System Restore is a lifesaver when things go wrong on your Windows computer. You have installed a buggy update or recently added a problematic app – System Restore allows you to roll everything back to a working state. Also, you don’t have to lose personal files. What happens when you find out System Restore not working on Windows? Don’t worry, this guide will show you how to fix it.
What is System Restore?
System Restore is an integrated Windows tool that forms restore points. And, restore points capture your machine’s settings, installed apps, and certain files at a specific time. If anything goes wrong, for example, a Windows update causes issues, you can use the System Restore tool to return to a working configuration.
In short, System Restore is like a time machine for your PC. However, users have reported issues with System Restore. For instance, warnings like ‘There was a problem resetting your PC’ or ‘No restore points found’ have appeared on computers.
Is System Restore not working on Windows for your computer? Let’s find out the solutions.
Why are System Restore Points Lost?
Sometimes, restore points can go missing or stop working altogether. According to a laptop repair near me, the following reasons might trigger the System Restore not working on Windows scenario.
Changes in System Settings
Have you disabled System Restore or changed its settings? Then, for obvious reasons, the tool will stop creating restore points.
Low Disk Space
System Restore requires space to save the restore points it creates. If your drive is full, the system will remove older points to accommodate the new ones.
Corrupted System Files
Damaged system files can trigger the System Restore not working on Windows situation. This often happens after incomplete updates, crashes, or software problems. In such cases, data recovery from broken laptops is sometimes mandatory.
Windows Updates
Reportedly, some updates disable System Restore temporarily. Worse, they can interfere with the existing restore points or even delete them.
Antivirus Interference
Certain antivirus programs may prevent System Restore from functioning properly.
Hardware Failure
A fatal hard drive issue can also stop restore points from being created or accessed.
Manual Deletions
You might have deleted restore points accidentally. Or, you may have used cleanup tools that have removed the restore points somehow.
Fortunately, you can fix System Restore issues in most cases, let’s check out how you can resurrect the System Restore feature.
How to Fix System Restore Issues on Windows 10/11
Now that you know why System Restore points can go missing, it’s time to pay attention to practical solutions. So, you don’t lose important data and can safely revert to a working state of your Windows system.
Ensure System Restore is Enabled
First, make sure your PC has the System Restore option enabled. Sometimes, the tool may get disabled, either by the system itself or because of the user’s actions.
Here’s how to turn on System Restore:
- Click on the Start menu and type ‘Create a restore point’. Choose the best-match result.
- A window of System Properties will open up. Navigate to the tab called System Protection where you can see a list of available drives.
- Next, select your main drive, which is usually C:.
- After that, click on Configure.
- If the System Restore tool is already disabled then you will see the option to turn it on. Select ‘Turn on system protection’.
- Then, adjust the disk space usage slider to your preferences.
Finally, click OK. Now, you can hit the Create button in the System Protection window to create a restore point.
Check Disk Space for Restore Points
Are you still seeing ‘There was a problem resetting your PC’? Chances are that your drive has very little free space left. In this situation, Windows may delete older restore points to make room for new ones. To avoid this, a laptop repair near me recommends making free space to save both older and newer restore points.
Let’s check disk space with the following steps:
- Access File Explorer, first.
- Right-click on the C: drive or the drive you use for system files.
- Then, click Properties and look under Used Space and Free Space.
- If space is running low, you should consider freeing up space. Remove unnecessary files or transfer data to another drive.
Alternatively, you can allocate more space for System Restore.
- Search for ‘Create a restore point’ using the Start menu.
- Under the tab named System Protection, choose your drive and click on Configure.
- Then, use the slider to adjust the amount of space allocated for restore points.
Run SFC or System File Checker
As you already know, corrupted system files are a common cause why System Restore not working on Windows. Luckily, you don’t have to opt for a laptop repair with free pickup and delivery. Try the following guidelines, instead.
- Press the Windows + X shortcut key and choose Command Prompt (Admin). As an alternative, you can select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- In the command window, type the following command and hit Enter: sfc /scannow.
- Let the scan complete.
