This guide explains how to restore an older version of your Windows operating system. Remember that to use System Restore, you need an existing restore point. If you want to restore a Mac, you will need to use Time Machine.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Create a Restore Point
Step 1. Open Start
Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Type System Restore on Start
This will search your computer for the recovery menu.
Step 3. Click Create a restore point
You will see this entry with the monitor icon at the top of the window.
Step 4. Click Create…
You will see this option in the lower right part of the System Restore window. Press it and a new window will open.
Step 5. Enter a name for the restore point
Click on the text field in the center of the window, then type in the name you prefer.
There is no need to enter the date and time, as System Restore will note them when the restore point is created
Step 6. Click Create below the text field
The computer will create a new restore point, taking a few minutes.
Step 7. Click Close when prompted
You will see this button at the bottom of the window.
Step 8. Click OK
Press this button located at the bottom of the System Restore window to close it. Now you can restore the system as many times as you want.
Method 2 of 3: Reset the Computer
Step 1. Open Start
Click on the Windows logo in the lower left corner of the screen.
Step 2. Type restore in the Start menu search bar
In this way, you will search for the "Recovery" program on your computer.
Step 3. Click Restore
You will see this entry next to the screen icon at the top of the Start window. Press it and the recovery program will open.
Step 4. Click Open System Restore
This is one of the first links in the Restore window. Press it and the System Restore window will open.
Step 5. Click Next
It's a button at the bottom of the window.
Step 6. Select a restore point
Click on the name of the restore point you are interested in in the center of the page. Before continuing, make sure the date displayed on the left is correct.
Step 7. Click Next
It is located at the bottom right.
Step 8. Click Finish at the bottom of the System Restore window
The computer will start the recovery. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour and the system will reboot several times.
Method 3 of 3: Reset from the Advanced Settings Menu
Step 1. Open the Advanced Settings menu
This method is useful when your computer keeps restarting. Just wait for the message "Press [key] for advanced options" (or a similar phrase) to appear on the screen when the system boots, then press the key indicated by the instructions.
- If you are looking for a solution for the blue screen of death, wait for the "Choose an option" screen to appear after a few minutes.
- To access the Advanced Settings menu from the desktop, open Start, click on the button Power at the bottom left, hold down Shift as you click Restart, then release Shift when the Advanced Options screen appears.
Step 2. Click on Troubleshoot
This button's icon depicts a screwdriver and wrench.
Step 3. Click on Advanced Options
You will see this entry on the "Troubleshooting" screen.
Step 4. Click on System Restore
This is the first item on the "Advanced Options" screen. Press it and the System Restore login page will open.
Step 5. Select your account
Click on your name. If there is only one user on the computer, you should only see one name in this window.
Step 6. Enter your account password
Depending on your settings, it will be different from the one you use to sign in to your Microsoft profile.
Step 7. Click Continue
This will log you into your account.
Step 8. Click Next
It is located at the bottom of the System Restore window.
Step 9. Select a restore point
Click on the point to restore. Make sure the date to the left of the restore point name is the correct one.
Step 10. Click Next
It is located in the lower part of the window.
Step 11. Click Finish
This button is located at the bottom of the window. Press it and your computer will restart. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour and the system will restart at least once.
Advice
- If you installed any programs after creating the restore point, they will be deleted when you return to the previous system state.
- It is always a good idea to create a restore point before making any potentially dangerous changes to your computer (eg changing registry values or installing a program that can cause problems).
