G8 users always have the opportunity to return the OS to a working state in case of unforeseen situations. However, the “rollback” option as such is not something new. Previous versions of the Microsoft product also provided “return” functionality. And yet, restoring the Windows 8 system is an order of magnitude faster and, importantly, in a more correct manner. The rollback scenario in the new OS has become, so to speak, multifaceted and can be implemented under different conditions, including unfavorable moments when an emergency condition does not allow the standard “return mechanism” to be used. If you are interested in knowing what effective measures are provided in Windows 8 in order to return your computer to a particular operating state, read on for some useful tips. Make sure that you are using the appropriate method when restoring the OS.
A purely rhetorical question: why is this necessary?
Yes, the developers of the new OS really did their best. A significantly time-saving protective procedure called “Windows 8 system recovery,” when implemented, does not require the user to have in-depth knowledge in the computer field. Now, in the event that the operating system has ceased to function fully or does not want to boot at all, the owner of the eight only needs to press a couple of keys - and the lost stability will be restored using Windows operating tools.
At any time, under any circumstances, you can “roll back” settings and parameters that critically affect the performance of the system. You don't have to reinstall the entire OS and plunge into the sometimes tedious process of debugging the working environment. Restoring the Windows 8 system is the optimal solution, designed for speed and comfort when solving various problems related to “rollback”. If you don't agree with this, hurry up and change your mind!
How it works?
Let's say that as a result of installing certain software, your system began to work unstable. If you are a beginner, then for many reasons the easiest way to return everything to its place is to “roll back” the OS to its default settings.
- Move the marker to the lower right corner of the screen.
- From the options, select "Options".
- Activate the item of the same name that appears at the very bottom of the toolbar with the addition “Change... PC”.
- In the new window, click on the “Update and Recovery” section.
- Use the item indicated at the end of the list that opens.
Attention: no matter which method you use, programs and applications will no longer be available for use. Registry settings and settings will be overwritten and changed to default values.
How to restore a Windows 8 system: three options for a standard “rollback”
So, in a new window the user is given the right to choose:
- Recover your PC without deleting files.
- Complete reinstallation of Windows with formatting of the system partition.
- Loading the operating system from various devices (flash drive, DVD drive or external hard drive).
In the first case, all system files will be replaced. will remain untouched. However, previously installed third-party software will undergo an uninstallation process. If you decide to restore the Windows 8 system using the second method, then it is advisable to choose the method of completely clearing the “C:\” partition. Practice shows that the process of overlaying files on top of old ones is an extremely unreliable installation method. Whereas formatting the system disk before installing the operating system is much more promising in terms of further use. System files are written more correctly to the cleaned up disk space.
The third method is, so to speak, classic, and to implement it you will need a Windows distribution. However, the installation disk may be required in the two previous options if a Windows 8 system restore point has not been created.
Restore point
A far-sighted user understands that one’s own shortcomings and “machine incidents” in the process of using a PC simply cannot be avoided. This is why you should be careful to make a copy of a perfectly functioning OS. In case of unforeseen circumstances, you can always return to the “saving” recovery point.
- Press the key combination “Win + F”.
- In the search line, just enter the first three letters (“vos...”) - and the desired section “Creating a point...” will be displayed below.
- By clicking on the above item, you will be taken to the “System Properties” menu, to the “Protection...” tab.
- Click on the “Create” button, which is located in the lower area of the window.
- Specify the name of the saved copy, and after a few seconds the backup data of a working OS will be copied to a special Windows partition.
Now you should have no questions about how to perform a system restore on Windows 8. However, some aspects of the “return functionality” still require detailed consideration. But more on that later, but for now let’s touch on the “compact topic.”
“Portable rollbacks,” or How to perform a factory reset on a laptop
As a rule, laptops are sold with a pre-installed OS. Today, the current version of the operating system of the Microsoft family is considered to be “eight”. Therefore, let's look at the question of how to restore the Windows 8 system on a laptop. Moreover, in this situation, the process of returning to its original state may differ slightly from the same action in the case of desktop computing equipment.
Recovery section: what, where and why
As a rule, there is a hidden partition on the laptop’s hard drive that contains a licensed Windows distribution. To restore a “crashed” system using the Recovery partition, you need to activate the corresponding key when you turn on the computer.
