Here is how to fix system restore not working problems in Windows, whether the tool refuses to open, shows no restore points, or fails halfway through the process. Most failures trace back to a handful of causes, and each one has a clear fix.
Key Takeaways
- System Restore usually fails because System Protection is off, disk space is too limited, or system files are damaged.
- Turning protection on, checking the Volume Shadow Copy service, and running SFC and DISM solve most cases.
- Security software and disk errors are common hidden blockers, so check both before giving up.
- Safe Mode and the Windows Recovery Environment offer a second route when the normal method fails.
- An in-place repair upgrade is the last resort and keeps personal files in place.
Common Causes of System Restore Failing
System Restore depends on several Windows components working together: System Protection, the Volume Shadow Copy Service, free storage space, and healthy system files. When any one of them breaks, the whole feature stops responding. Think of it like a spare key kept in a drawer. If the drawer is locked, full, or empty, the key is useless when needed.
- System Protection is turned off for the system drive, so no restore points were ever created.
- The disk space reserved for restore points is too small, so older points get deleted automatically.
- The Volume Shadow Copy or Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider service is disabled.
- Corrupted system files interrupt the restore process.
- Third-party antivirus or disk cleaner tools block or remove restore points.
- File system errors on the drive prevent restore points from being read or written.
- A group policy setting switches the feature off, which is more common on work or school PCs.
How to Fix System Restore Not Working Step by Step
Work through these fixes in order. The early steps are quick and solve the majority of cases, while the later ones handle deeper problems.
Basic Checks
- Step 1: Restart the PC and try again. Open the Start menu, type ‘Create a restore point’, and open the System Properties window. Click System Restore, choose ‘Choose a different restore point’, and select an older point. A newer point may be the damaged one.
- Step 2: Confirm System Protection is on. Press Windows key + R, type systempropertiesprotection, and press Enter. Select the system drive (usually C:) in the Protection Settings list. If it says Off, click Configure, choose ‘Turn on system protection’, and apply the change.
- Step 3: Raise the disk space limit. In the same Configure window, move the Max Usage slider higher. Restore points are removed automatically once the limit is reached, so a tiny allocation means very few points survive.
- Step 4: Create a fresh restore point. Back in System Properties, click Create, name it, and wait for the confirmation message. A successful creation proves that the underlying services are working.
Tip: Create a manual restore point before installing new drivers or major software. Automatic points are not guaranteed to exist at the exact moment they are needed.
Service and File Repairs
- Step 5: Check the required services. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find Volume Shadow Copy and Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider. Open each one, set the Startup type to Manual, and click Start if the status is stopped. Confirm that Task Scheduler is also running.
- Step 6: Repair system files with SFC. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. Let the scan finish fully before closing the window.
- Step 7: Repair the Windows image with DISM. In the same administrator Command Prompt, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This can take a while, and the progress bar sometimes pauses for several minutes before moving again. Run sfc /scannow once more afterward.
- Step 8: Check the drive for errors. In an administrator Command Prompt, run chkdsk C: /f and agree to schedule the scan for the next restart. Restart the PC and let the check complete.
Interference and Advanced Fixes
- Step 9: Pause third-party security software. Temporarily disable any non-Microsoft antivirus or system cleaner, then run System Restore again. Turn the protection back on right after the test.
- Step 10: Try Safe Mode. Hold Shift while clicking Restart from the Start menu, then go to Troubleshoot, Advanced options, Startup Settings, and Restart. Choose Safe Mode and run System Restore from there. Fewer background programs mean fewer conflicts.
- Step 11: Reset the restore point storage. Turn off System Protection for the drive, apply the change, then turn it back on and create a new restore point. Keep in mind that turning protection off deletes all existing restore points, so only use this step when the old ones are not working anyway.
- Step 12: Check group policy on Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. Open the Local Group Policy Editor and go to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, System Restore. If ‘Turn off System Restore’ is Enabled, change it to Not Configured or Disabled, then restart.
- Step 13: Use the Windows Recovery Environment. From the Shift and Restart menu, go to Troubleshoot, Advanced options, System Restore. This runs outside the normal Windows session and often succeeds when the desktop version fails.
Tip: If the PC does not start at all, interrupting the boot process three times in a row usually opens the recovery menu automatically, which gives access to the same System Restore option.
Last Resort
- Step 14: Run an in-place repair upgrade. Download the official Windows installation media from Microsoft, run setup from inside Windows, and choose to keep personal files and apps. This reinstalls the system files without wiping the PC. If a clean slate is preferred, ‘Reset this PC’ is the alternative. Back up important files first either way.
Common Problems and Fixes
No Restore Points Are Listed
This almost always means System Protection was off or the restore points were deleted to free space. Turn protection on, increase the Max Usage setting, and create a new point. Older points cannot be recovered once removed.
The Restore Fails With an Access Denied Error
Errors such as 0x80070005 commonly point to security software or file permissions blocking the process. Disable third-party antivirus temporarily, then retry the restore from Safe Mode.
The Restore Finishes but Reports That Nothing Changed
Windows sometimes rolls back the attempt and displays a message that system files and settings were not changed. Choose a different, older restore point, and run SFC and DISM first to remove file corruption.
System Protection Options Are Greyed Out
A greyed-out Configure button usually means a group policy or an account without administrator rights. Sign in with an administrator account and review the System Restore policy described in Step 12.
Create Button Fails After Turning Protection On
This points to a stopped or broken Volume Shadow Copy service. Revisit Step 5, then run the SFC and DISM repairs before trying to create the point again.
Restore Hangs for a Very Long Time
A restore can legitimately take a while, especially on slower drives. If the progress screen has not moved for several hours, hold the power button to shut down, restart, and attempt the restore from the Windows Recovery Environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is System Restore not working on Windows?
The most common reasons are System Protection being turned off, too little disk space reserved for restore points, a disabled Volume Shadow Copy service, corrupted system files, or interference from third-party security software.
Why are there no restore points available?
Either System Protection was never enabled for the system drive, or older restore points were deleted automatically when the reserved space filled up. Turning protection on and raising the Max Usage slider prevents this from repeating.
How can System Restore be turned on in Windows?
Open the Start menu, search for ‘Create a restore point’, select the system drive, click Configure, and choose ‘Turn on system protection’. Then set the Max Usage slider and apply the changes.
Can System Restore run in Safe Mode?
Yes. Safe Mode loads fewer drivers and programs, which often removes the conflicts that cause the restore to fail in a normal session. It is one of the most reliable alternatives when the standard method does not work.
Does System Restore delete personal files?
No. System Restore does not remove personal documents, photos, or similar files. It does roll back system files, settings, drivers, and apps installed after the chosen restore point, so recently installed programs may need to be reinstalled.
How much disk space does System Restore need?
The amount depends on the Max Usage setting in the System Protection configuration window. A higher setting allows more restore points to be kept, while a very low one causes older points to be deleted quickly.
What does error 0x80070005 mean during System Restore?
It is an access denied error. Security software and permission problems are the usual causes, so disabling third-party antivirus temporarily and retrying from Safe Mode often resolves it.
What can be done if Windows will not start and System Restore is needed?
Open the Windows Recovery Environment by interrupting the boot process three times or by using Windows installation media, then go to Troubleshoot, Advanced options, System Restore and pick an available restore point.
