To create a restore point in Windows 11, search Start for “Create a restore point,” select your C: drive on the System Protection tab, select Create, type a description, and select Create again. Windows saves a snapshot of system files, installed apps, drivers, and registry settings that you can roll back to if a driver, update, or setting change causes problems. It does not back up personal files.
This guide covers the System Protection method, turning protection on if it is off, a PowerShell alternative, how long restore points last, how to use or delete them, and fixes for common errors. You need an administrator account. You can’t create a restore point while Windows is running in safe mode.
Create a System Restore Point in Windows 11
Step 1: Open the System Protection tab
Select Start, type Create a restore point, and open the matching Control Panel result. You can also go to Settings > System > About and select System protection under Related links.
Expected result: the System Properties window opens on the System Protection tab.
Step 2: Check protection for the Windows drive
Under Protection Settings, find the drive labeled (System), which is usually Local Disk (C:). Look at the Protection column next to it.
Expected result: it says On or Off. If it says On, skip to Step 4.
Step 3: Turn on System Protection if it is off
Select the C: drive, select Configure, and choose Turn on system protection. Drag the Max Usage slider to set how much disk space restore points may use, then select Apply and OK.
Expected result: the Protection column for C: changes to On and the Create button becomes available.
Step 4: Create the restore point
Select Create, type a description you will recognize later, such as “Before graphics driver update,” and select Create. Windows adds the date and time automatically.
Expected result: after a short wait, a message says “The restore point was created successfully.” Select Close.
Create a Restore Point With PowerShell
- Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal as administrator.
- Run the command below, changing the description text if you like.
- Wait for the progress bar to finish and the prompt to return.
Checkpoint-Computer -Description "Before driver update" -RestorePointType MODIFY_SETTINGSSystem Protection must already be on for the Windows drive. Microsoft’s Checkpoint-Computer documentation says the command can’t create more than one restore point each day and works only on client versions of Windows. If you already made one today, the command shows a warning and skips the new point, so use the System Protection steps above instead.
What a Restore Point Does and Does Not Save
- Saved: Windows system files, installed programs, drivers, registry settings, and system settings.
- Not saved: documents, photos, and other personal files. Use a real backup, such as our guide to backing up Windows 11 to an external hard drive.
- Stored locally: restore points live in the hidden System Volume Information folder on the same drive, so they don’t help if the drive fails.
- Not a reset: Reset this PC reinstalls Windows and is far more disruptive than rolling back to a restore point.
How Long Restore Points Last
Restore points don’t last forever. Windows deletes the oldest ones when the disk space you set with Max Usage fills up, and installing a Windows feature update removes existing restore points. On Windows 11 version 24H2, updates since June 2025 (KB5060842) also limit restore points to about 60 days. If a restore point matters to you, create it right before the change you are worried about.
Once System Protection is on, Windows also creates restore points automatically before some events, such as certain app, driver, and update installs. How often it does this isn’t guaranteed, so make a manual point before risky changes.
Use a Restore Point Later
- Press Windows + R, type
rstrui.exe, and press Enter. Expected result: the System Restore wizard opens. - Select Next. Check Show more restore points if the one you want isn’t listed.
- Select a restore point. Optionally select Scan for affected programs to see which apps and drivers will be removed or restored.
- Select Next, then Finish. Expected result: the PC restarts and shows a message confirming the restore when you sign in.
If Windows won’t start, open the Windows Recovery Environment and go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore. You may need your BitLocker recovery key. Microsoft covers both methods on its System Restore page, and our guide on how to do a system restore on Windows 11 walks through it in more detail. It also helps to make a Windows 11 recovery USB ahead of time.
Delete Old Restore Points
On the System Protection tab, select the C: drive, select Configure, and select Delete, then Continue. This removes every restore point for that drive, so create a fresh one afterward if you still want a safety net. Lowering the Max Usage slider also makes Windows discard older points sooner.
System Restore vs. Point-in-Time Restore
Some newer Windows 11 builds also offer point-in-time restore under Settings > System > Recovery. Microsoft describes it as a separate feature that can roll back more of the device, including apps, settings, and files. Its availability differs from System Restore, so check which option your PC has before relying on either one.
Troubleshooting
- Create is grayed out: System Protection is off for every drive. Follow Step 3 to turn it on for C:.
- Configure options are unavailable: your account may not be an administrator, or your organization may block System Restore through policy. Sign in as an admin or ask your IT team.
- “The restore point could not be created”: make sure the drive has free space, raise the Max Usage slider, restart, and try again. Third-party security software can also interfere.
- Restore points disappeared: a feature update, a full Max Usage allowance, or the 24H2 retention limit can remove them. Create a new one.
- PowerShell says a point was already created: that is the one-per-day limit. Use the System Protection tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a restore point save my documents and photos?
No. System Restore is for Windows system files and settings. Use Windows Backup, OneDrive, File History, or an external drive for personal files.
How much disk space should I give System Protection?
A few percent of the drive is usually enough for several restore points. More space keeps more points but uses storage you may need elsewhere.
Does Windows 11 create restore points automatically?
Yes, once System Protection is on, Windows creates some automatically before certain changes. Don’t count on one existing at the moment you need it; make your own before big changes.
Can I create a restore point in safe mode?
No. Start Windows normally to create one. You can, however, run System Restore from safe mode or the recovery environment to use an existing point.
Will System Restore remove apps I installed?
It removes apps and drivers installed after the restore point was made. Use Scan for affected programs in the wizard to see the list first.
Matthew Burleigh is the founder, head writer, and editor of Solve Your Tech, which he launched in 2012. He has written technology tutorials since 2008 and worked in IT since 2003, including small-business support, IT management, and consulting. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science from Arizona State University.
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