Windows System Restore is an essential tool that lets you repair your Windows PC. System restore works by restoring a snapshot of the system files and the Windows registry and saving them as a restore point. So you can quickly bring back your PC to a working condition. However, sometimes you may end up getting the Windows system restore not working error or system restore taking a long time.
Why Does Windows System Restore Taking a long time?
Usually, Windows System Restore does take a lot of time. But if it’s too long, there can be some key reasons. Such as:
- System Restore Gets Interrupted: If the restore process keeps getting interrupted or faces any errors, it will take longer than usual—interruptions such as system errors, sudden shutdowns, or conflict with other software.
- Hard Drive Is Full: If your storage disk lacks enough space, it can slow down your system restore process as it requires additional space to create restore points and store temporary files. So make sure your disk has enough space.
- Old Backup Is Too Big: It might be too big if you’re restoring from a very old backup. So, you better wait for a while before trying out any fixes.
Fix: Windows System Restore Not Working; Taking a long time
It is normal for System restore to take an extended period. It depends on the backup size and other details. So I would recommend you to wait for a reasonable amount of time and only then try these below fixes:
1] Perform System Restore in Safe Mode
You can first try to run the System restore in safe mode. Safe mode boots up your PC with just the minimum number of software programs and drivers needed for PC functioning. So, if your restore process is stuck, trying it via safe mode might solve the issue. To do so, follow these steps:
- Boot into Safe Mode
- Navigate to Choose an option > Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- Over here, press F6 and select Enable safe mode with the command prompt to run System Restore.
- Next, choose an account and enter the password.
- In the command prompt, type rstrui.exe and press Enter.
- That’s it. Now you should be able to start System restore in Safe Mode.
2] Run Startup Repair
There is also a good chance that the boot manager or the system files are corrupted. As a result, you are having trouble completing the System restore process. To fix this, you can try running the startup repair by following the below steps:
- First, force shutdown your PC to stop the ongoing System restore process. And then boot up your PC again.
- Next, press Windows Key + I to launch Settings.
- Navigate to System> Recovery.
- Scroll down to the bottom and select click on Restart Now button next to Advanced Startup.
- From Advanced options, click on Startup repair and let it run.
Once completed, boot your PC normally and try running the System restore again to see if it works for you.
3] Run SFC
You can next run a SFC scan. It is a utility tool for scanning and fixing corrupted files. To run it, boot the PC into Advanced Recovery and then run the sfc/scannow command. The process will repair any corrupt file hindering the System Restore process.
4] Use Another Restore Point
If you have another restore point created, consider using it for system restoration. However, the only drawback is that it may not have the latest files, programs, and configurations.
Conclusion
So go ahead and try these methods to fix Windows System Restore not working; it’s taking a long time. Alternatively, you can also consider reinstalling Windows. But before you plan to do so, take a proper backup of your C drive to avoid losing any of your essential data.