If your system discovers any corrupted files then SFC will attempt to repair them. Once the SFC scan is completed, you must restart your PC.
Try the CHKDSK Tool
Another command-line tool that you can use while seeing the ‘There was a problem resetting your PC’ warning is CHKDSK. Reportedly, this tool can verify the integrity of the file system and storage devices. Also, it can fix logical file system errors. So, you can use the CHKDSK tool when System Restore fails due to hard drive corruption.
Here’s how you can use it:
- Launch Terminal on Windows 11 or Command Prompt on Windows 10 PC. ensure you launch them with admin privileges.
- Next, copy the following command and paste it into the Terminal or Command Prompt window: chkdsk C: /f. Hit the enter key.
- Press Y from your keyboard if you see a prompt about checking the volume when your system restarts.
- Allow the check to be completed.
Check for Windows Update Issues
Reportedly, Windows Updates may interfere with System Restore settings. Well, it can be a temporary conflict or a shutdown. So, you must avoid corrupted Windows updates. Make sure you fully update your system as the latest changes may fix bugs associated with System Restore.
- Navigate to Settings using Windows + I.
- Next, go to Windows Update and click ‘Check for updates’.
- If you find any updates to be available, install them immediately and restart your computer.
After updating, see if System Restore functions properly.
Run DISM or Deployment Image Servicing and Management
Deployment Image Servicing and Management is a tool that uses Windows updates to fix corruption and system Restore not working on Windows. Now, check out how you can use it:
- Open Terminal or Command Prompt with admin properties.
- Then, copy-paste the following command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth. Don’t forget to press Enter to run the command.
- Now, wait for the tool to finish checking system files and underlying errors.
Deactivate Your Antivirus Software
Disabling antivirus or anti-malware software has its disadvantages, we admit. However, sometimes, antivirus or anti-malware software often interferes with System Restore points. So, you can temporarily disable your third-party antivirus or anti-malware software and see if it restores order.
Are you using the built-in option, Microsoft Windows Defender? Then, here is the step-by-step process to deactivate it.
- Click on the Windows icon and type ‘Windows Security’. Then, launch the app.
- Next, go to ‘Virus & threat protection’.
- Click on Manage Settings.
- Toggle off the option called ‘Real-time protection’.
Use Safe Mode to Run System Restore
Since Safe Mode allows only essentials to be loaded when Windows starts, you can try the mode to run System Restore. Thus, you can escape unnecessary interference. According to gaming PC repair experts, here’s how you can run System Restore in Safe Mode.
- Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialogue box.
- After that, type ‘msconfig’ in the Run box and hit Enter.
- Select the Boot tab.
- Next, enable the Safe Boot option.
- Click on Apply followed by OK.
- Restart your PC and run System Restore.
Manually Create Restore Points
If automatic restore points are not being created, you can still generate them manually. This is helpful when you are making any changes to the system such as installing new updates or software.
To create restore points manually:
- Press Windows + S to bring the Search widget and type ‘Create a restore point’.
- In the window of System Properties, click the Create button which is under the System Protection tab.
- Next, enter a description for the restore point.
- Finally, click Create.
Thus, you can manually create restore points in case you need to revert any changes.
Modify Triggering Properties of System Restore
Sometimes, changing triggering properties might get you rid of ‘There was a problem resetting your PC’. here’s what you need to do:
- Using the search box, open ‘Task Scheduler’.
- Then, from the left panel of the Task Scheduler Library, you need to follow the path: Microsoft → Windows → SystemRestore. Select SystemRestore.
- Select ‘SR’ and click on the tab named Trigger. Here, you can make the necessary changes.
- Opt for Conditions from the window of the user interface after creating a new job.
- Next, uncheck the box right next to ‘Begin the task only the system is on AC power’ from the Power tab.
- Also, uncheck the box right next to ‘Begin the task only if the computer is idle’.
Now, see if the System Restore issue persists.
Need Data Recovery from Broken Laptops?
If you are still stuck in the loop of System Restore not working on Windows then chances are that your data may be at stake. In that case, you can contact a laptop repair dubai.