It is no secret that each manufacturer of portable electronics implements its own script for entering the PC hardware management firmware and the service recovery option is also no exception in the context of what was written. Therefore, without special knowledge, a practical understanding of the question of how to restore a system on Windows 8 cannot in any way guarantee the success of the enterprise.
- On Asus laptops, when starting the PC, you should activate the F9 key.
- For Lenovo, Toshiba and Dell devices this is the F11 button.
- For Samsung modifications, the optional key is F4.
Once you get to the return service menu, carefully study and only then follow the selected action scenario. It is worth noting that such recovery software has an intuitive shell and detailed annotations for each optional item. Maximum attention - and you will undoubtedly figure everything out. By the way, some portable models are equipped with separately derived Recovery, which, by activating, you will immediately find the answer to the question. on Windows 8 (on a laptop).
Typical problems and methods for solving them
The operating system does not always load so that the user can use one of the checkpoints. It often happens that a novice user does not even think about the need to create a backup copy of the OS. For such situations, a second recovery option is provided. In the event that the system software of an electronic machine fails due to the fault of a destructive virus, the third method should be used. Depending on the type of malfunction, all you have to do is use one or another solution from the list “How to perform a system restore on Windows 8.” Let's act!
Windows won't boot: there is a restore point on the hard drive
- When you turn on the computer, press the F8 button and hold it until the special boot menu appears.
- Next, go to the “Options” section.
- Activate the tile with the same name as the top item, “Select others...”.
- In the next work area, click the Diagnostics button.
- The presented update options will help you in practical terms solve the problem of how to restore the Windows 8 system. In our case, use the “From control point” option.
- It would be a good idea to pre-debug the OS boot process - click on the tile whose name indicates your problem.
When everything is “bad”, but the user has a Windows distribution: an option for the unpremeditated
If you have a disk with the operating system installation files, you have nothing to worry about. Thus, there are plenty of options to return the “combat efficiency” of your OS. However, let’s consider the simplest of them, the description of which will help you implement a full system recovery (this method also works on Windows 8.1).
- Insert the Windows distribution disc.
- If the computer is turned on, reboot, then use the special key to enter the BIOS menu.
- In the “Download” section, you should set the primary device to be a DVD drive or a USB device with an OS image placed on it.
- Next, save your changes using the F10 key.
- At the initial boot stage, select the interface language and click on the “Recovery” tile.
- The next item is “Diagnostics”.
- The final preparatory action is to activate the “Restore” section.
- After the installation process is completed, your new OS will be ready for use.
Where do you think Windows 8 system recovery occurs first? You will find out the answer in the next chapter.
A multifaceted problem, or What to do if the system is infected with a boot virus
It is quite difficult for a novice user to determine whether his PC is infected with malicious code or whether the “uncontrolled behavior” of the OS is a banal system failure. However, “boot file pests” are capable of destroying and destroying the code of boot sectors, which leads to the moment when Windows (OS) does not start.
- Repeat all the steps from the previous paragraph of the article up to the “Recovery” point.
- From the list provided, select the operating system that does not boot. Click "Next".
- In the next window (“Options…”) activate the “Command Line” item.
- After the utility is launched, you should enter “Bootrec.exe”.
- Press Enter and wait for the operation to complete.
Finally
Well, now you know how to restore the Windows 8 system via BIOS and which method is most favorable for solving a specific problem. Hopefully, the information above will lead you to make some appropriate decisions, one of which will be creating a special recovery disk. However, today there is a huge amount of various specialized software on the Internet, with the help of which even a novice user can reliably protect himself from unforeseen situations of “machine crash”. Be wise and consistent!
In the event that the Windows 8 operating system installed on your computer begins to function incorrectly for unknown reasons, or some problems appear in its operation, then most likely the most optimal solution to this problem will be Windows 8 system rollback . In order to restore the system, you do not need to be some very experienced user or programmer, you just need to follow a few steps described below, since rolling back the system to a normal operating state is an automatic and uncomplicated process. Restoring the system to a previous state will save all data on your device, with the exception of the latest changes and settings.
