After a long operation of the operating system, various system errors may occur, this is due to continuous operation, moving, deleting files and many other reasons. Therefore, “restore points” are used to restore system health in Windows 10, now let's talk about how to create them, and how to roll back Windows to one of these points.
It is standard for Windows 10 that restore points are created after installing updates, as well as after uninstalling them. In addition, points are created when updating drivers and applications, and if you decide to delete them, the system will also create a restore point.
You need to understand that a rollback to a restore point is not a complete change of Windows 10 to standard settings. Restore points contain only information about the most important Windows files that have changed.
Important! In addition to automatically created restore points, the user can also create and delete restore points himself.
Roll back Windows 10 to a restore point
Returning the system to one of the points is quite simple, we will analyze two options:
- Through the diagnostic tool.
- Using the command line.
Both options are very simple, and will lead to the desired result.
So, let's take a look at the first option:
- Go to the "Control Panel", click on "Recovery", there you will see the button "Start System Restore" click.
- Everything is simple here, click "Next", and restore points will appear in front of us, it can be either one, or there will be several. You will be prompted to select a recommended restore point, so that other points (created by the user and automatically) appear, check the box "Show other restore points".
- After choosing a restore point, click "Next" and then "Finish". As soon as the computer automatically restarts, Windows will notify you that the system restore was successful.
Command line
Now let's restore the system using the command line, this can come in handy when Windows 10 is running in safe mode with command line support. Other than that, it's very simple and fast.
- Open the "Start" menu by holding down the "Shift" key and clicking on the "Restart" item.
- Click on Troubleshooting, then open Advanced Options.
- Open the "Boot Options" item, in the next window click "Restart".
- In the window that opens, select "Turn on safe mode with command line support."
- In the command line, type "rstrui.exe", press "Enter", now select the desired restore point and run it.
How to create a restore point
On a note! In addition to automatic restore points, the user will need himself. This will allow you to always be able to roll back the system to the desired settings, without fear for various data.
To create a restore point you need:
- Go to the "Control Panel", open the "Recovery" section, then click on "Configure System Restore".
- In the window that opens, first read the information, and then click on the "Create" button.
- Come up with a description for the new restore point, try to write so that it is clear to you why you created the restore point, do not forget the time and date will be added automatically after the point is created. All, having come up with a description, click the "Create" button.
- After a short time, the restore point will be created, and the system will notify you as "Restore point created successfully."
That's it, now when you go to System Restore, another new restore point will appear there, which you can easily find according to the given description.
Set up automatic creation of restore points
In order for the computer to always have a backup option, and you do not have to constantly create new restore points, set up automatic creation of points, it will be much easier and more convenient.
And so to configure, follow the instructions:
- Go to "Control Panel".
- Next, go to the "Administration" section, go to "Task Scheduler" there.
- On the left, click on "Task Scheduler Library", select "Microsoft" there.
- Then "Windows" and there "System Restore".
- The “SR” file will appear in the middle at the top, right-click on it and then click on “Properties”.
- Go to the "Triggers" tab and click "Create", there you can set all the necessary parameters for new restore points. Learn more and set up the best and most convenient schedule for creating automatic restore points.
Do not forget that Windows can slow down due to many factors, and in order to eliminate errors, be sure to keep the trump card in the form of a suitable restore point.
Video - How to create, delete a restore point or roll back a Windows 10 system
There are many reasons why you may need to roll back your Windows 10 system. As a rule, users think about this when the computer stops booting or starts to work with problems. Features of Windows 10 also allow you to return the previous version if the new one did not suit the user.
If it is possible to start on Windows 10, you need to click on the desktop button "Start" - "Settings" - "Update and security". Then you need to click "Recovery" - "Return the computer to its original state."
In addition, it is possible that Windows does not start at all. Then you need to restart the computer, and while loading, hold down the key combination Shift + F8. The system will enter the recovery environment. In the menu that appears, select the Diagnostics item, then follow the same steps on how to roll back the Windows system that were described in the paragraph above.
Rollback to a savepoint
By default, the OS automatically creates backups at regular intervals. The protection function is responsible for creating restore points. In the event of a breakdown, you can restore the state of the files back to a specific date. There are three options for how this can be done.
- If the OS starts up, you can hold down the Shift key and choose to reboot the system from the Start menu. The recovery environment will open, where you will need to select one of the possible dates to which you can roll back the status of the program.
