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If your operating system suddenly began to function incorrectly or problems appeared in its operation, then you need to know how to roll back the Windows 8 system to its previous state. Restoring the OS to a previous operating state is a simple and automatic process that allows any average user to quickly troubleshoot problems. To restore or roll back the system means to return the basic settings and parameters to the previous working state, in which the OS and software worked in a stable mode. When the system returns to its previous state, user data is not lost, with the exception of settings and recent changes. In order to roll back the system, you can use several methods:

The first way to roll back Windows 8- use the automatic tool by calling it from the loaded OS (you will additionally need a bootable system image):

1. In the loaded OS, close all running applications;
2. Press and hold the Shift system button;

4. The “Select action” system menu will open in front of you, in which you should select “Diagnostics”;

5. In the “Diagnostics” menu, select “Restore” for the first time;

6. “Computer recovery” will open, click the “Next” button;

7. In the “Recover” menu that opens, select your account profile and password, if you have one;

8. Now you need an OS installation image to begin the recovery process. It can be loaded either via DVD-ROM or from an installation flash drive, having previously made it bootable;

9. In the "Computer Recovery" menu, click "Restore" - this will initiate the process of starting system recovery. Once you click the "Restore" button, you can no longer cancel the process!

10. Wait for the recovery process to complete without interrupting it, and also without disconnecting any system devices, as this may lead to recovery failure;
11. The system state will be restored after the final automatic reboot of the OS.

If it was not possible to roll back the system, or while restoring the system to its previous state, the computer crashes or freezes, then you should repeat the above sequence of actions, selecting “Restore the previous system state” in the fifth item. Be sure to save all your necessary personal data so as not to lose it, as in this case it will be deleted. This method of system rollback is suitable for those who experienced a crash as a result of installing third-party software or because of user data that interferes with the normal functioning of the OS.

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The second way to roll back Windows 8- use the recovery tool from the control panel. This method is suitable if you need to roll back the system to a specific date or event:

1. In the loaded OS, close all active applications;

2. Open "Control Panel";

3. Set the “Large icons” property in the “View” item;

4. Select the "Recovery" tab;

5. Initialize the start of the process by selecting "Start System Restore";

6. In the dialog box that opens, click “Next”;

7. Select a recovery point from the list of available ones, click “Next”;

8. Confirm the restoration at the specified time by clicking “Finish”;

9. Click "Yes" in the confirmation pop-up window;

10. Wait for the automatic Windows 8 system rollback process to complete;

11. The recovery is complete after loading the user profile.

This method of how to roll back a Windows 8 system is traditional in all operating systems of the Windows user family, safe and functional. Thus, you know how to roll back a Windows 8 system using two methods recommended by developers. By choosing one of them, you now fully understand what the result will be, as well as what you may have to sacrifice.

First, let's look at what is Windows 8 system rollback? In other words, this process can be called “Recovery”. That is, returning the system to factory settings. Why is this necessary? For example, if you want to sell a computer or laptop, it would be reckless to leave personal data. Besides, why does the buyer need the programs you installed? As a rule, pre-sale preparation includes cleaning the OS and returning it to factory settings.

In addition, a rollback may be required if any programs fail or become infected with a virus. Also, after installing some applications incorrectly, you may need to restore. So, how to roll back Windows 8?

How to perform a rollback in Windows 8

Before moving on to the main question, it should be noted that rollback is used. Typically, they are created automatically before you make any major changes to your computer. But sometimes this doesn't happen. Therefore, it is always recommended to manually create at least one such point. In addition, it is strongly recommended to back up data with installed drivers and necessary programs.

This will allow you to return Windows to the state in which the archiving was performed. So, you can perform a rollback in several ways. All of them are built into the operating system, so you don’t have to download or install anything. Let's take a closer look at them.

System rollback in Windows 8: Video

Recovery via PC settings

So, first we need to open the computer settings. In the eight, this is done extremely simply.

In this menu there are three options for how to roll back Windows 8:

• Recover your PC without deleting data and files.
• Removing all data and reinstalling OS.
• Special download options.

Depending on what exactly you need, you choose the required option. The first is an action that corrects various problems in Windows 8. It is recommended to use it in cases of errors or when the OS is not working properly. As a result, you will restore the functionality of all Windows components without losing personal data.

The second option is used for pre-sales or in cases where you do not need to save any data. As a result of such a rollback, you will get a clean Windows 8, just like after reinstallation. In other words, you will return your computer to its original state. This will delete your data.

The last item allows you to roll back Windows 8 after a reboot. Moreover, you independently choose the startup and recovery options. It should be chosen in cases where you need. In addition, this option contains the previous two. This means you can perform a full recovery. Moreover, it contains tools for diagnostics and other actions related to working with the OS.