Even if you have never manually created points Windows 8 system recovery, then the system still did it for you automatically, so you can roll back the computer to the last automatically created copy.
- open the “Control Panel”, find the “Recovery” section in it and launch it;
- in order to roll back the Windows 8 system to a previous restore point, select “Run system restore”;
- wait a few seconds for the data to load, and then click “Next”;
- in the new window, check the box “Show other restore points”;
- in this window, you can see that even without your participation, recovery points were created on the computer;
- from the list of points Windows 8 system rollback, You can choose the one that suits you, depending on the date of creation;
- to view information that will be changed in connection with system recovery, click on the “Search for affected programs” button;
- this window shows applications and drivers that will be changed and removed;
- to optimize the Windows 8 system, click the “Next” button;
- check all the specified parameters and click “Finish” and then “Yes”. Please note that the recovery procedure is irreversible;
- The system will be rolled back within 10–15 minutes. It will end after the computer automatically restarts.
It should be noted that Windows 8 system recovery does not entail deleting files on your device. This process resets installed applications and system settings.
A restore point will help you roll back the system, if it starts to freeze and slow down, to a working state. Such points are created either automatically by the system after a certain time, or automatically when the system recovery tool detects changes to the computer configuration: installation of a new program or driver.
The user can also create a restore point manually. If your operating system is working perfectly, then naturally it makes sense to create a restore point. In the future, when the system begins to work incorrectly, it will be possible to return it to working condition.
It is also better to create a restore point if you are going to install an unfamiliar program or new drivers on your computer. If after installation the operation of the system changes for the worse, then it will be possible to return it to the state when it was fully functioning. In this case, the system will return all system files and Windows settings that were in place at the time the restore point was created. This will help you get rid of incorrectly working drivers, programs, downloaded viruses or unsuccessful experiments with the registry.
Please also note that all programs that were installed after the restore point was created will be deleted from your computer.
First, let's figure out how to create a restore point. Move the mouse cursor to the lower left corner, and when the “Start” square appears, press the right mouse button. A window will open with the most frequently used commands, select from the list "Control Panel".
Here we will be interested in the point "System Recovery Setup".
A new window will open "Properties of the system" on the tab "System protection". Here, please note that opposite the partition of the hard drive on which the OS is installed, “Enabled” is indicated in the “Protection” section. Only in this case will it be possible to roll back the system to the desired restore point.
If it says “Disabled”, click on the “Configure” button, then mark the item with a marker "Enable system protection" and click "Apply", "OK". In the same window, just below, you can see the maximum allocated volume on the hard drive for recovery points and how much space they currently occupy. In the event that the allocated volume runs out, the system will delete old recovery points by date and create new ones.
To create a system restore point, click on the “Create” button. A window will appear "System protection". In the field you need to enter a description for the point and click “Create”. It is not necessary to write the date and time of creation, as the system will do this automatically.
Then wait until the system completes the process and the following window appears.
Now you can carry out the necessary actions with programs, drivers and any other system components.
If the experiment fails, consider what needs to be done to roll back the system to working condition.
Let's go "Control Panel" – "Recovery" In this window, select the item "Run System Restore".
A window will appear stating that all user data will not be affected during recovery: photos, music, videos, but the latest installed programs or drivers may be deleted. Click Next.
If you have system restore points created automatically, then you need to select "Select a different restore point" and click "Next".
A list of available points will open, select the one you need. If in doubt, press the button "Search for affected programs". The system will analyze and show which programs and drivers will be deleted after recovery. When you decide, select the desired restore point and click Next. Wait for the process to complete. The computer will then restart and the system will return to working condition.
Now you know how you can create a restore point manually, and if you find problems with your computer, roll back the system to a working state.
Watch the video on how to create a restore point:
Watch the video on how to restore the system from a checkpoint:
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First, let's look at what is Windows 8 system rollback? In other words, this process can be called “Recovery”. That is, returning the system to factory settings. Why is this necessary? For example, if you want to sell a computer or laptop, it would be reckless to leave personal data. Besides, why does the buyer need the programs you installed? As a rule, pre-sale preparation includes cleaning the OS and returning it to factory settings.
In addition, a rollback may be required if any programs fail or become infected with a virus. Also, after installing some applications incorrectly, you may need to restore. So, how to roll back Windows 8?