- The second option, how to roll back from Windows 10, is similar to returning to factory settings when you start your computer. It doesn't always work.
- The third option to roll back Windows 10 is to use a recovery drive. A distribution kit or a file specially created by the user can be used as a disk. It can be stored both on a CD and on a Flash drive. The device must be inserted into the appropriate drive. In the BIOS, at boot, select the drive as a priority so that it starts first. After the reboot, the recovery menu will appear, in which you can already select "System Restore" - "Diagnostics" - Advanced Options - "System Restore using a restore point".
What to do if rollback is not possible
In the case of using a artisanal version or due to the actions of malware, the process of returning to a restore point may be interrupted by an error. In this case, you need to either do a full rollback to the factory settings, or reinstall the licensed version from scratch. This can be done either via the Internet or from a physical medium.
In case of an error, you need to understand what happened to the system before it occurred. Perhaps an update was made or an antivirus was installed. A driver update or an improperly connected device can also cause the crash. There is also the option of improperly shutting down the computer or a dead laptop battery. If none of the options help, it may be worth seeking help from specialists. They will carry out a competent diagnosis and correct the consequences of the failure.
How to rollback to a previous version
The developers have considered the option of how to roll back Windows 10 to Windows of the previous version within 30 days from the date of installation. All data is saved in the C:\Windows.old folder and will be restored if the folder was not deleted by you after the update.
Before you roll back your Windows 10 system, you should make sure that the keys to the previous version are not lost. They are stored on a sticker on the computer case or on the disk included in the package. It would be useful to copy important data to external media or to a third-party service on the network.
To restore the previous operating system: "Start" - "Settings" - "Update and security" - "Recovery". If you still have the option to revert to the previous version, the menu will display a tab labeled "Revert to Windows 8.1" or "Revert to Windows 7". We confirm the choice with the “Start” command.
After the procedure, you will need to enter a password from version 7 or 8.1, and not from version 10. You may need to reinstall some applications.
If the period of 30 days has ended, then you will need a recovery disk created on version 7 or 8.1. An installation archive with an operating system or a saved image for a clean installation is used.
Another option for rolling back Windows 10 is to install an old program on a virtual version. In this case, you can not do without the installation disk and keys.
After a failed plan to migrate 1 billion users from lower versions to Windows 10 (despite aggressive promotion, they switched three times less), Microsoft is launching a new offensive on all fronts.
In early August, the Windows 10 Anniversary Update was released, which adds a number of new features and interface changes, as well as HoloLens support and new Cortana features.
But what if you were tempted and installed the "ten" for free, but you categorically did not like it, it works unstable, or you just changed your mind about informing Microsoft about everything?
Especially for you, we will tell you how to uninstall Windows 10 and return to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
How to roll back Windows 10 to Windows 7 or 8.1?
Without reinstallation, it will be possible to roll back the "top ten" to the previous version only if you installed it as an update to an existing system.
To roll back Windows 10, open the Start menu - Settings - Update and Security - Recovery. 
Open "Start", find "Options"
Select "Update and Security"
We find the item "Recovery"
Instead of the red rectangle, there should be an option to "Revert to Windows 7" or "Revert to Windows 8.1".
In our case, it is not there, because more than a month has passed since the update
In the window that opens, select "Return to Windows 7" or "Return toWindows 8.1" - depending on which version of the operating system was installed before. Then click the "Start" button.
In this case, the system will require an explanation why Windows 10 did not suit you. Tell Microsoft what you think about it (joke!)
Then just follow the instructions of the installer; after rebooting, the computer will return to the previous version of Windows.
Why can't I find the "Return to Windows 7" button?
This can happen for two reasons:
- It's been over a month since the update. After this period, the system deletes the files of the previous version of Windows.
- You erased files from a previous version using Disk Cleanup, or manually deleted the C:\Windows.old folder
Deleted, is there anything I can do?
You can still get rid of Windows 10, but you will have to reinstall Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 from scratch. Download the installation disk images of the desired operating system from the Microsoft website (Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 image).
Please note that you will need a license key for this. In the case of Windows 7, look for a sticker that certifies the authenticity of your copy of the operating system. For laptops, such a sticker can be on the bottom panel, under the battery, or even on the power supply.
With Windows 8 or 8.1 it's even easier. The key may not be needed at all - it is often sewn into the hardware, and during installation the system will find it itself.
