How to Perform a System Restore in Windows 11 using the Command Prompt

Humans can't travel back in time (at present) to change events, but computers can, metaphorically speaking, through a process called System Restore. This feature enables users to revert their operating system to a previous, functioning state in case of errors or issues. But what if the problem escalates, and you can no longer access the desktop? In this article from tools, we'll explore how to execute a System Restore from Command Prompt in Windows 11. Let's dive in!

Can I Perform a Windows 11 Restore from the Command Prompt?

If you have system restore points on your computer, you can undo the changes to a specific point in time. Although there are several methods to initiate a system restore, the simplest way is to use the "rstrui.exe" command.

If you can access the monitor, you can directly open CMD as an administrator and kickstart it. However, what if an update or alteration makes it difficult to boot your computer? That's where CMD truly shines. You can utilize it from Safe Mode and WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment) to regain secure control over the system.

Now, let's explore the detailed steps on how to perform a system restore in Windows 11 using the Command Prompt with Safe Mode and WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment).

How to Perform a System Restore using Command Prompt in Safe Mode

The first method is to utilize Safe Mode. Think of Safe Mode as the computer operating with its default factory settings. This is typically employed to determine if any system files or drivers are causing issues on your device. In Safe Mode, you can revert your computer's settings and operating system to an earlier state. Bear in mind that if you perform a restore in Safe Mode, you will not be able to undo the operation.

Quick Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt. 2. Type "rstrui.exe" in the Command Prompt window, and press Enter. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the system restore process.

Step 1. Restart your PC. While restarting, press and hold the Shift key.

Step 2. After the PC restarts, navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

Step 3. From the Startup Settings, you must select option 6 (Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt). Press the number key six or F6 to choose it.

Step 4. If the OS prompts you to sign in, use the administrator account credentials to log in.

Step 5. If your Command Prompt is open, type the following command and press Enter:

"rstrui.exe" translates to "System Restore Utility" in English. It is an executable file related to the System Restore feature in Windows operating systems.

Important: By default, the operating system stores the rstrui.exe file in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. If you find multiple files with similar names, use rstrui.exe only.

Step 6. After executing the command, you will see the System Restore utility wizard. Select one of the recommended restore points, or choose a specific restore point and click Next.

Next, follow the instructions on the wizard to finish the system restore process.

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How to Perform a System Restore in Windows 11 using Command Prompt in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

In this method, we will utilize the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to carry out System Restore. This Windows recovery utility assists in addressing issues when the operating system behaves abnormally. Let's explore the steps to restore Windows 10/11 using WinRE.

Step 1. Download the Media Creation Tool from the official Windows website and create an installation media or disc, if you don't have one. If you can't create the disc using CD/DVD, use the built-in tools to make a recovery drive.

Step 2. Insert the disc into the PC, start the PC, and use the BIOS keys such as F2, ESC, etc. (specific to various manufacturers) to access the BIOS settings.

Step 3. Access the Boot menu, and set the boot priority to use the CD/DVD or the USB drive to start the Windows installation. Use the "+" key to move the CD/DVD or USB drive to the top of the boot order. Once done, press Enter or F10 to exit the BIOS and save the changes.

Step 4. Click Next to access Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Step 5. Type "rstrui.exe" and press Enter to launch the System Restore Wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to revert your computer's changes to a previous state.

Performing System Restore with Command Prompt can be quite tricky. Occasionally, you might encounter issues where the process gets stuck or you receive an error message stating that the System Restore did not complete successfully, and Windows is unable to locate the System Image for restoration. Furthermore, the operating system might display a popup indicating the absence of any system restore points. Therefore, it's advisable to run a preliminary check before attempting this method.

Try using Windows Backup and Restore Software instead of CMD

If your operating system fails to perform a System Restore using the Command Prompt with Safe Mode or WinRE, you can utilize professional backup and restore software to accomplish the task securely and smoothly.

< a href="/backup-software/tb-free.html">Todo Backup Tools, a comprehensive and free backup & recovery software, enables you to restore your Windows effortlessly in just a few steps. It provides a safe recovery environment to seamlessly restore your system image without any complications. Serving as an all-in-one backup and restore solution, it conveniently clones, upgrades, and transfers your Windows operating system.

Using the security zone, you can safeguard your data from potential threats and backup your files to a cloud storage for remote protection. Moreover, it supports backing up disk or partition backups as well.