How to perform a rollback in Windows 8
Before moving on to the main question, it should be noted that rollback is used. Typically, they are created automatically before you make any major changes to your computer. But sometimes this doesn't happen. Therefore, it is always recommended to manually create at least one such point. In addition, it is strongly recommended to back up data with installed drivers and necessary programs.
This will allow you to return Windows to the state in which the archiving was performed. So, you can perform a rollback in several ways. All of them are built into the operating system, so you don’t have to download or install anything. Let's take a closer look at them.
System rollback in Windows 8: Video
Recovery via PC settings
So, first we need to open the computer settings. In the eight, this is done extremely simply.
In this menu there are three options for how to roll back Windows 8:
- Recover your PC without deleting data and files.
- Removing all data and reinstalling OS.
- Special download options.
Depending on what exactly you need, you choose the required option. The first is an action that corrects various problems in Windows 8. It is recommended to use it in cases of errors or when the OS is not working properly. As a result, you will restore the functionality of all Windows components without losing personal data.
The second option is used for pre-sales or in cases where you do not need to save any data. As a result of such a rollback, you will get a clean Windows 8, just like after reinstallation. In other words, you will return your computer to its original state. This will delete your data.
The last item allows you to roll back Windows 8 after a reboot. Moreover, you independently choose the startup and recovery options. It should be chosen in cases where you need. In addition, this option contains the previous two. This means you can perform a full recovery. Moreover, it contains tools for diagnostics and other actions related to working with the OS.
How to perform a system restore on Windows 8. System recovery tools: Video
Recovering through advanced system options
Another option on how to roll back a Windows 8 system is to go into PC properties. This can be done in several ways, but the easiest way is to press the Windows + X keys simultaneously and select “System” in the menu that opens. 
In the window that opens, in the left menu, select the “Advanced system settings” section. 
Here you need to go to the “System Protection” tab. 
It is worth noting that here you can create restore points manually. In addition, you can delete existing points and configure their automatic creation. This tool has a simple interface, so you will not have any difficulties. To rollback, you just need to click the “Restore” button and then follow the prompts on the screen.
Windows 8 system recovery tools. How to restore Windows 8 system: Video
Windows 8 system recovery may be required if critical errors occur in your PC. To prevent the user from having to completely reinstall the OS, special tools are provided that allow you to restore your computer even without deleting files or changing general system settings. In this article you will learn how to start restoring a computer or laptop on Win 8 in different ways.
Below we consider two scenarios: with a working operating system and with a faulty one. In the first case, you can perform recovery from the Windows 8 interface without a disk or flash drive, and in the second, you will need bootable media to copy system files. All methods are presented below:
- rollback from a restore point;
- using Refresh your PC;
- reset to factory settings on laptop;
- recovery using a boot disk or flash drive.
Let's consider each of the methods in detail. All instructions are fully working and suitable for any build of Windows 8 32/64 Bit.
System restore point
This method allows you to roll back the OS to a certain state. You must do the following:
- Open File Explorer using the icon on the taskbar.
- In the left directory, find the “This PC” item and right-click on it to select “Properties” from the menu.
- In the window that opens, click on the “System Protection” button.
- In the selected tab, click on the “Restore” button.
- On the first screen, click on “Next”.
- From the list, select a checkpoint according to the date when the computer was stable and working. Click "Next".
- To start the procedure, click the “Finish” button.
Now you know how to use a checkpoint to rollback the state of the OS.
Creating a checkpoint
If you don't have checkpoints created automatically, you can do it manually. This option will be useful if problems arise with the OS in the future:
- Open the Properties window again and click on System Protection.
- Next, click on the “Create” button marked in the screenshot.
- Enter a name and click "Create".
- Wait until the procedure is completed. After it, the current OS configuration will be saved as a checkpoint. You can easily restore this state if Windows 8 malfunctions using the instructions described above.
Rollback via Options
Windows 8 debuted the Refresh Your PC tool. With its help, the user can roll back the OS state to the required state. You can save applications and settings, return your PC to factory settings, completely reinstall the system, or launch a safe environment and perform the necessary actions through it.
