How to Create a Restore Point in Windows 10

To create a restore point in Windows 10, select Start, type Create a restore point, and open it. On the System Protection tab, select Create, type a name, and select Create again. If Create is greyed out, turn on System Protection for your C: drive first.

Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 27, 2026.

A restore point is a snapshot of Windows system files, installed apps, the registry, and settings. If a driver, app, or update causes problems later, you can go back to it. It doesn’t back up your documents or photos.

Turn on System Protection

System Protection isn’t turned on by default on every PC. Restore points only work when it’s on.

1. Select Start, type Create a restore point, and select it from the results. You can also press Windows + R, type systempropertiesprotection, and press Enter.
2. Under Protection Settings, check that Local Disk (C:) (System) shows On.
3. If it shows Off, select the drive, then select Configure.
4. Select Turn on system protection.
5. Drag the Max Usage slider to set how much disk space restore points can use. When the space fills up, Windows deletes older restore points to make room.
6. Select OK.

Create a restore point

1. On the System Protection tab, select Create.
2. Type a description you’ll recognize later, such as Before installing new printer driver. Windows adds the date and time for you.
3. Select Create.
4. Wait for The restore point was created successfully, then select Close.

Windows also makes restore points by itself before some updates and app or driver installs, as long as protection is on.

When to create one

Make a restore point before you:

• Install or update a driver.
• Install software that changes system settings.
• Edit the registry or change advanced settings.

Use a restore point

To go back, open the same System Protection tab and select System Restore. Then choose the restore point and select Next and Finish. Your PC restarts. For the full steps, including what to do if Windows won’t start, see how to restore Windows 10 to a previous date.

If it doesn’t work

• Create is greyed out. System Protection is off for every drive. Turn it on for C: with the steps above.
• Restore points keep disappearing. The Max Usage limit is too small. Select Configure and move the slider higher.
• You want to remove old restore points. Select Configure, then Delete. This removes all restore points for that drive.

Frequently asked questions

Does a restore point back up my files?

No. System Restore doesn’t change or save personal files. Keep a separate backup; see how to back up Windows 10.

How long does it take?

Usually a minute or two. It can take longer on a slow or nearly full drive.

Do I need to be an administrator?

Yes. Windows asks for an administrator’s approval to change System Protection settings and to create a restore point.

To back up the whole PC, see how to create a system image in Windows 10.

It’s a good idea to make a restore point before you change the registered owner name in Windows 10.

Microsoft’s guide is System Protection. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.

Matt Jacobs

Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.

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