How to Enable or Disable System Restore in Windows 7 and Windows 8
InformationThis tutorial will show you how to enable or disable System Restore for all users in Windows 7 and Windows 8.
System Restore is enabled by default in Windows. If this is disabled, System Restore is turned off, and the System Restore Wizard cannot be accessed. The option to configure System Restore or create a restore point through System Protection is also disabled and grayed out.
You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do this tutorial.
EXAMPLE: System Restore Enabled and Disabled
OPTION ONEUsing a REG File Download
1. To Enable System RestoreA) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.
NOTE: This is the default setting.Enable_System_Restore.reg2. To Disable System RestoreA) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 3 below.3. Save the .reg file to your desktop.Disable_System_Restore.reg
4. Double click/tap the downloaded .reg file to merge it.
5. If prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.
6. When finished, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.
7. If the Configure button is still grayed out, then see: System Restore Configuration - Enable or Disable
8. If enabled, you can now turn on system protection for restore points.
OPTION TWOThrough the Local Group Policy Editor
1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.2. In the left pane, double click/tap on to expand Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, and System Restore. (see screenshot below) 3. In the right pane, double click/tap on Turn off System Restore to edit it. (see screenshot above)That's it,
4. To Enable System RestoreA) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)5. To Disable System Restore
NOTE: The default setting is Not Configured.A) Select (dot) Enabled, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below step 6)6. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below) 7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor window.
8. If the Configure button is still grayed out, then see: System Restore Configuration - Enable or Disable
9. If enabled, you can now turn on system protection for restore points.
Shawn
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