First you need to open “Computer Settings”:
- Right-click on the Start icon and select Find.
- In the search bar, enter the query “PC settings” and open the corresponding application.
- In the list of sections, select "Update and Recovery".
- Go to the “Recovery” subsection. Here are tools that allow you to return the OS to its original state or start safe mode.
The first option (1) allows you to restore Windows 8 to factory settings without losing personal files, music, photos, etc. Using the second item (2), you can call up a menu to completely reinstall the OS and return it to the factory preset settings. This will delete all personal files and installed applications. By clicking on the button in the third paragraph (3), you can call up the safe environment and continue settings through it. The first two options allow you to roll back the system from the Windows 8 interface.
It’s worth taking a closer look at the safe environment, as advanced functionality awaits you there.
Click on the “Restart now” button and wait - on the screen you will see a menu launch with a choice of action. Click on "Diagnostics".
As you can see, here you can perform all the same operations as in the Windows 8 interface. However, the diagnostic menu can be useful if the OS does not boot. Click on the “Advanced options” button to access advanced functionality. With it you can:
- roll back the OS to a checkpoint;
- use wim image for recovery;
- roll back the system via the command line.
Let's consider all the possibilities in more detail. We dealt with the first point above - the procedure is no different from running it in Windows 8.
By clicking on “Restore system image”, you launch a program to automatically unpack a pre-created wim archive. It should contain the entire OS with personal settings and programs. You can connect a disk or flash drive to your computer to unpack a third-party wim image. This way you will get a complete system.
"Command Prompt" allows you to start the rollback procedure using simple commands. Click on the appropriate button to launch the application. Now enter the command “rstrui.exe” and press Enter to run. After this, you will have access to the PC recovery menu via checkpoint.
You can launch this menu through bootable media if the installed OS does not work correctly and does not start. Let's consider this situation.
Performing the procedure using a flash drive
Performing the procedure this way will require some preparation. First, you need to create bootable media. To do this, you need to visit the official Microsoft website, where the Windows 8 web installer is located and download it to another computer. The bootloader will download the OS files and create a boot drive automatically.
Secondly, you need to make settings through the BIOS. To do this, when starting the PC, press the button responsible for entering the BIOS menu (it is indicated on the initial computer startup screen). Go to the "Boot" menu and set the bootable USB flash drive to first place in boot priority. To save the settings, press F10 and restart your PC again.
Now when you turn it on you will see the installer menu. Here you will find the option to uninstall, reinstall the system, format the hard drive. The creators also included the recovery function in a separate menu:
- When downloading the application, select your language and click Next.
- On the second screen, click on the marked button.
- Open the Diagnostics menu.
- Using "Restore" will open the tool to roll back to a checkpoint. The Reset button launches a tool to return the OS to its factory state. You are already familiar with the contents of the “Advanced Settings” menu.
- Select the desired item and start the procedure.
Rollback on a laptop with a pre-installed operating system
Laptop manufacturers that sell devices with pre-installed software provide the ability to rollback using proprietary utilities and tools. Part of the hard drive space is allocated for recovery, so you can start the process of returning your PC to its original settings in a couple of steps.
This applies to laptops from Asus, Lenovo, Acer, HP and many others. Let's look at the procedure using the Acer Iconia tab w5100 as an example. By default, this company uses the keyboard shortcut Alt + F10, which must be pressed on the initial boot screen with the Acer logo.
You will see the "Acer eRecovery Management" menu. Select the marked item.
After this, wait until the procedure is completed. During the process, the laptop may reboot several times. The only way to cancel the recovery process is to restart the PC. After the rollback is complete, you will receive the device with factory settings.
The names of the utilities and how to access them differ depending on the laptop manufacturer, but using this example you can easily restore Windows 8 on any device.
Conclusion
Using the methods described, you can return Windows 8 to its working or original state in almost any situation. Use checkpoints to restore your computer to its previous state. The Refresh Your PC functionality is useful when restoring your PC to factory settings. A safe environment is useful if Windows 8 does not start - the necessary tools can be opened via a bootable USB flash drive.
Video
Below you can watch a training video that clearly shows all the steps from this article. Together with the video instructions, you will be able to figure out the difficulties and restore your computer without outside help.