Windows 10, like previous versions of this operating system, is not completely protected from failures, exposure to computer viruses, equipment failure and other problems. Therefore, if you have problems with the operation or loading of the OS, you can use the built-in tools to return the operating system to a working state.
There are several ways to restore Windows 10.
If the computer is booting:
Using a restore point.
Reset to factory settings.
File history.
If the computer does not boot:
Using the recovery disk.
Using the installation disk.
Now let's analyze these recovery options in more detail.
Method 1 – Using a system Restore point
Windows periodically saves information about programs, system settings, drivers, registry, and drivers at system restore points. This happens before significant changes to the OS, such as installing programs, drivers, or updating the system. You can also create a recovery point manually. You can read how to do this in this manual.
It is worth noting that after the recovery, your data will remain intact, and the drivers, programs and updates installed after the creation of the recovery point will be deleted.
1. Launch the system properties window (Windows keyboard shortcut + Pause) and open the "System Protection" item.
2. Click the "Restore" button, and then "Next". In the list of available recovery points, select the desired item and click "Next" again.
3. Check the selected parameters again, click "Done", and then "Yes" in the warning window. The recovery process will begin, and the computer will be restarted.
Method 2 — Reset to Factory settings
In Windows 10, it is possible to return the system settings to their original state. In this case, you can do a full reset or save user files. The advantage of this method is that if you want to reinstall the system, you do not need to install Windows from scratch, just perform a reset.
To use this function, you need to go to the next section: "Computer Settings -> Update and Security -> Recovery -> Return the computer to its original state" and click "Start".
Method 3 – File History
This method is not directly related to system recovery, but in combination with other methods it can also be useful.
"File History" allows you to make backups of your files in automatic and manual mode. You just need to activate this function and specify which folders you want to save. The system will automatically make backups of your documents with a frequency that can be configured. If necessary, you can easily restore the files of the version you need.
Method 4 – Using the Recovery disk
If Windows 10 does not boot, you can try to resuscitate the system using a recovery disk, which will allow you to access additional startup options.
After booting from the USB recovery disk, go to the "Diagnostics -> Advanced Settings" section.
Here you can use several options for resuscitation of the computer:
Restore Windows using a restore point. We have already considered this option above. Its meaning is the same, only the launch is done in a different way.
Restoring the system image. This method has been known since Windows 7. If you have previously created a system image in Windows, you can easily restore it through the recovery disk.
With the help of the following item, you can try to automatically fix errors during loading.
For more advanced users, it is possible to run a command prompt for system recovery or other purposes.
Well, the last option is to return Windows to the previous build.
It should also be noted that if, when creating a system recovery disk, you have written system files to disk, then you will have the opportunity to reinstall Windows from this disk. But if you bought a computer with preinstalled Window 8 (8.1) with a hidden recovery partition, then the version of the system that was originally supplied with the computer will be restored.