How do I restore my Windows computer to a previously working state when it is not functioning properly?

To perform a System Restore on your computer, please perform one (1) of the options below:

Windows 7 & Windows 8.1

1. Save any open files and close all open programs
2. Right-click the Start  button
3. Click Control Panel
4. Click System and Maintenance
5. Click Backup and Restore
6. Choose one (1) of the following:
   • Restore my files to restore your files
   • Restore all users' files to restore the files of all users
7. Select one (1) of the following to look through the contents of the backup:
   • Browse for files to view individual files
   • Browse for folders to view individual folders
     Note: You will not be able to see the individual files when searching in a folder.
   • Search to type all or part of a file name and search the contents of the backup

Note: If searching for files or folders associated with a specific user account, type the location of the file or folder in the Search for box to improve results. For example, to search for all JPG files that were backed up, type JPG in the Search for box. To only search for JPG files associated with the user Bill, type C:\Users\Bill\JPG in the Search for box. Additionally, you can use wildcard characters such as *.jpg to search for all JPG files that were backed up.

Windows 10

1. Save any open files and close all open programs
2. Right-click the Start  button
3. Click Control Panel
4. Click Recovery
5. Click Open System Restore
6. Click Next
7. Choose the restore point related to the problematic app, driver, or update
   Note: If you do not see any restore points, it might be because system protection is not turned on. To check, please follow the steps below:
   1. Right-click the Start  button
   2. Click Control Panel
   3. Click Recovery
   4. Click Configure System Restore
   5. Click Configure
   6. Click Turn on system protection if not already selected
8. Click Next
9. Click Finish

Unfortunately, Technical Support cannot walk you through this restore process. If you do not feel comfortable completing these steps on your own, please contact Microsoft or the computer manufacturer.

For additional information on system restores or contacting Microsoft, please see the Related Articles and Related Links sections to the right.