How do I restore system settings to an earlier date?

System Restore is a Windows feature that allows you to revert your computer’s settings to an earlier point in time, called a restore point. When you use System Restore, some of your personal files might be affected. It can also help to resolve certain types of technical issues, such as certain software compatibility issues.

Before attempting to use System Restore, it is highly recommended to make a backup of your important data and documents within Windows. This will allow you to restore them if a restoring process causes any of the data or documents to be lost.

Step 1: Click on the Start Menu and select Control Panel

Step 2: Select System & Security

Step 3: Select System

Step 4: In the left pane, click on System Protection

Step 5: Verify the system drive is selected and click the Configure button

Step 6: Select “Turn On System Protection”

Step 7: Under the Disk Space Usage section, adjust the amount of disk space that’s used for the System Restore feature (Ideally, this should not exceed 5%-10% of the total available disk space)

Step 8: Click OK

Step 9: Click the Create button

Step 10: Name the Restore Point, then click Create

Step 11: After the Restore Point has been created, close the System Properties window

Now that you have created a Restore Point, you can use it to restore the system settings at any time. To do this:

Step 1: Click on the Start Menu and select Control Panel

Step 2: Select System & Security

Step 3: Select System

Step 4: In the left pane, click on System Protection

Step 5: Select System Restore

Step 6: Periodically, Windows will create new restore points and list them in the System Restore window. You can select one of the existing restore points or click on the “Create a restore point” link at the bottom and create a new one

Step 7: Once you’ve selected the Restore Point, click Next

Step 8: Follow the on-screen instructions to restore the system settings

Step 9: Once the restoring process is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

It is possible that some programs may need to be reinstalled or new drivers may be required after using System Restore. This is normal and is to be expected.

Using System Restore should be a last resort when attempting to resolve an issue, as it can potentially cause more problems than it fixes. As a precaution, it is always best to create a System Restore Point before making any major changes, such as installing new software or performing a major update.