If, for example, problems arise after a driver update, you can reset Windows to a state before the change. However, PITR goes beyond traditional system restore: not only important Windows files and settings are restored, but also installed applications and personal files on the Windows drive.
Who can use the new feature?
Point-in-time restore is available for Windows 11 from version 24H2 onwards. However, whether the feature is enabled automatically also depends on the size of the Windows drive and how the device is managed.
On unmanaged Windows 11 PCs, point-in-time restore is enabled by default. However, for automatic activation, the Windows drive must be at least 200 GB in size. The feature can also be used on smaller system drives, but must be enabled manually: Open Settings > System > Recovery > Point-in-time restore and activate the function there.
Note: Managed devices, such as those in a corporate environment, can also have different settings applied by the administrator.
By default, Windows reserves up to 2 percent of the storage space on the Windows drive to store local restore points. And another important point: the time period for the new feature is limited. By default, PITR only lasts up to 72 hours and is therefore primarily intended for urgent problems, for example if Windows suddenly stops working reliably after an update, driver installation, or system configuration change.
What exactly does restoration return to a given moment?
PITR restores the Windows drive to the state it was in at the selected restore point. This includes, among other things, the operating system, installed programs, system settings, and personal files that were already present at that time.
