Windows Update & System Restore points

martinlest · 27 Jan 2018

According to Microsoft:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa378910(v=vs.85).aspx

AutoUpdate provides an easy way for users to download critical Windows updates. After the update is downloaded, the user can install the update on the system. If the user chooses to install the update, System Restore creates a restore point before the installation of the update begins.

Oddly, I soon accumulate lots of System Restore points made by Windows Update, even though I have Update set just to inform me of updates ready to download. I am getting these Restore points, even though I haven't downloaded any updates, let alone install them. How could this be happening? Any way to stop these restore points being created unless I actually download and install an update?

MeOnMine · 27 Jan 2018

Hi, it is in my advice to use the practice of "Imageing" your computer.
This means that you can now turn System Restore pionts Off, saveing space.
Macrium Reflect free is recommended, here is a tutorial.
I Image a minimum of 1 times per month, just before updates.
Or if I wish to play with some software that I am not sure about.
This way no matter what problem I have I can always put my computer back to before the issue.

Wayne

Ranger4 · 27 Jan 2018

martinlest. The MS website you refer to mentions that automatic Restore Points are created every so often even if there are no new Updates.

You can prevent automatic Restore Points by opening Control Panel, select System. then Advanced System Settings (listed in LH margin), then select the System Protection tab, then click on the Configure button & you will a list of options, one being Turn Off System Protection. You can also Delete any saved Restore Point & you can set the disc space used for Restore Point to zero. Don't forget to click on the OK button to save any changes you made.

MeOnMine's advice on using back up images is worth it's weight in gold. I also do a weekly back up image every week using macrium Reflect.

martinlest · 28 Jan 2018

I certainly make a backup image every so often (I have stopped using Macrium though as it let me down too often with Image Not Valid or some such thing; last time was just a week ago, with an image I had only made a couple of weeks before). I've gone back to using Windows 7 native imager - not perfect, but as reliable as any I have tried (and I have tried many over the years). Each to his own, but I would never use a disc image instead of System Restore, restoring an image is a last resort for me.

The restore points in question are not automatic ones, they are made by Windows Update. I have a bit of software called System Restore Manager (I have used it for years), which allows you to delete specific Restore Points, and shows which software created them (user, automatic, update or whatever).

It's not a huge problem of course, I can just delete whichever restore points I don't want, as I say. But it does seem that Windows Update is making points at times that go against what Microsoft has written.

MeOnMine · 28 Jan 2018

Yes, ok, each to his own.
As said I don't use Restore so can't really help in that realm.
I would say that you need a little more practice with Macrium as it is highly regarded and stable.
I use paid version of Paragon for business and that to has never faulted.
I have had Restore and Windows Backup fail, so please keep a known good image just in case.

torchwood · 28 Jan 2018

Hi Martin,
just comments from me

The main reason utilites like Macrium fail - non standard set-up
(Dont use EUFI so purely Legacy.)
Standard set-up
100mb system reserved (the active partition) followed by all the rest.
BIG NOTE - Macrium makes use of the System reserved partition and DONT turn of Volume shadow copy

As for your imaging are you talking about the MS create system image or purely system restore
By the way YOU govern the size of this via the cofiguration setting

As MS now only issue Cumulative monthly updates, second Tuesday of the month, Turn Updating OFF and check a day or so afterwards, (dont go for the Previews)
If you dont use Hibernation turn it of to save space

Roy

Layback Bear · 28 Jan 2018

I use both Restore points and Macrium Reflect.
Other than Windows 7 their are 3rd party programs that also make Restore points. One just has to look at their programs and see if they are making backups.
I keep my Restore Points to 10 % of disk space used and don't have a problem.
I use Ccleaner to check my Restore Points and remove the ones I don't want.
I also don't use hibernation.

Windows Update & System Restore points-ccleaner-restore-points.-today..png

Windows Update & System Restore points-system-protection.png

Jack