How to perform a System Restore

A System Restore helps to restore a computer’s system files back to a previous point in time and is normally used for troubleshooting or repairing computer issues. It undoes any changes to the system without affecting your files or emails.

You may have installed a new driver or programme that causes an unwanted, unexpected change to your computer. Normally, you’d uninstall the programme and be done with it, but sometimes it doesn’t fix the issue. That’s where a System Restore comes in handy! It can take you back to a time before you installed the programme (not literally, we haven’t mastered time travel just yet…). Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing a System Restore.

Step one: Save and close any documents you have open. Go to the Start Menu and type ‘System Restore’ into the ‘Search programs and files’ bar. Hit Enter.

This will open up the System Restore interface:

Step 2: Click ‘Next>’ , taking you to the selection screen. Here, you’ll be able to choose your restore point. If you’d like to go back further, click ‘Show more restore points’.

Step 3: Click ‘Scan for affected programs’ to see which programs or drivers will be affected by the Restore. This will help you decide how far back you’d like to go. Click ‘Close’ when you’re done.

Step 4: Make sure that the restore point is properly highlighted and click ‘Next’. You’ll be asked to confirm the Restore, so click ‘Finish’ when you’ve read it. Your computer will restart and the System Restore will begin.

The time it takes to complete will vary depending on how far back you go and the size of your the program or driver, but once it has finished, Windows will boot as normal.