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Microsoft System Restore

Free#1 of 24 in System Restore Software

Microsoft System Restore: A free Windows utility for rolling back system changes while preserving personal files. Ranked #1 of 24 in System Restore Software by our editors (9.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for free Windows users needing built-in restore points.

9.1/10Editor score

Visit Microsoft

Microsoft System Restore9.1 Visit Microsoft

At a glance

Editor score
9.1 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Free Windows users needing built-in restore points
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Restore trigger
Manual
Facts checked
20 Oct 2026

Where it wins
- Reverts system files, registry settings, and installed programs
- Preserves personal files during restoration
- Runs from Windows or Windows Recovery Environment
Where it doesn't
- Supports Windows only
- Rollback does not replace personal-file backup
- Support is provided through documentation

Our verdict on Microsoft System Restore

Microsoft System Restore is a built-in recovery utility for Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is aimed at Windows users troubleshooting problems caused by software installations, driver updates, or configuration changes. The utility uses restore points containing system configuration snapshots, letting you return system files, registry settings, and installed programs to an earlier state. Personal files remain unaffected, so documents, photos, and other user files are not part of the rollback.

There is no separate purchase or paid tier: System Restore is included with Windows. Users can create restore points manually, while Windows may create them automatically when needed or during significant system changes. Before restoring, the utility can scan for programs affected by the selected restore point, helping identify software that may be removed or changed. Restoration can start inside Windows or from the Windows Recovery Environment, which is useful when normal startup or desktop access is unavailable.

The tool has a focused scope rather than serving as a complete backup system. It rolls back apps and system configuration but does not preserve a prior version of personal files, making a separate file-backup approach appropriate for that purpose. Platform support is limited to Windows, and deployment is desktop-based, so it is not suited to users seeking cross-platform recovery. Documentation is the listed support channel. Choose Microsoft System Restore when you need a free, built-in way to reverse system changes on Windows; consider another category of tool when file backup or broader platform coverage is required.

Your product? Our editors can test Microsoft System Restore in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Microsoft System Restore pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on support.microsoft.com

Microsoft System Restore fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Restore trigger	Manual
Rollback scope	Apps-and-system
Protected devices	Not verified
Platform support	Windows-only
Kiosk mode	Not verified
Classroom controls	Not verified
Central management	Not verified
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	Windows
Support	Docs
Pricing	Free plan
Website	support.microsoft.com
Facts checked	20 Oct 2026

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Featured on iTechGuides

Microsoft System Restore is listed in our System Restore Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 29 Oct 2026 · How we research and update