Many times, after installing and uninstalling applications, updating drivers or making changes to settings, Windows automatically generates system restore points in Windows, so useful in an emergency. However, these can accumulate and take up a significant amount of storage space. In these cases, it's a good idea to delete those restore points.
In this article, we'll explain how to do this, focusing specifically on how to do it safely to gain space without sacrificing the protection these points offer.
What are restore points and what are they used for?
The restore points In Windows they are a feature built into the operating system that saves a copy of the system state at key moments, such as before installing updates, drivers, or new programs. This snapshot includes system files, registry information, and, in some cases, certain program settings, allowing you to roll back in case of unexpected errors or failures after a change.
Importantly Restore points do not affect your personal filesDocuments, photographs, and other user data are not part of this backup. Its purpose is to restore the computer's functionality to a stable and functional state, troubleshooting issues related to the operating system and its internal components, but without restoring or deleting personal files.
- They provide a layer of security against risky changes or problems after updates.
- They allow the system to revert to a previous specific state.
- They do not replace backup copies of your personal data.
Why delete old or unnecessary restore points?
Although restore points are a valuable tool, it is very easy for them to accumulate over time, especially if Windows creates new hotspots automatically without deleting older onesEach point can take up hundreds of megabytes, and if you don't manage the space allocated to them, your system may slow down and you may even run out of storage on your main drive.
The main reasons for deleting unnecessary restore points include:
- Free disk space. Deleting old points can mean recovering several gigabytes.
- Keep only recent copies. Points that are too old are usually not useful and just take up space.
- Avoid storage oversaturation reserved for restorations, which could prevent the creation of new relevant points.
Always remember keep at least the most recent restore point, as this way you will keep a useful copy in case of possible future incidents.
Methods to delete restore points in Windows
There are several ways to delete restore points old versions of your Windows system. We explain the most reliable and secure methods to apply to your computer, regardless of the version you're using (Windows 10, Windows 11, or earlier).
1. Through System Protection Settings
El more direct and visual method to delete restore points You can do this from the system protection settings. Here, you'll have access to the list of points stored on your computer and can adjust the amount of space allocated to them:
- Press the key combination Windows + R to open the Run box.
- Write sysdm.cpl and press Enter. The window will appear System properties.
- Select the tab System protection.
- In the section Protection settings, choose the drive where you want to manage the points (usually C:).
- Push the button Set up….
- Within the new window, you will see the option Delete. Click here to delete all existing restore points on that drive (except, in some versions, the most recent one created by the system).
- Confirm the action when prompted by the system.
Note: In recent versions, it's not possible to delete restore points individually; they're all deleted at once. Once you delete them, you can create a new restore point at that time to ensure you have a recent backup.
2. Using the Disk Cleanup tool
Another efficient and simple way to delete old restore points is through the Disk Cleanup utility, included in Windows. With this method, you can keep only the most recent restore point and delete the rest:
- Click the button Home and writes liberador de espacio in disco.
- Select the drive (usually C:) and wait for the system to scan the files.
- Press on Clean system files and select the unit again.
- Access the tab More options.
- In section System Restore and File Shadow Copies, Click on Clear.
- Confirm in the pop-up message to delete all restore points except the most recent.
This tool is ideal for those who want to maximize free space while maintaining a certain level of system security.
3. Using the command line (CMD or PowerShell)
For those users with technical knowledge, The command line allows you to manage restore points in an advanced way. Via CMD or PowerShell you can view, select, and delete specific shadow copies:
- Open the search menu and type cmd o PowerShell. Right-click and select "Run as administrator."
- To list all existing restore points, enter:
vssadmin list shadows - Locate the Shadow copy ID that you want to delete.
- To delete a specific copy, type:
vssadmin delete shadows /Shadow={ID of the copy you want to delete} - If you want to delete all existing copies at once, use:
vssadmin delete shadows /all
Confirm the action when prompted, and the system will free up the space occupied by those old points.
Advanced management and recommendations when deleting restore points
A efficient management of restore points involves knowing when and how to delete them, as well as knowing the space you have allocated to them. Windows allows you adjust the disk percentage dedicated to this function, which helps to find a balance between security and storage available for other files.
To adjust space usage:
- Enter again in System protection > Set up….
- Use the “Maximum Usage” slider to increase or decrease the amount reserved for restore points.
- Normally, between 5% and 10% of the disk is usually sufficient for standard home use.
Is it possible to selectively delete restore points?
In newer versions of Windows, Deleting restore points individually from the graphical interface is not allowed.The available options include deleting all the points at once and then, if desired, manually creating a new one. Only through the advanced command line can you identify and delete specific copies using the tool. vssadmin, used with care.
Recommendations and best practices for effective management of restore points
- Always create a restore point before making major changes on the system, such as installing new drivers, unknown software, or touching the Windows registry.
- Periodically delete the oldest points or those you already consider unnecessary to free up disk space and avoid useless accumulations.
- Set the maximum size of reserved storage to maintain the balance between security and space availability.
- Make sure you have system protection enabled on the main drive (usually C:) so that the restore function is always available.
- Avoid manually deleting system folders or use unreliable third-party tools that promise to clean restore points; always use Windows' own utilities or verified methods.
How often should you delete restore points? There is no fixed period that must be strictly adhered to in order to carry out this task, although A monthly review is usually sufficient for most users.If you're someone who frequently updates programs or makes system changes, you may want to do so more often, always ensuring you keep at least the most recent working backup.
Tools for file recovery after deleting restore points
In rare cases, after deleting restore points, you may find that critical system files or something that seemed unrelated is missing. For these cases, there are recovery applications , the Rytunex, compatible with all major versions of Windows. This type of software allows you to scan disks and recover accidentally deleted data, although it's most common not to lose personal information after deleting restore points, since, as explained, these only affect system components.
Frequently Asked Questions About Managing Restore Points
- Does deleting restore points delete my personal files?
No, it only affects system files, settings, and installed programs. - Can I manually create new restore points?
Yes, from > System Protection > Create. - Is it safe to delete all restore points?
Yes, but only if you then create a new one and your system is working properly. - What happens if an error occurs and I don't have any restore points?
In that case, you'll need to use other recovery methods, such as a full backup or system reinstallation.
Don't forget that, although restore points represent an excellent defense against unforeseen events, carrying out regular backups of your personal files It is equally important to avoid losses that are difficult to reverse.
Controlling storage, deleting unnecessary restore points, and strengthening preventive management of your Windows will help you keep your computer stable, secure, and performing as you expect, without sacrificing space or protection against unexpected problems.
