Can I Reverse a System Restore in Windows 11/10/8/7?

"Is it possible to revert the most recent System Restore in Windows? I recently executed a System Restore on my computer, but subsequently, the Windows operating system started malfunctioning. I'd like to reverse this action and restore my Windows OS to its previous stable condition. How can I undo the System Restore in Windows 10/8/7 or even Windows XP?"

When you experience regret over performing a System Restore, stay calm and patient. On this page, you'll find tips and methods that will guide you through reversing the operation, returning your Windows operating system to its previous state without losing any data on Windows 10/8/7/XP computers.

Regardless of whether you're using Windows 10, Windows 8, 7, or XP, there are some vital pieces of information that you should be aware of:

  • A data backup is highly recommended before undoing a System Restore.
  • A System Restore cannot be undone if performed in Safe Mode.
  • A System Restore cannot be undone if initiated from System Recovery Options.

Part 1. Restore Lost Data and Backup Valuable Files in Advance

While it is understood that executing a System Restore should not result in data loss within the %UserProfile% folder, it primarily removes applications, drivers, and updates while reverting the Windows system to a previous restore point. However, occasionally, for unspecified reasons, the operating system restore process may become stuck or fail to finish. In such cases, how can one recover lost files?

If you've completed the entire system restore process, how can you prevent unnecessary data loss when undoing the System Restore on your computer? Follow these tips to safeguard your data:

# 1. Recover Lost Data

If you lost files after restoring the OS from a restore point, cease using your computer and seek assistance from Data Recovery Wizard Pro. For a detailed walkthrough, refer to Part 3.

# 2. Backup Essential Files in Advance

You can either opt to manually copy and paste or utilize free backup software to simultaneously back up multiple files to another partition or an external storage device. Whichever method you prefer, both are essential and beneficial.

Once you've backed up your valuable data, proceed to Part 2 to discover specific methods for reversing the Windows System Restore on your computer.

Part 2. How to Undo System Restore in Windows 11/10/8/7/XP

Depending on the different Windows Operating Systems, the methods to undo this action can vary. Here, you can follow the specific instructions tailored to your Windows OS as a guide.

# 1. Revert System Restore in Windows 10/8.1/8

Here you'll have two options in Windows 10, Windows 8.1/8 to do it yourself:

Option 1: Undo System Restore at Boot (in Windows 10/8.1/8)

For Windows 10 users:

Step 1: Restart your Windows 10 PC into Advanced Startup, and select "Troubleshoot".

Undo System Restore in Windows at boot.

Step 2: Select Advanced options, and then choose "System Restore".

Enter System Restore to undo it.

Step 3: Click on the Administrator Account and enter your password, then click "Continue".

Add administrator account to undo System Restore.

Step 4: Click "Next" on the System Restore window, select the restore point which is labeled "Undo" under the Type column, then click "Next".

Click "Scan" to view the programs that will be affected and changed if you undo the current restore point.

Continue with System Restore undoing process.

Step 5: Click "Finish".

Finish System Restore undo process at boot.

Step 6: Click "Yes" to restart and return your system to its state prior to the System Restore.

Undo System Restore and bring computer back to the state before it.

Step 7: Finally, click "Restart" to complete.

After this, you can close the window, and you’ll be back to the desired system state by then.

For Windows 8/8.1 users:

Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog and type: shutdown /r /o /t 00 to access the Advanced Boot Options.

Undo System Restore in Windows 8

Step 2: Choose System Restore and check Undo System Restore in the appearing window, then click "Next" to proceed.

Undo System Restore with Windows 8 System Restore settings. Translation:

Following this, you can simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Restart your computer, and it will revert to the previous system state.

Method 2: Undo System Restore in Windows 11/10/8.1/8

Step 1: Go to Control Panel and click Recovery, then select "Open System Restore".

Directly undo System Restore.

Step 2: Choose "Undo System Restore" and click "Next".

Use System Restore option on computer to undo System Restore. Use the System Restore option on your computer to reverse the System Restore process.

You can click "Scan for affected programs" to see what will be changed after undoing the System Restore.

Scan affected programs while undoing system restore.

Step 3: Click "Finish" to complete.

Complete System Restore undo process.

Step 4: Click "Yes" to start and wait until the process is complete.

Step 5: When the process is complete, click "Close" to finish.

Restart your computer and sign in to Windows 10 or Windows 8.1/8.

# 2. How to Undo a System Restore in Windows 7

    1. Click Start and type System Restore in the search box. 2. Click "System Restore" from the resulting list. 3. On the System Restore window, click "Undo my last restoration" and then click "Next". 4. Finally, click "Finish" to reverse the System Restore process in Windows 7.

Once the process is complete, your computer will restart. Log back in, and you should be able to use your PC as it was before the issue occurred.

# 3. Revert System Restore in Windows XP

If you're using a very outdated Windows Operating System like XP, you might struggle to find a method to undo a Windows XP System Restore on your own. Thankfully, there's a solution that Software Tools have compiled for you to follow and attempt this task on your XP computer:

Step 1: Click the Start button, choose "All Programs" > "Accessories" > "System Tools" > "System Restore".

Step 2: Select the option Undo My Last Restoration and click Next.

Step 3: Click "Next," which is now labeled as the Undo button.

The Windows system will undo the System Restore operation, and your computer will restart automatically. You can then log in to your PC.

Step 4: Click the OK button in the System Restore window after the computer restarts.

Part 3. Recover Lost Files after System Restore Undo

Upon reverting the computer to its previous state, some Windows users might have overlooked creating a backup or extracting crucial files beforehand, subsequently encountering a significant data loss issue. In certain cases, users might even find that the undo process deleted files from their PC without seeking their consent.

Thus, the task at hand is to effectively restore deleted files and data. Cease using your computer immediately and turn to the tool Data Recovery Wizard Pro for assistance. It will help you scan and recover lost files to the greatest extent possible.

Follow the guidelines below to recover your lost files now:

Step 1. Run the Data Recovery Wizard on your computer. Select the drive where you lost files and click "Scan". If the lost files were on an external storage device, first connect it to your computer.

select a location to scan
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Step 2. The software will promptly initiate a quick scan for the deleted files and subsequently conduct a deep scan to locate additional lost files. Once the scanning is finished, you can utilize the "Filter" option to swiftly filter specific file types.

Select files to recover

Step 3. Click the "Preview" button or double-click on a file for a complete preview. Finally, select the desired files, click "Recover," and choose another secure location to save all the files at one go.

Recover lost data