When Things Go Wrong Think Of System Restore First

This post was updated on 11/25/2019.

System Restore is a very useful Windows feature. If you know how to use it correctly it can be a game changer

1. The key to using System Restore successfully is to use it as soon as you notice a problem

The longer you have to go back in time using System Restore, the less likely the System Restore will be successful. The key to successfully using System Restore to repair your computer is to use it as soon as you can after you notice the problem. Think of System Restore as the doctor and your PC as the patient with a serious illness. The sooner you see Dr. System Restore, the more likely it is he’ll be able to cure your sick PC. So, as soon as you notice your computer not running correctly after an update, after you have changed settings, or after you’ve installed something, think of Dr. System Restore. Many times he can fix your PC if you make an appointment with him right away.

2. Before you do anything else, make sure you’re seeing all your restore points.

Open System Restore (Windows Key + R and type RSTRUI in the Run box). By default System Restore will only show one or two restore points unless you click the box near the bottom that says “Show more restore points”. Make sure you click that box to show all your restore points (see below):



If the option to “Show more restore points” is not available, then the restore points you see are all you have. In that case you may want to increase the space allotted to System Restore point – see how to do that here.

Always select the Restore Point as close to the date when the problem started – but make sure it’s before the problem. The further your have to go back in time the less likely System Restore will be successful. That being said, it’s worth trying System Restore even if you’re using a restore point several weeks old. We’ve seen older restore points work many time. But as a general rule, the more recent the Restore Point the more likely it is that System Restore will be able to repair your system by restoring it back to the way it was before your problems started.

Keep in mind that when you do a System Restore, you won’t lose documents, pictures, emails, music,  videos, bookmarks or any personal files. You’ll lose only the programs, settings changes and/or updates you installed between the current date and the date of the Restore Point you used. Your personal files are not affected.

If System Restore is unsuccessful in fixing your problems, Windows 10 gives you the option to do a System Reset or Fresh start.  See our tutorial for System Reset for Windows 10 here. You can read more about Windows 10 Fresh start here.

To Run System Restore in Windows 7, Windows 8x or Windows 10:

1. Press & hold down the Windows Key and tap the R key

2. Type RSTRUI in the Run box and press Enter

3. System Restore will start loading immediately.

When things go awry, think of System Restore first and use it as soon as you notice  you have a problem. The sooner you use it after your problem(s) occur, the more likely it is that System Restore will be able to correct the problem(s).

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