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How to Fix System Restore Not Working on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

System Restore is a useful feature in Windows 11 that helps you revert your computer to a previous state when something goes wrong. However, sometimes System Restore may not work as expected, causing frustration. Fortunately, fixing this issue is usually straightforward.

This guide will walk you through simple and detailed steps to resolve System Restore problems on Windows 11. Each step is explained clearly to help even beginners follow along easily.

By following these instructions, you can get System Restore working again and protect your system from unwanted changes. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into the troubleshooting process.

Remember, it’s important to be patient and try each step carefully to avoid any further issues.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting System Restore, make sure of the following:

  • System Protection is Enabled: System Restore only works if protection is turned on for your drives.
  • Sufficient Disk Space: There should be enough space reserved for restore points. If space is low, restore points may not be created.
  • You Have Administrative Rights: You need admin privileges to access System Restore settings and perform fixes.
  • No Recent Major Hardware Changes: Significant hardware changes can sometimes interfere with System Restore functionality.

Step 1: Check if System Protection is Enabled

System Restore depends on System Protection being active. Here’s how to check and enable it if needed:

  1. Press Windows + S, type “Create a restore point”, and select the matching result.
  2. In the System Properties window, under the System Protection tab, look for your system drive (usually C:).
  3. If the protection status says Off, select the drive and click Configure.
  4. Choose Turn on system protection and adjust the Max Usage slider to allocate disk space (at least 5-10%).
  5. Click Apply and then OK.

Enabling System Protection ensures your system creates restore points automatically, which System Restore uses to roll back changes.

Step 2: Run System Restore in Safe Mode

Sometimes third-party software or system conflicts prevent System Restore from working normally. Running it in Safe Mode limits background processes and can help:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Recovery.
  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  4. After restart, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  5. When your PC restarts again, press 4 to select Enable Safe Mode.
  6. Once in Safe Mode, press Windows + S, type System Restore, and open it.
  7. Follow the prompts to select a restore point and start the restoration process.

Safe Mode disables unnecessary drivers and software, reducing interference during restoration.

Step 3: Check and Repair System Files

Corrupted system files can cause System Restore to fail. Windows includes tools to scan and fix these files:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan checks for missing or corrupted system files and repairs them automatically. Wait for it to complete.

  1. If the issue persists, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool by typing:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait until the process finishes, then restart your PC and try System Restore again.

Step 4: Verify Volume Shadow Copy Service is Running

System Restore relies on the Volume Shadow Copy service to create restore points. If this service is disabled, System Restore will fail.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the Services window, scroll down to find Volume Shadow Copy.
  3. Right-click it and select Properties.
  4. Set the Startup type to Manual or Automatic.
  5. If the service is not running, click Start.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.

Ensuring this service is active allows Windows to create and use restore points properly.

Step 5: Check Disk for Errors

Disk errors can prevent System Restore from working correctly. To scan and fix disk errors, follow these steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (see Step 3).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk C: /f /r

This command checks the C: drive for errors and repairs them. You may be prompted to schedule the scan after a restart. Type Y and reboot your computer.

After the scan completes, try System Restore again.

Alternative Method: Use System Restore from Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If you cannot access System Restore from Windows normally, you can try it from the recovery environment:

  1. Restart your PC and press Shift + F8 or interrupt the boot process three times to trigger WinRE (this may vary by PC model).
  2. In WinRE, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
  3. Choose your user account and enter your password if prompted.
  4. Select a restore point and follow the instructions to restore your system.

This method is useful when Windows won’t start properly or System Restore isn’t accessible from the desktop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is System Restore not creating restore points automatically?

System Restore requires System Protection to be enabled and sufficient disk space reserved. Also, some third-party software or Windows updates may temporarily disable restore point creation.

Can I use System Restore without admin rights?

No. You need administrative privileges to create or apply restore points because it affects system-wide settings.

Will System Restore delete my personal files?

No, System Restore only affects system files and settings. Your personal documents, pictures, and other files remain unchanged.

How often does Windows 11 create restore points?

Windows automatically creates restore points before significant system events like updates or software installations, usually once every 7 days if no other restore points exist.

Is System Restore the same as Backup?

No. System Restore reverts system settings and files but does not back up personal files. For full backups, use dedicated backup tools or OneDrive.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and System Restore still does not work, consider these last-resort options:

  • Reset your PC: Go to Settings > System > Recovery and choose Reset this PC. You can keep personal files or remove everything.
  • Use a backup: If you have a full system backup, restore your system from there.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support page for expert help.
  • Check for hardware issues: Sometimes failing hardware causes system instability affecting System Restore.

Conclusion

System Restore is a powerful tool to fix system problems, but it can sometimes stop working due to disabled protection, corrupted files, or service issues. By following the simple steps above—from enabling System Protection to checking system files and services—you can usually resolve the problem yourself.

If all else fails, alternative recovery methods like Safe Mode or Windows Recovery Environment can help. Remember that regular backups are essential to protect your data beyond what System Restore offers.

With patience and these step-by-step instructions, you can restore your Windows 11 system to a healthy state and keep your PC running smoothly.

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