Windows 11 includes a tool that lets you restore your system to an earlier point in time if you notice serious errors in the operation of your computer. In this guide we explain how to use restore points in Windows 11. We also explain what they are exactly and how you can delete them on your computer to free up space.
What is a restore point in Windows 11?
Windows 11 restore points are exact copies of your system settings and hard drive contents. Its main purpose is to restore your computer to a previous state in case of system crashes and errors after applying new settings. They can be created manually and automatically. For example, the system creates one itself when installing applications or making other changes.
When is it advisable to create restore points? Above all when performing sensitive operations in Windows 11, e.g. B. when applying changes to the registry or updating drivers. Even if you just reinstalled your system, it can be useful to create a restore point in case something stops working during the initial setup.
How to create a restore point in windows 11?
Now that you’re a little more familiar with this feature of Windows 11, here’s how create your own restore points manually can. First you need to open the system search. give then sysdm.cpl a. Click on the first result that appears on the screen.
Open System Info
In the pop-up window, open the tab System Protection.
system protection
Next you click on the button Configure.
Configure drive
Make sure the check box Turn on system protect (Turn on system protection) is correctly activated. If yes, click to exit OK.
Activate system protection
Now it’s time to create a manual restore point. Click on the button Create.
Create restore point
Give your restore point a name. We recommend that you describe this field so that you can easily identify it in the future. use Createto start the process.
Add a description for the restore point
Wait for the restore point creation to finish.
The setup process begins
From this point on, you can safely make the planned changes to the system. If anything goes wrong with the configuration you’re making, all you have to do is reset the restore point to restore the system to its previous state. But how will that work?
How to reset the computer with a restore point?
That Restore a recovery point is almost as easy as creating one. In the same window as before, click System Propertieon the button System Restore (System recovery).
Restoring from a previous point starts
Click on Nextto go to the next step of the wizard
Recovery Assistant
Select the restore point you want to restore. Check the box Show more restore pointsto see all available restore points. You will find that Windows 11 additional to the point you created manually, more created automatically Has. Click on Nextto continue.
Restore a previous system state
Check with the link Scan for affected programs (search for affected programs) which applications will be affected. When you are satisfied, confirm the restore point with the command Finish.
Confirm the restore
The computer will restart and return to the exact state it was in when the restore point was created. This can include delete some files and uninstall certain applications.
How can I delete all restore points?
If for any reason you want to delete the restore points on your computer, e.g. B. because you are running out of disk space, go back to System Properties and open the tab System Protection. Then you click Configure.
Setting for deleting restore points
Click in the pop-up dialog Delete.
Delete all restore points
Confirm the deletion of all restore points with the button Continue.
Confirm the deletion of all restore points
In this simple way you have deleted all previously created restore points. You should know that Windows 11 automatically recreates them if you e.g. B. install an application. If you don’t want that, choose that Disable system protection (Disable system protection).