How to perform a system restore on Windows 8. System recovery tools: Video

Recovering through advanced system options

Another option on how to roll back a Windows 8 system is to go into PC properties. This can be done in several ways, but the easiest way is to press the Windows + X keys simultaneously and select “System” in the menu that opens.

In the window that opens, in the left menu, select the “Advanced system settings” section.

Here you need to go to the “System Protection” tab.

It is worth noting that here you can create restore points manually. In addition, you can delete existing points and configure their automatic creation. This tool has a simple interface, so you will not have any difficulties. To rollback, you just need to click the “Restore” button and then follow the prompts on the screen.

Windows 8 system recovery tools. How to restore Windows 8 system: Video

After installing Windows 10 on top of an already installed system (this can only be Windows 7 or Windows 8.1), the user can return the previous version of the OS without reinstallation if the new OS is unstable or simply does not like it. In this article we will show you how to roll back a Windows 10 installation and look at the features and limitations of such a downgrade process.

Rollback Windows 10 after upgrading from a previous version of Windows

To roll back to an older version of the OS, in Windows 10, open the menu Start and go to the section -> Settings -> Update and Security -> Recovery(in the Russian version Start -> Settings -> Update and Security -> Recovery). In the Recovery section in the section Go back to Windows 8.1/ Return to Windows 8.1 (or Windows 7 depending on the version of the previously installed OS) you need to click the button Get started/ Begin.

In the window that opens, you will need to indicate the reason why Windows 10 does not suit you, and then follow the simple instructions of the wizard. After rebooting, the computer will boot into a special mode in which Windows 10 will be removed and the previous system will be restored. At this time, the inscription “” will be displayed on the screen.

After another reboot, the desktop of the previously installed version of Windows will load.

Folders Windows.old and $WINDOWS.~BT and 30 day period

The ability to restore the previous OS is available only during 30 days after upgrading to Windows 10. After 30 days, a Windows maintenance job will automatically remove the hidden Windows.old and $WINDOWS.~BT directories (in some cases there is also a $Windows.~WS directory) in the root of the system drive. It is in these directories that the data and files of the previous version of Windows necessary for performing a rollback are stored. Therefore, if you plan to retain the ability to roll back Windows 10, under no circumstances should you use $WINDOWS.~BT using the Disk Cleanup wizard or manually.

To be able to downgrade the OS even after 30 days, you need to rename these three directories, for example, to BAK-Windows.old, BAK-$WINDOWS.~BT and BAK-$Windows.~WS. In this case, Windows 10 will not delete these directories, because their names have changed.

In the future, when performing a rollback, you need to return the original names to the directories.

Starting to downgrade Windows 10 through recovery mode

If you cannot access the Windows desktop (the system does not boot or there are other errors), then to start the aging procedure to the previous version, you need to boot Windows 10 into a special recovery mode. To start this mode, you can use the instructions, boot from the Windows 10 installation disk (described) or interrupt the normal boot of the computer three times in a row. In the window that appears Advanced Recovery Options need to choose Troubleshoot -> Advanced options and press the button.

Restoring Windows.old and $WINDOWS.~BT directories after deletion

In the event that after upgrading to Windows 10, More than a month, you will not be able to roll back to a previous version of Windows, because the Windows.old and $WINDOWS.~BT directories were automatically deleted. Therefore, to return to a previous version of Windows, you will first have to try to restore the data in these directories. The success of this procedure depends on how actively your disk is used, how much free space is on it, how long ago the deletion was performed, and the quality of the utility for recovering deleted files.

I used an already well-proven program Hetman Partition Recovery(https://hetmanrecovery.com/ru/hard_drive_recovery/software-3.htm).

Windows 10 Anniversary Update and 10 day period

If you installed Windows 10 from an official ISO system image released after August 2, 2016, keep in mind: starting with Windows 10 Version 1607 (the so-called Anniversary Update), Microsoft has reduced the time during which you can roll back the system, from 30 to 10 days! Apparently, according to MS, the system is already good enough to understand within 10 days whether the user liked it or not.

Quite often, situations occur when, after the next turn on of the computer, or even suddenly during operation, something terrible happens, which makes it impossible to continue working: data has disappeared, infected software has been installed, and much more. In such situations, the user must know how to roll back the Windows 8 system in order to bring it back to normal appearance and continue working on the computer.

Is this necessary?

Even if you have a purchased and really high-quality anti-virus program on your computer, this does not mean that you are now completely protected from any incomprehensible situations, especially if a child spends a lot of time on the PC, or you often experiment with the installation of various third-party programs. Also at risk are those people who currently have not yet managed to understand the basic features of computers and surf various sites.

It is for this reason that you can feel much calmer even in such conditions if you know how to roll back the Windows 8 system, that is, return it to its original form, when there were no problems with the computer. After all, this way you can save yourself from any experimental actions on the part of users, as well as from any dangers that await your computer from the outside.

