make sure that the date to the left of the restore point's name is accurate.
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-26-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-26-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-26-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-26-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the bottom of the window.
  11. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-27-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-27-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Do-a-System-Restore-Step-27-Version-2.jpg\/aid1199890-v4-728px-Do-a-System-Restore-Step-27-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is at the bottom of the window. Doing so will prompt your computer to begin restoring. This process may take several minutes to over an hour, and your computer will restart at least once during the process.
    12. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How long does a system restore take?
    ClixTech Australia
    Community Answer
    Not long. In most cases 2-15 minutes.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
  • Question
    How do I get to system restore if the system is complete crashed?
    Community Answer
    You will need to boot to the operating system CD/DVD. Insert and start your computer; pressing F12 when your computer first comes on will generally bring up the boot menu and allow you to select your DVD drive as the boot option. During the Windows installation, select the Repair option, and it will attempt to restore your previous Windows installation.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
  • Question
    I have no recovery disk. How can I reset my Windows 8.1 computer using only the command prompt?
    Community Answer
    Some computers have a built-in "recovery partition" on the hard drive; consult your manufacturer for reinstallation instructions.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • If you installed programs after the restore point, the programs will be deleted when you revert your system to the restore point.
        Thanks
      • It's always good to create a restore point before doing something that might harm your computer (e.g., changing the registry or installing a potentially problematic program).
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • System Restore will not recover deleted files or documents, and is not a substitute for a backup system.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Delete System Restore Files
      How to
      Restore Your Computer
      How to Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC: 8 Simple Tricks
      2 Ways to Turn Off S Mode on a Windows 11 PC
      Easily Download and Install FFmpeg on a Windows PC
      4 Easy Ways to Access the Boot Options Menu in Windows
      How to Find Your Windows Product Key
      How to Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      How to
      Check Your Windows Version
      How to
      Enter BIOS
      How to Open Windows Task Manager: Menus, Shortcuts, & More
      Installing Windows After Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      2 Ways to Alter the Size of Your Windows Desktop Taskbar
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Type "recovery" into the Windows search bar.
      2. Click Recovery .
      3. Click Open System Restore .
      4. Click Next .
      5. Select a restore point.
      6. Click Next .
      7. Click Finish .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 482,639 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement