Understanding what System Restore in Windows can do is key for people trying to get back lost files. It can bring back system files, settings, and programs from earlier times. But, it won’t bring back personal files like documents, photos, or music. So, if you’re only counting on System Restore to get back data, you might be let down to learn it can’t fetch files deleted from the Recycle Bin.
If your files got lost because of system trouble or updates that didn’t go well, System Restore could help. It might make your system stable again and run smoothly. But for getting back personal files, you should look into other options that can truly restore your important data.
Understanding System Restore: What it Does
System Restore is great for many Windows versions, like Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and even XP and Me. It’s not for Windows Server though. This feature helps you fix your computer by going back to an earlier time, called a restore point. Restore points are made often and before big changes, like adding new software or updates.
System Restore is easy to get to. You can find it in Windows or Safe Mode. For Windows 11, 10, and 8, you can start it outside of Windows through Advanced Startup Options. In Windows 7 and Vista, it’s in the System Recovery Options.
System Restore only fixes system files and settings. Your personal stuff, like documents and photos, won’t change. It’s great for fixing system changes but can’t bring back deleted files. For that, you might need other software, like Disk Drill, after using System Restore.
Running System Restore is usually quick. It might take 15 minutes to an hour, depending on a few things. This method fixes problems fast without messing with your files. Knowing how it works helps you keep your computer running smoothly by using restore points wisely.
Does System Restore Recover Files?
System Restore mainly works on bringing back key system files and settings from the past. It aims to reverse significant changes that involve the Windows registry and installed apps. This process helps you undo modifications in your system.
What System Restore Affects
System Restore changes several areas to fix your PC. It works on:
- Windows updates
- System configurations
- System files and settings
By using Shadow Copy, it takes snapshots that help keep your system running smoothly. Though it’s great for fixing errors, it doesn’t affect your personal stuff like emails or photos.
What System Restore Does Not Affect
System Restore can’t recover your personal files. It doesn’t deal with:
- Deleted emails
- Personal documents
- Photos and videos
- Other user-created files
For lost files like missing documents or media, you’ll need something more focused. Tools like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard or ONERECOVERY are designed for this. They can recover over 1000 types of files, unlike System Restore.
System Restore helps with system upkeep but doesn’t replace regular file backups. Always save your important files to avoid data loss. For valuable lost data, look into specialized recovery tools.
Alternative Solutions for File Recovery
When System Restore can’t get back lost files, looking at other options is key. Using data recovery software and backing up your files can help get your data back. These methods help when System Restore doesn’t work.
Using Data Recovery Software
Data recovery programs like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard help in tough situations. They’re great for deleted files or formatted drives. These tools are easy to use, even for people new to data recovery. Stellar Data Recovery and Disk Drill offer powerful scanning for various files and drives. AnyRecover can handle over 500 data loss situations across different devices.
EaseUS stands out in recovering files from the Recycle Bin. Stellar Data Recovery and Disk Drill are good for tricky recoveries from damaged drives. MiniTool Power Data Recovery and Recuva let you get some files back for free. And for photos and videos, MiniTool Photo Recovery specializes in multimedia file recovery within a certain limit.
Restoring from Backups
Getting files back from backups is another good plan. It’s crucial to have a strong backup habit to lower the risk of losing data. Backing up files can be on external drives, USBs, or through software. With MiniTool ShadowMaker, you can even back up your system before disaster strikes. It also has a feature to make a boot disk for backup without needing Windows.
A good backup plan means you’re safe even when System Restore doesn’t work. Keeping backups updated is smart for both businesses and individuals. It’s good to use either physical backups at your place or online through cloud services.
Steps to Create a System Restore Point
Creating a System Restore Point is crucial for keeping your computer safe. It lets you go back to a working state if problems arise. You must turn on system protection and set up Windows to make restore points at key times. Follow these steps to keep your system safe.
Enabling System Restore
First, make sure System Restore is switched on. Turn it on by setting up system protection for the drive you want to protect, usually the C: drive. Here’s what to do:
- Open the Control Panel and go to “System and Security.”
- Click on “System” then select “System protection” from the menu on the left.
- In the “Protection Settings,” pick the C: drive and click “Configure.”
- Choose “Turn on system protection.” Set aside 2-3% of your disk space for restore points for efficiency.
- Hit “Apply” then “OK” to turn on System Restore.
Creating a Restore File
After enabling System Restore, you’ll need to know how to manually create restore points. This is handy when auto points aren’t made before major changes, like updates or driver installs. To create one, just follow these simple steps:
- Head to the Control Panel, pick “System and Security,” and then “System.”
- Click “System protection” on the menu to the left.
- In the “System Properties” window, hit “Create” under the “Protection Settings” tab.
- Name your restore point with a date for easy identification, like “Before update on MM/DD/YYYY.”
- Press “Create” and wait. This could take up to 30 minutes, depending on your system.
- Once finished, click “Close” and then “OK” to wrap up.
By making restore points often, you keep your computer working well. Don’t forget, System Restore is just one part of protecting your data. Use it with other backups like cloud or local storage. This way, you’ll keep your system strong and bounce back quickly from any problem.
How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows
Recovering deleted files in Windows is simple if you know the right spots and tools. Windows has native tools to help get your files back, even if System Restore won’t help. We’ll look at two methods: the Recycle Bin and Previous Versions.
Using the Recycle Bin
The Recycle Bin should be your first stop for deleted files. When you delete a file, it typically goes to the Recycle Bin. This makes recovery easy. Just open the Recycle Bin, find your file, right-click it, and choose “Restore.” Your file will go back to where it was.
Using Previous Versions
If your file isn’t in the Recycle Bin, try the Previous Versions feature. This lets you bring back older versions of files and folders, if set up right. Just right-click the item, hit “Properties,” and click the “Previous Medium’sions” tab. Pick a version to restore and click “Restore.” Make sure you’ve enabled this feature in System Protection settings.
The Recycle Bin and Previous Versions can both help you get files back. For tougher cases, look at Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery, TestDisk, or third-party options like 4DDiG Free Data Recovery and Recuva. Act fast to increase your chances of a full recovery.
