How to Restore Windows 10

Have you ever faced a moment when your Windows 10 computer just wasn’t acting right, maybe it was super slow, or programs kept crashing? Restoring Windows 10 can often resolve these issues by returning your system to an earlier, healthier state or giving it a fresh start. You can achieve this by using System Restore to undo recent changes, or by using the “Reset this PC” option, which lets you either keep your personal files or wipe everything for a clean slate. It’s like having a digital time machine or a factory reset button for your computer, helping you get back to a smooth, functional experience.

Tutorial – How to Restore Windows 10

When your computer starts acting up, like running slowly or crashing often, you don’t always need to call a tech expert right away. Windows 10 includes built-in tools that can help you resolve these issues yourself by rolling back recent changes or giving your system a fresh start. We’ll walk through the main ways to restore your Windows 10 computer so it works smoothly again.

Step 1: Open System Restore settings.

To begin, search for “create a restore point” in the Windows search bar, then click the result that appears.

This action will open a special window called “System Properties,” where you’ll find the “System Protection” tab. Think of a restore point as a snapshot of your computer’s system files, programs, and settings at a specific time. If something goes wrong later, you can use this snapshot to restore your computer to its state when the snapshot was taken. This method is great because it usually doesn’t affect your personal documents, photos, or videos.

Step 2: Start the System Restore process.

In the System Protection tab, look for the “System Restore” button and click it to launch the wizard.

The System Restore wizard will guide you through the process step by step. You’ll likely see a recommendation for a recent restore point, but you can also choose “Choose a different restore point” to go back further in time. Selecting an older point might fix issues that started a while ago, but remember it will undo more recent changes to your system settings and installed programs.

Step 3: Choose a restore point and confirm.

Pick the restore point you want to use from the list, then click “Next” and “Finish” to start the process.

Your computer will restart and begin the restoration. It’s crucial not to power off or unplug your computer during this time, as interrupting the process could cause additional issues. System Restore doesn’t delete your personal files, but it will remove programs installed after the restore point was created and revert system settings to the state at that point.

Step 4: Alternatively, reset your PC.

If System Restore doesn’t fix your problem, or if you want a more thorough refresh, go to Settings, then “Update & Security,” and finally click on “Recovery.”

Under the “Recovery” section, you’ll see an option titled “Reset this PC.” This is a powerful tool that essentially reinstalls Windows 10, giving you a fresh start. It’s like getting brand-new software, without having to buy a new machine. This option is particularly useful for stubborn issues that System Restore couldn’t handle.

Step 5: Choose your reset option.

Click “Get started” under “Reset this PC,” and you’ll be given two important choices: “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.”

Choosing “Keep my files” will remove apps and settings, but it will leave your personal documents, pictures, and other files untouched. This is a good middle ground if you want to fix major system problems without losing your precious data. If you select “Remove everything,” your computer will be completely wiped clean, like it just came out of the factory. This option is often used when selling a computer or addressing severe issues.

Step 6: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset.

After you make your choice, Windows will ask whether to download Windows from the cloud or reinstall locally.

You might also be asked to confirm what will be removed. Read these screens carefully so you understand exactly what will happen. Then, click “Reset” to begin the process. Just like with System Restore, your computer will restart and take some time to complete the reset. Keep your computer plugged in and don’t interrupt it.

After you complete the selected restoration process, your computer will restart and Windows 10 will load, ideally free of the issues it was experiencing. If you used System Restore, your system will be back to the state of your chosen restore point. If you reset your PC, it will either be a fresh installation with your files intact or a completely clean slate, ready for you to set up again.

How to Restore Windows 10 When It Won’t Start

If Windows 10 can’t boot to the desktop, you can still reach the same restore tools through the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

1. Open WinRE. If you can reach the sign-in screen, hold Shift and click Power > Restart. If Windows won’t load at all, turn the PC on and off during startup three times in a row, and Windows opens Automatic Repair on the next boot.
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
3. Pick a tool: System Restore to roll back to a restore point, Uninstall Updates to remove a recent quality or feature update, or Startup Repair to fix boot problems.
4. To reset instead, go back to Troubleshoot and choose Reset this PC.

If WinRE won’t load either, boot from a Windows 10 USB installation drive, choose your language, and click Repair your computer to reach the same menu. Microsoft lists every option in its guide to recovery options in Windows. For a System Restore walkthrough with dates, see how to restore Windows 10 to a previous date.

Which Restore Option Should You Use?

