System Restore is a great tool that allows you to revert Windows and its settings to a previous working state. This is useful when you encounter problems with drivers that destabilize the system or software that malfunctions. However, at times, some of the changes you make may affect your system so badly, that you can no longer log into Windows. What can you do to make Windows work again? You boot System Restore and then use it to revert Windows to a working state. Here's how it is done:
How to do a System Restore without reaching the desktop in Windows 10 (from Advanced Boot Options)
In Windows 10, to be able to do a system restore from boot, you need to get to the Advanced Boot Options screen. There are many ways to do that:
If you are lucky and can get to the sign-in screen, press and hold the SHIFT key on the keyboard and then in the Power menu, choose Restart. Windows 10 reboots, and it loads several boot options that we discuss further down in this section.
If Windows 10 fails to boot normally three times over, the fourth time, it defaults to an Automatic Repair mode. To trigger the Automatic Repair mode, you must interrupt the normal boot process three consecutive times: use the reset or the power button on your PC to stop it during boot, before it finishes loading Windows. If you use the power button, you might have to keep it pressed for at least 4 seconds to force the power off. When your PC enters the Automatic Repair mode, the first thing you see is a screen that tells you that the operating system is "Preparing Automatic Repair." Wait for Windows to try to make an automatic diagnosis of your PC. Then, on the "Automatic Repair" screen, press the "Advanced options" button.
Once you boot using one of the methods shared above, you get to a blue screen that shows you several options, similar to the one below. Choose Troubleshoot.
Troubleshoot: Reset your PC or see advanced options
Then, click or tap on Advanced Options.
Troubleshoot: Advanced options
Now you have access to several system recovery tools. Choose System Restore in order to start it. It should be the first on the list.
Choosing to launch System Restore
Windows takes some time to prepare System Restore. It may even restart your computer or device.
Waiting for Windows to start System Restore from boot
When System Restore is ready, you are asked to choose a user account to continue. Select an account that is set as administrator on your Windows 10 computer or device.
Selecting a user account
You are asked to enter the password for that account.
Please pay attention to the fact that Windows shows you the keyboard layout it is using. If you need to change it, press "Change keyboard layout" and select another one. When ready, type the password into the appropriate field and press Continue.
Entering the password of the user account
System Restore is now started, and you can use it to revert Windows 10 to a previously working state.
You can also use a setup disc with Windows 7 and boot from it. After the setup is loaded, choose the language and keyboard you prefer and click Next. Do not click Install now. Instead, click the link that says: "Repair your computer."
Repair Your Computer in Windows 7
No matter which method you chose, the System Recovery Options window is loaded. Choose the keyboard language that you want to use and press Next.
Selecting the keyboard layout to be used
You may be prompted to choose the operating system that you want to repair. Select it and choose Next.
Choosing the operating system to recover
At this step, you should also be asked to select a user account set as an administrator and type its password. Do so and then click on OK. On some systems, this step might be skipped by Windows 7.
Enter the details of a local user
Your System Recovery Options are displayed. Click System Restore.
Launch System Restore from boot
System Restore is now loaded, and you can use it to restore Windows 7 to a previous working state.
Did you manage to do a Windows System Restore from boot?
Now that you know how to start System Restore even when you cannot log into Windows, it should be easier for you to recover your computer or device to a previously working state. To ensure that System Restore is easy to access, don't hesitate to create a system repair disc or a USB flash drive with recovery tools while your Windows computer or device is still working well. You'll be happy you did so later on if you encounter problems.
I am glad most you found value, I most certainly did too. I have never had the misfortune of doing this but I if I get a USB drive with all the system recovery data then it will save me a lot of effort and potentially a lot of money. Thank you everybody. Stay blessed and keep spreading the Love.
SUKK8669 ·
NONE OF THIS WORKS FOR ME AS C DRIVE WAS STOLEN OFF THE NETWORK …NOW WHAT?
Carlo ·
I was able to follow the steps mentioned then later on my pc says that SYSTEM RESTORE UNSUCCESSFUL because it was not able to access a file due to anti virus. It further states that i need to temporarily disable the Anti-virus. Do you have any idea how to do so?
Thanks in advance for your reply..
MikeB ·
I can’t believe how thorough and informative your articles are. I wish I’d discovered this site years ago. Thanks for all of your hard work.
Ciprian Adrian Rusen ·
You are welcome. 😉 Do not hesitate to subscribe to our newsletter, for more useful tutorials.
Julie Jackil ·
What would you do if you had all of these:
1. I have a full, recent backup image.
2. I have a recent System Repair Disc.
3. My current/damaged version of Windows is not bootable.
4. My BIOS is locked, so I can never change the boot order.
5. My BIOS is currently set to “HD boot” only.
John Doe ·
Surely too late for Julie Jackil but for others who could read this message, on some laptops with the bios locked, there is a key on the keyboard to temporary override the boot order, you must do it again every time you want to change the Boot order. For example, on my laptop it’s F9.
