System Restore is a useful tool that helps you recover from system failures. Sometimes you may need to run System Restore in Safe Mode. This post from MiniTool tells you how to perform system restore in Safe Mode on Windows 11/10/7.

Can You Perform System Restore in Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is a special diagnostic mode in the Windows operating system, useful for troubleshooting computer problems.

If Windows 11/10 fails to start normally, you can access Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) to enter Safe Mode and run a system restore.

According to Microsoft, System Restore helps revert system files, registry settings, and installed apps to an earlier state, without affecting personal files.

When Should You Run System Restore in Safe Mode?

It is necessary to enter Safe Mode for a system restore in the following situations:

  • Windows gets stuck in a boot loop, shows a blue screen, or encounters other boot errors.
  • A normal system restore keeps failing, or errors appear during the restoration process.
  • Third-party drivers, antivirus software, or apps block the system files from reverting properly.

How to Perform System Restore in Safe Mode on Windows 11/10

This part is about how to perform system restore in Safe Mode on Windows 10/11.

Step 1: Enter Safe Mode

First, you need to enter Safe Mode. Here are the details.

1. Press the Windows + I keys together to open Windows 11/10 Settings.

2. Enter WinRE (Windows Recovery Environment).

Windows 11: Go to System > Recovery. Under the Recovery options part, click Restart now next to Advanced startup.

enter WinRE in Windows 11

Windows 10: Go to Update & Security > Recovery. Under the Advanced start-up part, click Restart now.

enter WinRE in Windows 10
Tips:
If Windows 11/10 fails to boot, use installation media to boot the PC and select Repair your computer to enter WinRE. Alternatively, interrupt the boot process three times to access WinRE.

3. Next, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

click Restart

4. Press 4 or F4 to start Windows 11/10 in Safe Mode; Press 5 or F5 to start Windows 11/10 in Safe Mode with Networking; Press 6 or F6 to access Windows 11/10 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

enter Safe Mode on Windows 11/10
How to Start/Boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode? (7 Ways)
How to Start/Boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode? (7 Ways)

How to start or boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode for troubleshooting? This post gives a detailed guide focusing on 7 simple ways to enter Safe Mode.

Read More

Step 2: Perform the System Restore

After entering Safe Mode on Windows 11/10, you can start to perform the system restore.

Tips:
If you boot Windows 11/10 in Safe Mode with Command Prompt, you need to type rstrui.exe and press Enter in Command Prompt to open System Restore.

1. Press Windows + R to open Run.

2. Type rstrui.exe and press Enter.

3. When you launch the System Restore window, click Next.

4. Select the system restore point you want to recover and click Next to continue.

select the system restore point

5. Confirm the restore point and click Finish to perform system restore in Safe Mode on Windows 11.

How to Perform System Restore in Safe Mode on Windows 7

This part is about how to perform system restore in Safe Mode on Windows 7.

Step 1: Enter Safe Mode

1.Turn off your computer completely and reboot it. Press the F8 Key repeatedly before the Windows logo appears, and stop until the Advanced Boot Options window pops up.

2. Use the arrow keys to choose Safe Mode press the Enter key.

enter Safe Mode on Windows 7

Step 2: Perform the System Restore

1. Click the Start menu> All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore.

2. If the recommended system restore point is working properly, you can click Next. If not, click Choose a different restore point and choose the system restore point you want.

choose the system restore point in Safe Mode

3. Confirm the settings are correct and click Finish to perform system restore in Safe Mode on Windows 7.

Backup and Restore Windows with MiniTool ShadowMaker

System Restore is used to undo recent system changes, including driver updates, software installations, and modified system settings.

If you want a comprehensive backup and recovery solution, MiniTool ShadowMaker is a practical choice. It provides a convenient way to protect your Windows system and restore it when needed.

Additionally, this backup software supports system/partition/disk/file backup, making it suitable for different data protection and recovery needs.

Learn key information from the comparison table:

MethodWhat it usesMain purpose
System RestoreRestore pointUndo recent system changes
MiniTool ShadowMakerSystem backupRestore Windows from a previous backup

MiniTool ShadowMaker TrialClick to Download100%Clean & Safe

Step 1: Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker and go to Backup.

Step 2: Create a system backup.

  1. Under SOURCE in Backup, system drives are automatically selected. Just click DESTINATION to choose a backup target.
  2. Click Back Up Now to start the backup.
MiniTool ShadowMaker with selected system drives and external drive for system backup.

Step 3: Navigate to Tools > Media Builder and follow the on-screen instructions to create a bootable USB drive.

For a system recovery in case of system issues, follow these steps:

Step 1: Boot Windows from the bootable USB drive.

Step 2: Launch MiniTool ShadowMaker in the recovery environment.

Step 3: Find the available system backup under Restore and click the Restore button.

Step 4: Choose a backup version to proceed.

Step 5: Select volumes to restore from the backup file. Ensure MBR and Track 0 is checked.

Step 6: Complete the recovery.

Conclusion

You can perform System Restore in Safe Mode on Windows 11/10/7 to roll back system changes to an earlier restore point. Just access System Restore through WinRE.

For comprehensive system protection and recovery, consider using MiniTool ShadowMaker. If you experience issues with this software, contact us at [email protected].

Perform System Restore in Safe Mode FAQ

What should I do if System Restore fails in Safe Mode?
Try another restore point first. If the issue persists, use System Restore from WinRE, or run CHKDSK, DISM, and SFC to check for drive errors and repair corrupted system files.
Does System Restore restore personal files?
No. System Restore is designed to roll back system files, settings, registry, and installed programs. Personal files such as documents and photos are not affected.
Is Safe Mode required for System Restore?
No, Safe Mode is not required for System Restore. You can run System Restore from Windows or the Windows Recovery Environment.
Can I cancel System Restore after it starts?
It is not recommended to interrupt System Restore once the process has started. This operation may corrupt critical system files and prevent Windows from booting after the restore.
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