• System Restore is best when a problem started after you installed a driver, app or update. It keeps your files and is the least disruptive option, but it only works if restore points exist.
• Uninstall Updates is the quickest fix when trouble began right after Windows Update.
• Reset this PC > Keep my files reinstalls Windows and removes your apps but keeps your documents. Use it when System Restore fails or there are no restore points.
• Reset this PC > Remove everything is the right choice before you sell or give away the computer, or after a serious malware infection.

To make System Restore available next time, turn on System Protection and create a restore point in Windows 10 before big changes.

Windows 10 Support Status

Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Restore and reset still work, but a reset installs the last Windows 10 build available, and the PC only receives security fixes if it’s enrolled in Extended Security Updates. See how to enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates if you plan to keep using it.

Troubleshooting Restore Problems

• “System Restore did not complete successfully.” Antivirus software often blocks it. Run System Restore again from WinRE or Safe Mode, where third-party antivirus isn’t loaded.
• No restore points are listed. System Protection is turned off for the C: drive, or Windows deleted old points to free up space. Use Reset this PC instead.
• “There was a problem resetting your PC.” Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow, then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, restart and try again. If it still fails, choose Cloud download or reinstall from USB media.
• BitLocker asks for a recovery key. You’ll need it to use WinRE on encrypted drives. It’s usually saved in your Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey.
• The reset is stuck at a percentage. Give it at least two hours, especially on hard drives. Only power off if there’s no disk activity for a long time.

Tips for Restoring Windows 10

• Always back up your important files before attempting any major system change, including restoring or resetting your PC. You can use an external hard drive, a USB drive, or cloud storage services such as OneDrive or Google Drive.
• Understand the difference between System Restore and Reset this PC. System Restore affects system files and programs but not personal files, while Reset this PC reinstalls Windows and offers an option to keep or remove your personal files.
• Create restore points regularly, especially before installing new software, drivers, or making significant system changes. Windows can create them automatically, but manual creation gives you control.
• Know your Windows login credentials. After a reset, especially if you remove everything, you will need your Microsoft account or local account password to log back into your computer.
• Have product keys or installers for important software handy. If you use “Remove everything” or “Keep my files,” you may need to reinstall and reactivate some applications.
• Consider a “Cloud download” during a reset if your internet is fast. It often provides a cleaner, more up-to-date version of Windows than a “Local reinstall,” which uses files already on your hard drive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring Windows 10

Will restoring Windows 10 delete my files?

It depends on the method you choose. System Restore does not delete your personal files, like documents, photos, or videos. However, if you use “Reset this PC” and select “Remove everything,” all your personal files will be deleted. If you select “Keep my files” during a PC reset, your personal files should remain untouched, but applications not included with Windows will be removed.

How long does it take to restore Windows 10?

The time required can vary significantly. System Restore is usually faster, taking 15 minutes to an hour, depending on how many changes it needs to undo and your computer’s speed. Resetting your PC, especially if you choose to remove everything, can take several hours or more, as it involves reinstalling the entire operating system.

Can I stop a restore process once it starts?

It is strongly advised not to stop a restore or reset process once it has begun. Interrupting it could lead to system corruption, making your computer unbootable or causing more severe problems. Always let the process complete fully, even if it seems stuck for a while. If it appears completely frozen, you might have to force a shutdown, but be aware of the risks.

What if I don’t have a restore point?

If you try to use System Restore but find no restore points, that option won’t work. In such cases, your best option is to use the “Reset this PC” feature in Recovery settings. This will let you either keep your personal files or remove everything, effectively giving you a fresh start.

Is it better to reset or reinstall Windows 10?

“Reset this PC” is generally the easier option for most users because it’s built right into Windows and automates much of the process. A full “reinstall,” often called a “clean install,” usually involves booting from a USB drive or DVD and manually formatting the hard drive. While a clean install can sometimes resolve issues that a reset can’t, it’s more complex and requires more technical knowledge. For most common problems, “Reset this PC” is sufficient. Both routes are covered in how to reimage a Windows 10 computer.

What’s the difference between “Cloud download” and “Local reinstall” during a PC reset?

When resetting your PC, “Cloud download” will download a fresh copy of Windows 10 from Microsoft’s servers over the internet and use that to reinstall your operating system. This often ensures you get the latest version and can sometimes fix issues with corrupted local installation files. “Local reinstall” uses the Windows installation files already stored on your computer. It’s faster because it doesn’t require an internet connection, but if the local files are corrupted, it might not fully resolve your issue.