How to Disable or Enable System Restore in Windows

System Restore is an integral part of Windows System Protection. This feature allows computer users to undo unwanted changes on the computer and restore the system to a previous state, where it works flawlessly if there are saved restore points. This handy tool is a better solution than restoring the computer to factory defaults. While resetting to factory defaults restores the Windows state to its previous good working condition by completely deleting the contents, System Restore is an alternative that does not affect the user’s data.

Unfortunately, there are cases where a computer virus was able to infect the “saved” restore point. Thus, the virus is able to reinstate itself on the computer when this feature is run. So, for the purpose of virus removal, it is often recommended to delete or disable System Restore to prevent re-establishing a virus infection. To disable System Restore on the Windows operating system, please follow the guide below.

Steps to disable System Restore on Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11

1. Go to Windows > Start > and type System restore in the Search box and press Enter key.

Searching for System Restore image

2. A new window will open showing the System Protection tab.

3. Under Protection Settings area, click on the drive where Operating System is installed.

4. Click on the Configure button to show the current setup.

Image of configuring System Restore
5. Click on Disable System Protection or Turn Off System Protection and then, click OK and Apply to save the changes.

Image to disable System Restore
To enable back System Restore on Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11, just repeat the process and select the Turn on System Protection.

Disabling System Restore on Windows Vista

1. Click Start button.

2. Select Control Panel from the list.

3. Click on System and Maintenance.

4. Click System.

5. When System Properties window shows up, go to left panel and click on System Protection.

Image of System Restore on Windows Vista

6. On Available Disks section, uncheck the box beside the disk or drive you wish to disable System Restore.

7.Click OK and then,  hit Apply to save the settings.

If you want to enable System Restore on Windows Vista, just repeat the process and select the appropriate disk or drive.

It is recommended to always enable the function of System Restore so that users can restore the computer to its previous normal working condition in the event of a problem.

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2 thoughts on “How to Disable or Enable System Restore in Windows”

  1. Windows 10 system; Dell
    Hi, I received an email today saying someone had put a virus on my computer which could allow them to access my hard drive and steal all my information etc. unless I paid them some amount of money in bitcoin first. I took it for a scam like all the ones that come up from time to time. However I deleted the email and then ran a full scan using Windows defender. The scan came back saying it had found something called PUADIMANager : WIN32/OFFERCORE. It recommended I run a full scan, which I did (second time) which still showed the same virus and said it was now blocked. Then it said I should turn off system restore and run the full scan again. It doesn’t seem to say anything about how to actually get rid of it (unless I’m missing something). Can you give me some better step by step instructions? Thanks…

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