If you’re asking 'Can I stop system restore Windows 10', this guide explains safe methods to disable it, manage disk space, and prevent unwanted restore points while keeping your system stable.
System Restore sounds helpful—and sometimes it is—but for many Windows 10 users, it becomes an unnecessary background feature that quietly eats up disk space. If you’re trying to optimize performance, reclaim storage, or rely on more modern backup solutions, learning how to stop System Restore in Windows 10 is a smart move.
This guide breaks everything down step by step, in plain English, so you know exactly what you’re doing and why.
System Restore is a Windows feature that creates snapshots of your system settings, registry, and installed programs. These snapshots—called restore points—let you roll your PC back to an earlier state when something goes wrong.
How System Restore Works Behind the Scenes
Windows automatically creates restore points during:
You can also create them manually, but most users never do.
What System Restore Actually Changes
System Restore:
✔ Reverts system files and settings.
✔ Removes problematic updates or drivers.
It does not:
❌ Restore photos, videos, or documents.
This limitation is important—and often misunderstood.
Not everyone benefits from System Restore.
Low Disk Space Issues
System Restore can reserve several gigabytes of space without asking. On SSDs, that’s valuable real estate.
Performance and Speed Concerns
On older machines, background restore point creation can slow things down—especially during heavy disk activity.
Conflicts With Backup or Recovery Software
If you already use backup tools or recovery software, System Restore may be redundant or even cause conflicts.
Before you turn it off, understand the trade-offs.
Pros of Turning Off System Restore
✔ Frees up disk space.
✔ Reduces background processes.
✔ Prevents restore-point clutter.
✔ Better control over system behavior.
Cons and Potential Risks
❌ No quick rollback after failed updates.
❌ Harder recovery from system errors.
That’s why a backup or recovery alternative matters.
There are 3 feasible ways to help undo System Restore.
This is the easiest and safest method.
Step-by-Step Guide Using Control Panel
1. Press Windows + S, type Create a restore point, and press Enter.
2. Select your system drive (usually C:).
3. Click Configure.
4. Choose Disable system protection.
5. Click Apply → OK.
Done. System Restore is disabled. If the status shows Protection: Off, everything worked correctly.
Best for advanced users. This method is only available on Windows 10 Pro, Education, and Enterprise.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc.
2. Go to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → System Restore.
3. Enable:
4. Restart your PC.
For users who want maximum control.
❗Important Registry Warnings
Always back up your registry before making changes.
Step-by-Step Registry Changes
1. Open Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\SystemRestore
3. Set:
DisableSR = 1
DisableConfig = 1
4. Restart Windows.
Here’s the big question most users worry about.
Since System Restore doesn’t recover personal files anyway, many users rely on a dedicated data recovery tool instead. MyRecover is a practical option if files are accidentally deleted or lost due to system changes. It’s designed to scan hard drives, SSDs, and external storage to recover documents, photos, videos, and more—without requiring restore points.
This makes MyRecover a smart safety net after disabling System Restore, especially if file-level recovery is your priority.
Simplest Steps to Recover Lost Files With MyRecover
1. Download and install MyRecover: Install the software on your computer, preferably on a drive different from where the data was lost.
2. Launch MyRecover: Open the program to view all available drives and storage devices.
3. Select the drive where files were lost: Choose the system drive, external drive, or partition where the missing files were originally stored.
4. Start the scan: Click Scan. MyRecover will automatically perform a quick scan to find recoverable files.
5. Preview found files: Browse or search the scan results and preview files to confirm they’re the ones you need.
6. Recover the files: Select the files and click Recover, then save them to a safe location (not the original drive).
Knowing how to stop System Restore in Windows 10 gives you more control over storage, performance, and system behavior. While System Restore has its place, it’s not essential—especially if you use proper backups or recovery tools like MyRecover for file recovery.
Disable it confidently, protect your data wisely, and enjoy a cleaner Windows experience.
1. How to Re-Enable System Restore If Needed
Changed your mind? No problem. Let’s turn system protection back on: Go back to System Protection settings, enable protection, and set disk usage. Windows will resume creating restore points.
2. How to Delete Existing Restore Points?
Disabling System Restore doesn’t delete old restore points automatically. You should follow the steps here: Use Disk Cleanup → Clean up system files → More Options → System Restore → Clean up to remove them.
3. Are There Better Alternatives to System Restore?
Yes! If you disable it, replace it with something stronger.
Built-in Windows Backup Tools
Third-Party Backup Solutions
Modern backup tools offer:
Much more reliable than restore points alone.