This wikiHow teaches you how to restore a previous version of Windows on your computer. Note that you must have files or restore points in place in order to restore system settings (system restore). If you want to restore settings on a Mac computer, you will need to use Time Machine.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Creating a Restore Point
Step 1. Open the “Start” menu
Click the Windows logo that appears in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Type system restore into the “Start” menu
After that, the computer will look for the restore point menu (restore point menu).
Step 3. Click Create a restore point
This option is indicated by the monitor icon at the top of the screen.
Step 4. Click Create…
It's in the lower-right corner of the "System Restore" window. After that, a new window will open.
Step 5. Enter the restore point name
Click the text field in the middle of the window, then type in the name of the restore point.
You don't need to enter the date or time because the System Restore program will record the date and time the restore point was created
Step 6. Click Create
It's below the text field. After that, a restore point will be created. The process may take a few minutes.
Step 7. Click Close when prompted
It's at the bottom of the window.
Step 8. Click OK
It's at the bottom of the "System Restore" window. After that, the window will close. You can now restore computer settings, whenever you need to.
Part 2 of 3: Restoring Settings Via Desktop
Step 1. Open the “Start” menu
Click the Windows logo in the lower-left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Type recovery into the “Start” menu
After that, the computer will search for the "Recovery" program.
Step 3. Click Recovery
This option is indicated by a blue computer monitor icon displayed at the top of the “Start” window. After that, the Recovery program window will be displayed.
Step 4. Click Open System Restore
This link is at the top of the “Recovery” window. After that, the “System Restore” window will be opened.
Step 5. Click Next
It's at the bottom of the window.
Step 6. Select a restore point
Click the restore point name that appears in the middle of the page. Make sure the date shown to the left of the name is correct before you proceed to the next step.
Step 7. Click Next
This option is at the bottom of the page.
Step 8. Click Finish
It's at the bottom of the "System Restore" window. After that, the settings will be returned to the computer. The process can take from a few minutes to more than an hour. Also, the computer will restart (at least) once during the recovery process.
Part 3 of 3: Restoring Settings Via “Advanced Settings” Menu
Step 1. Open the “Advanced Settings” menu
This menu is useful when the computer is always stuck in the restart phase. Wait until the command " Press [button] for advanced options " (or similar) is displayed when the computer starts up, then press the key corresponding to the message (the phrase "[key]").
- If you are re-entered the initial loading page because the computer is displaying a blue screen (blue screen of death), wait for a "Choose an option" message to appear after a few minutes.
- To access the “Advanced Settings” menu from the desktop, go to the “ Start, click the icon “ Power ” in the lower-left corner of the menu, press and hold Shift while clicking the option “ Restart ”, and release the Shift key when the “Advanced Options” page is displayed.
Step 2. Click Troubleshoot
This option is indicated by a screwdriver and wrench icon.
Step 3. Click on Advanced options
You can find these options on the " Troubleshoot " page.
Step 4. Click System Restore
It's at the top of the "Advanced options" page. After that, you will be taken to the “System Restore” login page.
Step 5. Select an account
Click the appropriate account name. If you only have one account on your computer, this page will only show one name.
Step 6. Enter the account password
This password may differ from the password used to sign in to your Microsoft account, depending on your settings.
Step 7. Click Continue
After that, the password will be sent and you will be taken to the account page.
Step 8. Click Next
It's at the bottom of the "System Restore" window.
Step 9. Select a restore point
Click the restore point that you want to restore. Make sure the date shown to the left of the name is accurate.
Step 10. Click Next
It's at the bottom of the window.
Step 11. Click Finish
This option is at the bottom of the window, After that, the settings will be returned to the computer. The process can take from a few minutes to more than an hour. The computer may also be restarted (at least) once during the process.
Tips
- If you install programs after creating restore points, they will be deleted when you restore the system to a restore point.
- It's a good idea to create a restore point before taking any action that might damage your computer (eg changing the registry or installing a program that may have problems).