In my case, to boot one time from a device other than the default device specified in Boot Order, I restart the computer and press F9 when the F10 = Setup message appears on the screen. When POST is completed, a list of bootable devices is displayed. Use the arrow keys to select a device and press the Enter key.
James Pittman ·
Can it be used on your own computer and if so how do you start it? Jut put it in the drive and it automatically does the job?
Michele Terry ·
i can no longer log in. this has been going on for a little while. How do i get my google apps back? These apps are gone from the bottom of the screen. My laptop is a chromebook.
Carol ·
I can’t log in and have no admin acct so what can be done?
Ana ·
hi,
I never logged in on my laptop as an admin so there is no account.
Is there another solution, because apparently to repair I need an admin account!
Thank you
Steph ·
Unfortunately I cannot log into windows to get to the start menu…so none of these solutions appear to work (unless I am completely missing something?)
Do you have any advice on “How to Start System Restore When You Can No Longer Log Into Windows?”
Erica ·
Steph, you *are* missing something. If you go back and read the info under the first heading “How to Start System Restore Using Advanced Boot Options in Windows 8 & Windows 8” you will see you need to use a different computer to create a boot disk/flash drive and then use it to get into Windows on your own computer.
woods ·
I never set a password for my computer is there a default password I can put in?
henry ·
Great write up! I’ve had the misfortune of getting a lot of viruses and computer failures in the past, both software and hardware and so was always on the lookout for ways to save my computer. Having said that, this was one of the major frustrations I had with System Restore, along with the mysteriously disappearing restore points. There are software programs however that are able to restore one’s computer – I can attest to this, I’m saying this from my personal experience – even when Windows fails. Try reboot restore rx. Don’t mean to spam, but just wanted to share my experience with others.
Discussion (15)
I am glad most you found value, I most certainly did too. I have never had the misfortune of doing this but I if I get a USB drive with all the system recovery data then it will save me a lot of effort and potentially a lot of money. Thank you everybody. Stay blessed and keep spreading the Love.
NONE OF THIS WORKS FOR ME AS C DRIVE WAS STOLEN OFF THE NETWORK …NOW WHAT?
I was able to follow the steps mentioned then later on my pc says that SYSTEM RESTORE UNSUCCESSFUL because it was not able to access a file due to anti virus. It further states that i need to temporarily disable the Anti-virus. Do you have any idea how to do so?
Thanks in advance for your reply..
I can’t believe how thorough and informative your articles are. I wish I’d discovered this site years ago. Thanks for all of your hard work.
You are welcome. 😉 Do not hesitate to subscribe to our newsletter, for more useful tutorials.
What would you do if you had all of these:
1. I have a full, recent backup image.
2. I have a recent System Repair Disc.
3. My current/damaged version of Windows is not bootable.
4. My BIOS is locked, so I can never change the boot order.
5. My BIOS is currently set to “HD boot” only.
Surely too late for Julie Jackil but for others who could read this message, on some laptops with the bios locked, there is a key on the keyboard to temporary override the boot order, you must do it again every time you want to change the Boot order. For example, on my laptop it’s F9.
In my case, to boot one time from a device other than the default device specified in Boot Order, I restart the computer and press F9 when the F10 = Setup message appears on the screen. When POST is completed, a list of bootable devices is displayed. Use the arrow keys to select a device and press the Enter key.
Can it be used on your own computer and if so how do you start it? Jut put it in the drive and it automatically does the job?
i can no longer log in. this has been going on for a little while. How do i get my google apps back? These apps are gone from the bottom of the screen. My laptop is a chromebook.
I can’t log in and have no admin acct so what can be done?
hi,
I never logged in on my laptop as an admin so there is no account.
Is there another solution, because apparently to repair I need an admin account!
Thank you
Unfortunately I cannot log into windows to get to the start menu…so none of these solutions appear to work (unless I am completely missing something?)
Do you have any advice on “How to Start System Restore When You Can No Longer Log Into Windows?”
Steph, you *are* missing something. If you go back and read the info under the first heading “How to Start System Restore Using Advanced Boot Options in Windows 8 & Windows 8” you will see you need to use a different computer to create a boot disk/flash drive and then use it to get into Windows on your own computer.
I never set a password for my computer is there a default password I can put in?
Great write up! I’ve had the misfortune of getting a lot of viruses and computer failures in the past, both software and hardware and so was always on the lookout for ways to save my computer. Having said that, this was one of the major frustrations I had with System Restore, along with the mysteriously disappearing restore points. There are software programs however that are able to restore one’s computer – I can attest to this, I’m saying this from my personal experience – even when Windows fails. Try reboot restore rx. Don’t mean to spam, but just wanted to share my experience with others.