How to Enable Disabled System Restore in Windows 11/10

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System Restore is one feature that has saved me a lot many times. It allows one to return to the previously saved computer’s state, which reverts system files, installed applications, registry, and a few system settings. It comes in very handy when you have a messed-up driver or something that has caused a problem in your Windows desktop. But if System Restore is Disabled for you, then in this guide, we will learn how to Enable “Disabled” System Restore in Windows 11/10

The case of System Restore is Disabled in Windows 11/10

It is interesting to note that System Restore is also enabled on per drive/partition basis. After I upgraded to Windows 10, I was surprised that this option was entirely disabled. I could get to the exact point where I could enable it, but the option to turn it on was grayed out. If you are in a similar situation, follow-up these steps to enable it.

Enable Disabled System Restore in Windows 11/10

Use the following methods to enable the disabled System Restore in Windows 11/10

  • System Properties
  • Group Policy

You will need admin permission to resolve this.

1] Enable System Restore in Windows 11/10 via System Properties

Disabled System Restore

  • Right-click on the Start button and select System.
  • On the left part of the System windows,  look for a system protection link. Click to open it.
  • Switch to the System Protection tab. It will have a list of all the drives and status of protection ( on/off)
  • Select C drive, and click configure button.
  • If you can select the radio option Turn on System protection in this window, you are good to go. Set it up and create a restore point.
  • If you cannot, then follow up to the next section.

2] Enable System Restore via Group Policy Editor

  • Type GPEDIT.MSC in your Start Search box. It will list the app Group Policy Editor.
  • Now follow this path Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > System Restore.
  • Look for a setting that says Turn Off System Restore. It is not configured by default.
  • Double click it and select Disabled.
  • Click OK.

System Restore Policy Editor

Now follow the steps to go to the System Restore option, and you will be able to turn on the System protection for any of the drives. Make sure to keep enough space on the drive to enable System Restore.

Always make sure to keep System Restore enabled, especially for the drive on which Windows is installed.

Ashish Mohta
A die-hard fan of Windows, PC Gaming, and Xbox. He is a seasoned content writer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He is a specialist in writing about Windows, software reviews, troubleshooting Windows, and automation.

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