[Answered] Does System Restore Delete Files in Windows 10?

Does System Restore delete files in Windows 10? Can System Restore bring back deleted files? It doesn't affect your personal data, and cannot recover deleted files. Read this page to learn more about it.

Lori

By Lori / Updated on April 2, 2024

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Microsoft provides a very useful feature in Windows called System Restore that allows users to restore the state of their computer to a previous point in time. Therefore, when a system failure or other problem occurs, you can use System Restore to restore it to a previous good state.

Does System Restore Delete Files in Windows

However, many Windows 10 users are unsure whether System Restore will delete files and programs, and whether it can be used to recover deleted files not in Recycle Bin. Read on to get the answers.

Does System Restore Delete Files in Windows 10?

System Restore can create system restore points on your computer by using a feature called System Protection. In other words, the purpose of system restore is to restore your computer to a good previous state or normal working condition.

This process enables the restoration of Windows system files, registry settings, installed programs, and other data to an earlier point.

System Restore

You may wonder: Does System Restore delete files? No, System Restore does not affect personal files such as Documents, Photos, Videos, or other personal data. It primarily focuses on system files, registry settings, and system configurations. 

⚠️Notes:
  • In Windows 10/11, users need to manually activate System Restore. The restoration process will remove newly added programs, drives, and updates installed after the  select restore point.
  • If you upgrade or reinstall your OS, Windows automatically deletes the latest restore points that are not applicable to your existing Windows operating system.
  • If there is not enough used space, System Restore will clear old restore points.
  • In Windows 10/11, restore points cannot be retained for more than 90 days.

Will System Restore Recover Deleted Files

Can System Restore recover deleted files? As you can see, the main focus of System Restore is to backs up and restores Windows system files and system settings.

So System Restore cannot recover your deleted files from Windows 10/11. Precisely, if you've permanently deleted files, you cannot recover deleted files with System Restore.

However, it doesn’t mean System Restore is useless for file recovery. There are certain trade-offs with using System Restore.

Warning:

👍 After reverting your Windows to a normal working state, you can use data recovery software to recover deleted files if needed.

👎 System Restore may overwrite some deleted data and make its recovery less likely or impossible.

How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10/11/8/7

How to recover deleted files in Windows 10? As we mentioned above, if you permanently deleted files, you cannot recover deleted files from your personal folders by using System Restore.

Try to consider professional data recovery software like MyRecover as an effective and easy way to recover deleted or lost files in Windows 10/11/8/7. It offers a user-friendly interface and has a high success rate and fast recovery speed.

MyRecover
Powerful Data Recovery Software
  • Recover 200+ formats: Such as Word, PPT, Excel, Photo, Audio, Video, Email, Webpages, and Compressed files.
  • Recover deleted files from hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, SD cards, and other storage devices.
  • Advanced scanning method: MyRecover runs Quick Scan & Deep Scan automatically to find all the retrievable pictures/videos and other lost files on your computers.
  • Support various data loss situations and recover files to retain their original Path, Filename, and Format.

Step 1.Download and Install MyRecover

To recover deleted files in Windows 10/11 effortlessly. Launch MyRecover on your Windows. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

select-location-to-scan

Step 2. Scan for deleted or lost files

The advanced scanning methods - Quick Scan & Deep Scan will automatically scan all the deleted files from your selected hard drive. Then, you can search or wait to view them.

scanning-drive

Step 3. Select files and click recover

Select the files you would like to recover. Then click Recover x files. Please choose a new location for the recovered data instead of the original location to save the files.

select-deleted-word-files-click-recover

🌟Tip: MyRecover offers 3 subscription ways: Monthly, Yearly, and Lifetime. Select the way that suits your data recovery needs. Try to upgrade to MyRecover Pro/Tech for unlimited file recovery options.

Further Reading: How to Make a System Restore Point

System Restore is a useful feature to restore system changes. By creating a system restore point, you can restore computer to earlier date. This is an easy way to undo changes to your system and restore it to good working order. Follow the steps below to create a system restore.

Step 1. Type “Create a restore point” in the search box and click “Open”.

create-a-restore-point-open

Step 2. Under “Protection Settings” section, and click your system drive > Configure > Turn on system protection, then set up your Max Usage of your disk space, and click the “OK” button. 

turn-on-system-protection-ok.

Step 3. Then, click "Create" at the bottom. Type a description to identify the restore point. The current date and time are added automatically.

Create Point

Keep in mind that System Restore points cannot back up Documents, Videos, Music. For comprehensive data protection, consider using professional backup tools for Windows like AOMEI Backupper Standard. You can use it perform entire disk/ partition/file/ system backup as your needs with a convenient way.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Backupper on your Windows PC. Under the Backup tab, select “System Backup”.

ab-server-system-backup

Step 2. Locate a path to save your System backups and Start Backup.

ab-server-system-backup-destination

Closing Words

Does System Restore delete files? Can System Restore bring back deleted files? After reading this article you know the answer. System Restore is a valuable feature in the Windows OS. However, it is important to note that System Restore cannot recover your personally deleted or lost files, so you will need to use data recovery software such as MyRecover.

Of course, the most convenient way to restore files, folders, partitions, disks is to choose the recommended Windows backup software. This way can help you create an entire system backup to protect your important data effectively.

FAQs

How long does system restore take?
 
The process of running a system restore typically takes around 20-45 minutes, not extending to a few hours.
Does system reset delete personal files?
 
Performing a system reset reinstalling the Windows operating system while preserving personal files like photos, music, videos, and documents. However, it removes installed applications and drivers and reverts any customized settings.
Does Windows Recovery recover deleted files?
 
Windows File Recovery is a command-line utility designed for recovering deleted files from local disk drives, USB flash drives, or memory cards. You can learn how to use Windows File Recovery as it is more difficult to use.
Does a factory reset delete all personal data?
 
A factory reset wipes all data from your phone. It is recommended to try alternative solutions before resorting to a factory reset to address issues. To restore your data after the reset, you'll need to enter security information.
Lori
Lori · Editor
Lori receives professional technical training since joining AOMEI, and aims at helping users troubleshoot problems on data recovery and protection. She focuses on simple, efficient and practical methods, and provides professional advice. Being able to help readers and users is her ultimate goal.