Use System Restore after a bad driver or app change

System Restore can roll Windows configuration, drivers and installed programs back to an earlier restore point. It is suitable for a recent system change, not a substitute for recovering deleted photos or documents. Select a point only after identifying when the problem began.

Before you start​

Back up important personal files first. If device encryption is enabled, locate the BitLocker recovery key before entering Windows recovery tools.

Do it step by step​

1. Open Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore, or run rstrui.exe from the Windows Run dialog. Choose Next to review available points.
2. Pick a point dated before the driver or application problem began. Show more restore points if needed, but do not assume an old point still exists.
3. Select Scan for affected programs to see which applications and drivers may be removed or restored. Save that list and obtain installers or license details you may need afterward.
4. Confirm the chosen point and let Windows restart. Keep the PC powered; do not interrupt the process because it appears slow.
5. After sign-in, test the original problem and check Windows Update, device operation and security software. Reinstall only necessary software from official sources.

Check the result​

You should see the result notice and a change in the faulty behavior. Confirm personal files are intact, but check them rather than relying on a general promise.

If something goes wrong​

If Windows cannot boot normally, Microsoft's Recovery Environment has a System Restore path. If no suitable point exists, choose another recovery option; creating a point now cannot undo an older problem.

Know the limit​

System Restore changes system state and installed programs, not a file history. Microsoft documents this scope and the affected-program scan. Keep a separate file backup for data recovery. Microsoft's System Restore guide