Some Highlights of Backup Software Tools:

Download Todo Backup now and restore your system image in the tool's recovery environment.

Step 1. Launch Todo Backup on your computer, and click Create Backup on the home screen. Then, hit the big question mark to select backup contents.

Step 2. To back up your Windows operating system, click "OS" to start the backup task.

Step 3. Your Windows operating system information and all system-related files and partitions will be selected automatically, so you don't need to make any manual selections here. Next, you need to choose a location to save the system image backup by clicking on the illustrated area.

Step 4. The backup location can be another local drive on your computer, an external hard drive, network, cloud, or NAS. Generally, we recommend using an external physical drive or cloud to store the system backup files.

Step 5. If interested, you can access customization settings like enabling an automatic backup schedule for daily, weekly, monthly intervals, or upon specific events, as well as creating differential and incremental backups by clicking on the Options button. Press "Backup Now" to initiate the Windows system backup process. Once completed, the backup task will be displayed on the left side in a card format.

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In summary

We update or download software on our computers in pursuit of improved performance or user experience. However, when these changes lead to undesirable results, it's wise to revert to a stable state. The System Restore feature enables you to do this effortlessly. Provided you have a restore point, you can perform a system restore from the command prompt in Windows 11 both in Safe Mode and within the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).

Using System Restore via CMD may not yield the desired results or unexpectedly fail. Additionally, it does not allow for the restoration of personal files. It is recommended to create a system image using tools Todo Backup and safely restore it within a recovery environment to revert your PC to a previous state.

Frequently Asked Questions on System Restore from Command Prompt

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding how to perform a system restore using the Command Prompt in Windows 11: 1. **What is System Restore in Windows 11?** System Restore is a feature that allows you to revert your system files, settings, and installed applications to a previous point in time, called a "restore point," when the system was functioning correctly. 2. **How do I open Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows 11?** To open Command Prompt with admin privileges, right-click the Start button, select "Apps," then "Windows Tools," and choose "Command Prompt (Admin)" or search for "Command Prompt" in the search bar, right-click the result, and select "Run as administrator." 3. **What is the command to create a system restore point in Windows 11?** You can create a system restore point using the `vssadmin` command. Type `vssadmin Create Shadow /For=C:` (replace 'C:' with the relevant drive letter) in the Command Prompt and press Enter. 4. **How do I perform a system restore using Command Prompt in Windows 11?** Use the `rstrui.exe` command to start the System Restore utility. Type `rstrui.exe` and press Enter. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and complete the process. 5. **Can I restore to a specific date using Command Prompt?** Yes, within the System Restore utility (launched by `rstrui.exe`), you can choose a restore point based on the date and time that suits you. 6. **Are my personal files affected during a System Restore?** Generally, personal files like documents, photos, and music should not be affected by a System Restore. However, it's always a good idea to back up important data before performing any system operation. 7. **What if System Restore fails?** If System Restore fails, you may try creating a new restore point, ensuring there's enough disk space, or checking for any software conflicts. If issues persist, consider using other recovery options, like a System Image Recovery or a clean installation. 8. **Is System Restore the same as Resetting or Refreshing Windows?** No, System Restore only rolls back system settings and files, while Resetting or Refreshing Windows reinstall or reset the entire operating system to its original state, potentially deleting all user data and programs.

Translation: 1. How do I perform a system restore in Windows 11 using the Command Prompt? 2. What are the steps to run a System Restore in Windows 11 via Command Prompt?

Open Command Prompt (CMD) with administrative privileges, and type in the command "rstrui.exe." This will initiate the System Restore wizard, providing the necessary guidance to complete the restoration process.

2. How do I perform a System Restore on Windows 11?

1. To initiate System Restore, open Control Panel, navigate to Recovery > Open System Restore > Next, and create a restore point. 2. Whenever you encounter issues or wish to revert to a previous state, you can use Command Prompt to perform the System Restore.

3. How to enable System Restore from the Command Prompt?

1. Launch Command Prompt (CMD) with administrator privileges. 2. Type "rstrui.exe" and press Enter to initiate the System Restore Wizard. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

4. How to revert Windows 11 to an earlier date using Command Prompt?

1. Press Windows key + R, type "CMD," and hit Enter. To run it with administrator privileges, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. 2. Type "rstrui.exe" and press Enter. 3. In the System Restore Wizard, follow the on-screen instructions to perform System Restore on Windows 11.