How to find out programs, files will be affected after a System Restore

System restore will delete personal files and documents that have not been backed up, so it is important to know which programs will be affected by this action.

System Restore is a valuable Windows utility that allows you to revert your system state to a previously created restore point. This can be helpful in resolving issues caused by recent software installations, driver updates, or system configuration changes. However, it's crucial to understand the potential impact on your installed programs before initiating a restore.

This guide outlines the steps involved in identifying programs that may be affected by a System Restore and offers additional considerations for a well-informed decision-making process.

How to find out programs, files will be affected after a System Restore
Steps to Identify Affected Programs:

Launch System Restore:  Access the Start menu search bar and type "rstrui.exe." Press Enter to launch the System Restore tool.

Select a Restore Point:  A list of existing restore points will be displayed, each with a date and description. Choose the restore point closest to the time when your system issues began.

Scan for Affected Programs:  Locate the button labeled "Scan for affected programs" and click on it. The system will initiate a scan to identify potential program and driver impacts associated with the chosen restore point.

Review the Results:  System Restore will present two critical lists:

Programs to be Removed:  This list identifies applications and drivers that will be uninstalled as a direct consequence of performing the restore. These programs were likely installed after the chosen restore point date.

Programs Potentially Affected:  This list contains applications and drivers that might require reconfiguration or may experience functionality issues after the restore. These programs might have been present before the restore point but could be impacted by system changes being reverted during the process.

Making an Informed Decision:

By carefully reviewing these lists, you can assess the potential ramifications of implementing a System Restore on your system's overall functionality. If the list of programs to be removed includes critical applications you rely on heavily, it might be prudent to explore alternative troubleshooting methods before proceeding.

Additional Considerations:

• System Restore Limitations:  It's important to remember that System Restore does not recover lost personal files like documents, photos, or music.  Maintaining regular backups of these files using a separate method is crucial.

• Creating a New Restore Point:  As a precautionary measure, it's highly recommended to create a new restore point before performing a System Restore.  This serves as a backup in case the chosen restore point introduces unforeseen problems.

By following these steps and considering these additional points, you can effectively utilize System Restore to restore your system to a previous stable state while minimizing disruptions to your workflow.

This is all you need to know about How to find out the programs and files that will be affected after restoring the system, hoping that our guide has been very helpful so that you can resolve the restoration of your computer in the best way.