Experiencing a problematic Windows update or system damage can leave your operating system inoperable and disrupt your workflow. To mitigate such risks, it's essential to establish a restore point in advance. This feature acts as a safety net for your OS, allowing recovery before issues escalate. Follow these steps to set one up.

With the restore point now in place, learn the process for activating it during troubleshooting.

Once completed, your machine will revert to the stable condition captured at the restore point's creation, restoring functionality.

Keep in mind that System Restore differs from a complete data backup. It targets core Windows components exclusively, excluding personal documents from its scope. During recovery, it neither preserves prior versions of your files nor removes existing ones. For comprehensive protection of all data, opt for external storage solutions or cloud services instead.

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Dominic Bayley, based in Australia, is an avid technology aficionado. At PCWorld, his expertise centers on PC gaming peripherals, including laptops, mice, headsets, and keyboards.