Before installing the operating system, do not forget to do.
When should you roll back Windows 10?
"Ten" may simply not be to your liking, and this reason may be enough to return to the previous version.
However, switching to a new operating system always carries some risk. There are millions of unpredictable conflicts between programs, devices, and Windows 10 that can make your computer unstable.
It's good that antivirus solutions are compatible with Windows 10 and other modern OS :)
Good afternoon!. Not so long ago, we took apart a clean installation of Windows 10 1803 and upgrading to it from previous versions. Unfortunately, innovations and updates may not always please the end user and do not always work without failures and complaints. In such situations, the average user may want to return the previous version of Windows 10 and stay on it until the future. Today we will look at the procedure and return methods, so that nothing breaks for you.
What is a rollback?
We see another window with a mockery from Microsoft:
Thanks for testing this build. We'll install the next preview build run when it's available. It sounds like a threat.
Let's start the rollback procedure for Windows 10. Your system will go into reboot to return the previous version.
You will get a black screen where you will see that a previous version of Windows is being restored. After a few reboots, you will get the old system. In my case, this is Windows 10 Pro 1709. Now I think you understand the fastest method on how to return the previous version after updating, but as I wrote above, it is not the only one, let's move on to the second.
2 Method to downgrade Windows 10
In this method, Microsoft suggests using the system recovery tools that you can find either on the installation media or use the built-in ones. To get into them, do this.
Clamp and don't release the Shift button , right-click on the start button, from the context menu select "Shut down or log off the system - Restart". But here the trick is that the reboot will be performed followed by the download of recovery and diagnostic utilities, which will help you easily return the previous version of Windows 10.
You will see the "Select actions" window, in which you need to select the "Troubleshooting" item. We get into the "Diagnostics" window, it consists of two items:
- Return the computer to its original state. You will be able to keep or delete your files and then reinstall Windows.
- Extra options
We are interested in the item "Advanced options"
Well, we are trying to return the previous version, through the appropriate item.
The "Revert to the previous version of Windows 10" window will open, select the user account, if you forgot the password, then this is unfortunate.
Specify a password and click continue.
You will be reminded again that all your files will be saved, we say let's go and start the return to the previous version of windows 10.
Preparations for the rollback procedure will begin, after which the wizard will need to be restarted. As you can see, returning the system to a previous version of Windows 10 is a very simple matter, unless you just missed the point in 10 days. Once
As you can see, the procedure itself is very simple, the main thing is never to rush to install new versions, it is better to always wait at least a couple of weeks, thanks to this you will be able not to get into a bad situation and avoid losing your data or the system itself..
Today we will look at how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings and roll back the system to the state of only the installed operating system. The topic requires detailed consideration due to the virtual absence of these functions in previous editions of Windows and the concept of storing an image to roll back the state of the operating system.
The beauty of the "dozens" here is that the implementation of the above procedure does not require an installation disk, a bootable USB flash drive with software like True Image, or an image of a working system.
Attention, you should proceed to the execution of the instructions only as a last resort, when the only solution to the problem can be a re-installation of Windows 10. When the instructions fail, just install the operating system, making sure that no data is affected in the process.
All emerging and possible problems that accompany the process of rolling back the “dozens” are discussed in the last section. If you encounter one of them - move to the bottom of the page.
Before you learn how to reset Windows 10, you should know why reset it at all. Returning the operating system to its original state is necessary in cases where it does not function properly, and a return to normal operation is not possible.
Also, the function is a full-fledged replacement for reinstalling Windows 10, but with some advantage: saving personal files (documents, application settings).
Performing a reset from a running system
This method of resetting the "tens" is possible only when it starts. Everything is carried out quite simply.
1. We call the new menu "Options" (the fastest way to do this is through the combination "Win + I").
2. Click on the item "Update and Security".
3. Go to the "Recovery" subsection.
4. In the first section of the window that appears, click on the "Start" button.
It happens that the operating system reports that it cannot find the files required to perform the operation. In this case, go to the next section of the article.
5. We choose the most suitable option from the proposed ones (the first one is recommended, but it all depends on the situation).
Next comes branching: if you choose the second method, you will be prompted to format the disk or simply clean it. It also depends on the situation. For example, when you are going to sell a computer, the option of completely cleaning the disk is better, but the process can take a long time if the hard drive is large or there are many bad sectors on the surface of the magnetic platter.
