Alex Ruben
How to Perform a System Restore When Windows 10 Won’t Boot to Desktop
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps necessary to perform a System Restore on your Windows 10 PC when it fails to boot to the desktop. This process can help restore your system to an earlier point when it functioned correctly, thus resolving issues caused by recent changes or updates.
Step 1: Boot into Advanced Startup Options
To access the Advanced Startup Options when Windows 10 won’t boot, follow these steps:
- Start your PC and, as soon as you see the Windows logo, press and hold the power button to force a shutdown.
- Repeat this process 2-4 times. On the next boot, Windows should automatically open the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Step 2: Use Windows 10 Installation Media (if necessary)
If the Advanced Startup Options do not appear, you may need to use installation media:
- Create a
Windows 10 installation USB drivefrom a working PC. You can also create this media using a Linux machine or Mac if necessary. - Change the boot order of your PC to boot from the USB drive. Consult your PC manufacturer or the manual for instructions on adjusting the boot order.
- Once configured, boot your faulty PC using the installation media.
Step 3: Initiate the System Restore
Once your PC is booted using the installation media, follow these steps:
- The Windows Setup dialog box will appear. Configure your time and currency format, keyboard or input method, and language settings, then click Next.
- In the lower-left corner, click on Repair your computer.
- From the “Choose an option” screen, click on Troubleshoot.
- In the Troubleshoot menu, select Advanced options.
- Finally, click on System Restore. Windows will prepare the restoration process, which may take a few minutes and could restart your computer.
When prompted, select an administrator account, change the keyboard layout if needed, and enter the password. Click Continue to begin the System Restore procedure.
Additional Tips & Troubleshooting
Here are some extra tips to ensure a smooth System Restore process:
- Make sure that you have recently created a restore point before issues occurred, as this will be necessary for the process to be effective.
- If you encounter issues during the restoration, ensure all connections and devices are properly attached and functioning.
- If System Restore fails, consider other recovery options provided in the Advanced Startup Options menu.
Conclusion
Completing a System Restore can help resolve boot issues in Windows 10 by reverting your system to a stable point. If you have further difficulties or need assistance with other troubleshooting methods, check out our related guides for more help.