Solved: System Restore Did Not Complete Successfully
If you’re searching for how to fix System Restore did not complete successfully, this guide walks you through reliable solutions—from checking system protection to repairing corrupted files—so you can restore your Windows setup smoothly and avoid repeated failures.
Last Updated December 11, 2025
What Does This Error Actually Mean?
When this message appears, it means Windows tried to restore your system to an earlier state but encountered a problem. Something blocked, corrupted, or interfered with the process, stopping the system from replacing essential files.
In short: Windows tried to "rewind" your computer, but something pressed stop.
How System Restore Works Behind the Scenes
System Restore takes snapshots of system settings, registry entries, drivers, and essential files. During a restore, Windows attempts to replace current system components with older ones. But if any file is locked, corrupted, missing, or actively being used, System Restore halts and fails.
Common Variations of the Error Message
Windows may show different error codes depending on the underlying issue.
Triggered when Windows lacks permission to modify certain files. Often caused by antivirus software.
2. Error 0x80070091
Commonly tied to corrupted folders like WindowsApps.
3. Error 0x80071a85
Occurs when system transactions conflict internally.
4. Error 0x8000ffff
Indicates deep-level system corruption or file damage.
Why System Restore Fails
Let’s break down the most common causes in detail.
Antivirus Interference
Antivirus software often locks or blocks system files, which prevents System Restore from modifying them.
Corrupted or Missing System Files
If the necessary files are damaged, System Restore won’t know how to replace them.
Disk Issues or Bad Sectors
System Restore requires a healthy disk. Bad sectors can interrupt the process.
Disabled System Protection
If System Protection is turned off, restore points become unreliable or unusable.
Damaged Restore Points
A corrupted restore point cannot restore anything.
Startup Program Conflicts
Programs that load with Windows may block system file changes, causing restore failures.
How to Fix "System Restore Did Not Complete Successfully" (Step-by-Step)
Let’s break down the most effective fixes.
Fix 1: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Programs
Antiviruses frequently cause restore failures by blocking file changes.
1. Right-click the antivirus icon in the taskbar.
2. Select Disable or Pause Protection.
3. Choose a temporary time frame.
4. Try running System Restore again.
Fix 2: Perform System Restore Through Safe Mode
Safe Mode boots Windows with only the essentials, reducing conflicts.
1. Hold Shift and click Restart.
2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings.
3. Select Enable Safe Mode.
4. Run System Restore again.
Fix 3: Run System File Checker (SFC)
SFC repairs corrupted or missing system files.
sfc /scannow
Restart after it completes, then try restoring again.
Fix 4: Use DISM to Repair System Image Issues
DISM repairs issues that SFC cannot fix.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Fix 5: Check System Protection Settings
System Protection must be turned on.
1. Open Control Panel → System.
2. Select System Protection.
3. Ensure protection is On for your Windows drive.
Fix 6: Delete Damaged Restore Points and Create New Ones
1. Go to System Protection.
2. Click Configure.
3. Select Delete.
4. Recreate a new restore point.
Fix 7: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot reduces startup conflicts.
1. Press Win + R → type msconfig.
2. Open Services tab.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services → Disable All.
4. Restart.
Fix 8: Check Disk Health Using CHKDSK
Repair disk-related issues:
chkdsk /f /r
Restart and let Windows scan and repair your drive.
Fix 9: Try a Different Restore Point
A single restore point may be corrupted. Try another if available.
- Keep System Drivers Updated: Outdated drivers can cause conflicts and system instability.
- Maintain Adequate Disk Space: Low storage is a common cause of restore failures.
- Create Restore Points After Major Events: Installing new software? Updating drivers? Create a restore point first.
Bonus Tip: Best Way to Recover Lost Data – MyRecover
System Restore does not recover personal files. If something goes wrong—files disappear, corruption spreads, or a failed restore breaks your system—you need a dedicated recovery tool. This is where MyRecover excels.
Key Features of MyRecover
- High recovery success rate.
- Fast and deep scanning options.
- Can recover data after system crashes.
- Supports HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, SD cards, and more.
- Preview files before recovering.
- User-friendly interface for beginners.
100% SecureHow to Use MyRecover (Step-by-Step)
1. Install and launch MyRecover.
2. Select the drive where you lost data. Click Scan.
3. Preview found files. Choose what to restore.
4. Click Recover and save files to a safe location.
You’ll need MyRecover if:
- Files vanished after a failed system restore.
- System crashed and caused data loss.
- Disk errors caused missing documents.
- You accidentally deleted important files.
In minutes, your lost photos, videos, documents, and more can be restored.
When to Use Alternative Recovery Options’
If System Restore still refuses to work, here are your next steps.
System Image Recovery
Perfect if you previously created a full backup.
Reset This PC
Reinstall Windows but optionally keep personal files.
Fresh Windows Installation
A complete reset when nothing else works.
Conclusion
The "System Restore did not complete successfully" error can be frustrating, but you now know exactly what causes it and how to fix it. From antivirus conflicts to corrupted files, most issues can be resolved without advanced technical knowledge. And if the process results in data loss, tools like MyRecover ensure your important files remain safe.
With these fixes and recovery tips, you can protect your system and ensure smooth performance in the future.