Backup, restore, and recovery in Windows — by Microsoft Support

beginnerpageLink only (©)

Explains the difference between backup, restore and recovery and introduces the built-in tools for each, including Windows Backup, File History, System Restore and Recovery Drive. It walks through the options on the Recovery settings page.

Quick steps

Open Settings > System > Recovery
Use Fix problems using Windows Update to reinstall the current Windows
Use Reset this PC to return to factory state
Use Go back to revert a recent upgrade

Paraphrased from the source. Menus can differ by version, so check the original for full details.

Read the full article on support.microsoft.com

Source: Backup, restore, and recovery in Windows by Microsoft Support. Licence: Link only (©).

Source reviewed: 2026-11-02
Link checked: 2026-11-02
Tested hands-on: Not by Oddbyte.Me

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