6. In the last window, click "Reset" if you have not changed your mind.
The button will start the process of automatic installation of the operating system, during which the PC will restart 2-3 times. As a result, the computer will start with the new operating system.
If you choose the option with saving personal data, the Windows.old directory will appear on the system partition, where a copy of all the files of the previous Windows 10 is stored (for example, the contents of the desktop, the Downloads, My Documents directories).
Clean installation of "dozens" using the Refresh Windows Tool
One of the first Windows 10 August 2016 updates introduced the Refresh Windows Tool, which allows you to roll back the operating system or reinstall it while preserving user documents.
The utility copes with the rollback of the system in situations where the first method did not work for any reason.
1. As before, go to the recovery options.
2. In the last section, click on the icon "Learn how to start over with ...".
3. After that, the Microsoft website will open in the browser, where at the bottom you need to click: “Download tool now”.
4. After downloading, launch the application, agreeing to the terms of its use.
5. We choose the option to save personal information or set the method for deleting it, which we read in the previous section.
All other actions are carried out automatically.
The end of the process may be delayed due to many factors (computer performance, no fragmentation of files on the system volume, damage to some sectors of the system disk, a significant amount of saved information has been selected).
After booting a computer with clean Windows 10, it is useful to perform the following procedure:
- call the command interpreter Win + R;
- enter "cleanmgr";
- execute the command;
- Click on the "Clean up system files" icon.
As a result, you can free up to 23 GB or more of disk space.
Reset the system when it does not start
In the section, we will look at how to reset Windows 10 if it refuses to boot. This is where the motherboard or laptop manufacturer's tools, or a bootable flash drive or system recovery disk, come in handy.
For devices whose users acquired licensed Windows 10 at the time of purchase of the computer, there is an elementary method to reset it. This is the use of a combination of certain keys to roll back the device.
In most cases, when a system rollback is required, the computers were not purchased with a licensed "ten", so you will need a recovery disk / flash drive. It needs to boot into recovery mode.
1. Starting in the recovery environment, click on the search and troubleshoot item.
4. In the operating system selection menu, select Windows 10.
5. If you are sure of your actions, click on the icon "Return the computer to its original state."
6 After we get acquainted with the list of actions that will be done in automatic mode.
This is the removal of applications, resetting the system settings to factory settings, followed by the installation of Windows 10.
7. Click "Revert to original state" if you are sure that the operation is necessary.
This will start the system recovery process, which is followed by a computer restart.
Tip: if you changed the BIOS settings to boot from bootable media (changed the priority of boot devices), change their order back.
Possible problems resetting Windows 10
It happens that when you try to roll back the “top ten” to its original state and restart the computer, a window appears with the text “There was a problem when returning the computer to its original state. Changes have not been made." The error indicates problems with the resume files located in the WinSxS directory (they are damaged, missing, or have been modified by the build author). If, after an unsuccessful attempt, the “ten” starts up properly, be sure to check the system files for integrity, and check the hard drive for bad sectors.
If all else fails, perform a clean installation of the operating system, remembering to take care of important information on the system drive.
The second common mistake is a request to insert a CD (flash drive) with the operating system installation files. For these cases, the Refresh Windows Tool was developed, which was discussed in the second section of the current article. Also, the solution may be to use a flash drive / disk with Windows 10 installation files of the same bit depth and edition as the operating system installed on the computer.
The second option for the algorithm of actions, if it was not possible to return the operating system to its previous state due to the lack of media with recovery files, is to register your own image with a snapshot of the system to resume it. But at the same time, the “ten” should work properly, because operations are carried out in its environment.
- Download the disk image file from Windows 10.
- We mount it through the virtual drive emulation tool and copy the “install.wim” file located in the “sources” directory to the “ResetRecoveryImage” folder created on any partition other than the system partition.
- Instead of a physical drive emulator, you can use any archiver.
- Run the command line with administrator privileges and enter a command like "reagentc /setosimage /path "D:\ResetRecoveryImage" /index 1", where the path to the directory created in the third step is "D:\".
These actions create and register the system's recovery image.
After the successful completion of the operations, we restart the automatic reinstallation of Windows 10, having previously called it a backup copy. This will speed up the process of returning to the current state of the OS in case of problems.
If you have any questions, other problems or new solutions, feel free to write about it in the comments.
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