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Undo a bad driver or update with System Restore

Step 1 of 3

Open Create a restore point

Click Start, type restore point, then open Create a restore point.

The simulation shows Windows in English, like most laptops.

  1. Open Create a restore point

    Click Start, type restore point, then open Create a restore point.

    Startrestore pointCreate a restore point

  2. Click System Restore…

    Then click Next.

    System ProtectionSystem Restore…

  3. Pick a date before the problem, then Finish

    Choose a restore point from before the problem started, click Next, then Finish. The laptop restarts by itself.

    Your photos and documents are not touched. Apps installed after that date are removed.

From basic to technician

TechnicianWindows won’t start: Startup Repair
TechnicianUndo a bad driver or update with System RestoreYou are here
Technical details (for the curious)

What gets restored

System Restore returns Windows system files, the registry, drivers and apps to how they were when the restore point was made. Personal files in Documents, Pictures and Desktop are not changed.

When restore points are made

Automatically before Windows Update installs a driver or a big update, and when many apps are installed, as long as System Protection is on for drive C:. Click Scan for affected programs to see which apps will be removed.

Turning on System Protection

In the System Properties window, choose Local Disk (C:) › Configure › Turn on system protection and give it 3–5% of the disk. Then click Create to make a restore point right now.

If Windows won’t start

Force the laptop off twice while the Windows logo shows. Windows opens Automatic Repair › Advanced options › Troubleshoot › Advanced options › System Restore.

Coming soon

Still not fixed?

In the next update you can tell us what happened, and our AI helper will suggest another way. Until then, restart the device and go through the steps once more.