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How to Fix “System Restore Did Not Complete Successfully” Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

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 you might see an error message saying, “System Restore did not complete successfully.” This can be frustrating because it means your computer was unable to fix itself automatically.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to resolve this issue. This guide will walk you through easy and detailed solutions to help get System Restore working again.

Each step is explained clearly, so even if you’re new to Windows troubleshooting, you can follow along without confusion. Let’s start by understanding some quick checks before diving into fixes.

By the end of this article, you should have a working System Restore and know how to avoid similar errors in the future.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Checks Before Fixing

  • Check System Restore is Enabled: System Restore must be turned on for the drive you want to restore. Without it, restore points cannot be created or used.
  • Ensure You Have Enough Disk Space: System Restore requires some free disk space to save restore points. If your disk is nearly full, this can cause errors.
  • Run as Administrator: Always run System Restore with administrator privileges to ensure it has enough permissions.
  • Note any Error Codes: If you see a specific error code, keep it handy. It can help identify the problem more quickly.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary issues. Restarting clears many minor glitches and releases system resources.

  1. Click the Start button, then select Power.
  2. Choose Restart and wait for your PC to reboot.
  3. After restarting, try running System Restore again.

If the error persists, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Some antivirus programs interfere with System Restore by blocking necessary files or processes. Temporarily disabling your antivirus can help check if this is the cause.

  1. Find your antivirus icon in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
  2. Right-click the icon and look for an option like Disable or Pause protection.
  3. Choose to disable protection temporarily (usually for 10-15 minutes).
  4. Run System Restore again to see if it completes successfully.
  5. Remember to re-enable your antivirus afterward for security.

Step 3: Run System Restore in Safe Mode

Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential files and drivers. This reduces the chance of conflicts causing the error.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Recovery.
  3. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
  4. After restart, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  5. When the computer restarts, press 4 to enter Safe Mode.
  6. Once in Safe Mode, open System Restore and try again.

This method often works because third-party software is disabled in Safe Mode.

Step 4: Check and Repair System Files

Corrupted or missing system files can cause System Restore to fail. Windows has built-in tools to scan and fix these files.

Using System File Checker (SFC)

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the black command window, type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
  4. If errors are found and repaired, restart your PC and try System Restore again.

Using Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM)

If SFC does not fix all issues, DISM can repair the Windows image.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (same as above).
  2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands check and repair the Windows component store. After completion, restart your computer and try System Restore again.

Step 5: Make Sure Volume Shadow Copy Service is Running

The Volume Shadow Copy service helps System Restore create backup copies of files. If it’s stopped, System Restore can fail.

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Scroll down and 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 OK and close the window.
  7. Try running System Restore again.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Perform System Restore

If the normal interface fails, you can try restoring your system using Command Prompt in Recovery Environment.

  1. Restart your PC and enter Windows Recovery Environment by pressing Shift while clicking Restart.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  3. In Command Prompt, type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
  4. This will open the System Restore wizard. Follow the instructions to select a restore point and start the process.

This method sometimes bypasses issues with the normal System Restore interface.

FAQs

Why does System Restore fail to complete?

Common reasons include corrupted system files, interference from antivirus software, insufficient disk space, or problems with essential Windows services.

Can I lose data if System Restore fails?

System Restore does not affect personal files but can uninstall recently installed apps or drivers. If it fails, your data remains unchanged.

How often should I create restore points?

Windows creates restore points automatically before significant changes, but you can create them manually before installing new software or updates.

Is Safe Mode necessary for System Restore?

Not always, but using Safe Mode can help avoid interference from third-party programs and make System Restore more likely to succeed.

Can I use System Restore if my PC won’t start normally?

Yes, you can use System Restore from the Windows Recovery Environment by accessing Advanced Options during boot.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above steps fix the problem, consider these final options:

  • Reset Your PC: Use the “Reset this PC” feature in Windows Settings to reinstall Windows without deleting personal files.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for expert help.
  • Backup Important Data: Before attempting more advanced repairs, ensure your personal files are safely backed up to an external drive or cloud storage.
  • Use Third-Party Recovery Tools: Some reputable software tools specialize in fixing Windows errors, but use them cautiously and only from trusted sources.

Conclusion

Fixing the “System Restore did not complete successfully” error in Windows 11 is often a matter of following simple, step-by-step troubleshooting methods. Checking basic settings, running scans to repair system files, and using Safe Mode usually resolve the issue.

Remember to always keep your system updated, maintain enough free disk space, and create restore points regularly. If you encounter persistent problems, don’t hesitate to seek official support or consider more advanced recovery options.

With patience and the right steps, you can restore your Windows 11 system and keep your PC running smoothly.

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