Microsoft's new Windows 11 recovery tool is the ultimate Undo button - how to enable it

2026-07-09 · Source: News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET · Field: Technology & Digital — Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure · Depth: Novice, medium

Summary

Microsoft has released the Point-in-time Restore feature for all Windows editions, a new recovery tool under the Windows Resiliency Initiative. This feature, available in public builds since late June, allows users to roll back their PC to a previous working state, effectively undoing system changes, applications, settings, and local files created since the restore point. It utilizes the Volume Shadow Copy Service to create one daily snapshot, retaining the three most recent ones. By default, it consumes 2% of the system drive, sharing space with reserved storage, and is automatically enabled on systems with 200 GB or larger drives running retail, OEM, or Pro editions. For smaller drives, it can be manually activated via Settings > System > Recovery. Unlike the older System Restore, Point-in-time Restore is more comprehensive, affecting all data files, and is designed for simplicity. Recovery involves booting into the Windows Recovery Environment, selecting the feature, and potentially entering a BitLocker key, with the process taking 30-45 minutes.

Key takeaway

For IT professionals managing Windows 11 deployments, Point-in-time Restore significantly enhances system resilience against critical failures like the 2024 CrowdStrike incident. You should verify this feature is enabled on all client PCs, especially those with system drives under 200 GB, to ensure automated daily snapshots are active. Be aware that local files not synced to cloud storage will be lost during a restore, so reinforce cloud backup policies. Also, ensure your BitLocker recovery keys are readily accessible for encrypted systems.

Key insights

Windows 11's Point-in-time Restore offers full system rollback to daily snapshots, enhancing recovery from critical failures.

Principles

• Daily system snapshots improve recovery posture.
• Comprehensive restore points include all system and data.
• Default enablement enhances user resilience.

Method

Boot to Windows Recovery Environment, select "Troubleshoot," then "Point-in-time Restore," confirm, and restore.

In practice

• Manually enable on drives under 200 GB.
• Back up critical files to cloud storage.
• Securely store BitLocker recovery keys.

Topics

• Windows 11
• Point-in-time Restore
• System Recovery
• Volume Shadow Copy Service
• BitLocker
• Data Resilience

Best for: IT Professional, Software Engineer

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by News and Advice on the World's Latest Innovations | ZDNET.