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If you have no idea how to roll back a Windows 8 system, you probably don’t know what such a rollback is.

System rollback is a return to which is automatically set by the system itself or manually by the user. In other words, the system is fixed on a specific date and even time, as a result of which a set of settings is saved, as well as all installed programs.

How to create a restore point?

It’s worth mentioning right away that the system can quite often automatically completely set such points in the process of making any changes to system settings or in accordance with a predetermined schedule. In addition, such procedures are often carried out immediately before installing various drivers or important utilities.

In this case, as mentioned above, you can make a restore point yourself. In the vast majority of cases, those users who know how to roll back a Windows 8 system make restore points as a preventive measure, because they know that the problem can come suddenly from the Internet, and also before carrying out a variety of risky operations, including installing various software, which was not thoroughly checked before installation.

The created recovery points can then be used to reconstruct the information. If you don’t know how to roll back a Windows 8 system, but you know how to make restore points, don’t disdain them, because in the future you will master this technology and be able to use it.

Is it dangerous?

The procedure for how to roll back Windows 8 updates that occurred over a certain period of time does not affect any user files, that is, nothing that is located at C:/Documents and Settings/User name.

In other words, during this process only various system files are changed, and the operating system settings are returned to the moment when the restore point was created. This is what allows you to completely eliminate any problems that may arise, such as incorrect operation of installed drivers, the introduction of virus software and other utilities, the consequences of unsuccessful installation of utilities and optimization of the system registry, deterioration of the operating system, and others.

Activation and setting parameters

The technology for how to roll back Windows 8 updates to a certain point is initially installed in the operating system. This function is active in case the system is installed using an original image from Microsoft. The only exception in this case may be various pirated assemblies, when a certain version of the system is specially selected, created for not very powerful computers. In such situations, various options that might not be useful to ordinary users are often simply disabled, but this will not consume the resources of your hardware, including taking up space on the system disk, which is what those same recovery points do.

To check whether you have enabled the technology for how to roll back a Windows 8 system to factory settings, you need to go to the “System Protection” section, where all the relevant settings are located. It is worth noting that the new Windows 8.1, unlike the traditional eighth version, provides the ability to call up a context menu through which you can easily get to various sections. At the same time, this also houses the “Control Panel”, through which you can configure how to roll back Windows 8.1 to 8 or carry out other update rollbacks.

You will need to go to the “System Protection” section, after which in the “Protection Options” column there should be a checkmark next to the system drive on which the operating system is installed. If it is marked “Disabled”, then go to the disk settings and activate it.

How to roll back the system?

It’s worth noting right away that there is nothing complicated about how to roll back a Windows 8 system a month or even for a longer period. In order to return the system to a working state, you will need to go to the “System Protection” section again, and then select the “Restore” option.

There is also another option in which we will use the “Control Panel”. It is worth noting that after opening this window, you will need to set the viewing option to “Small icons”, because otherwise you will not be able to find how to roll back the Windows 8 system to factory settings. Select “Recovery”, “Run system restore”, and in the next window click “Select another restore point”. It is quite important to choose a specific point, especially if you are looking for how to roll back a Windows 8 system to 7.

How to choose a point?

If you don’t remember which specific point you created and how it differs from the others, you will need to click on the “Search for affected programs” button. This window will display a complete list of utilities that will be removed after the rollback, since they were not yet installed when saving the restore point.

This is a kind of additional identifier, when using which you can easily abandon any point that you created manually, and still choose the one that the system created automatically, if it is a more recent or current version.

Recovery process

Now click “Next”, help about the recovery procedure itself will open, after which you can click “Finish”. Ultimately, you need to confirm the rollback procedure and wait until it is completed. In the vast majority of cases, the procedure is carried out in a pre-boot version of the operating system. Often this takes no more than half an hour, but more often everything happens much faster.

Hello everyone, today I’ll tell you how to roll back a Windows 8.1 system. When asking about rolling back Windows 8.1, different users often mean different things: some undo the last changes made when installing any program or drivers, some remove installed updates, some restore the original system configuration or roll back from Windows 8.1 to 8.

I have already written on each of these topics, and here I decided to put all this information together with explanations in which cases specific methods for restoring the previous state of the system are suitable for you and what procedures are performed when using each of them.

Rollback Windows using system restore points

One of the most commonly used methods of rolling back Windows 8 is system restore points, which are automatically created when significant changes are made (installation of programs that change system settings, drivers, updates, etc.) and which you can create manually. This method can help in fairly simple situations when, after one of these actions, you encounter errors in operation or when loading the system.

In order to use a restore point, you need to do the following:

1. Go to the control panel and select “Recovery”.
2. Click "Run System Restore".
3. Select the desired restore point and start the rollback process to the state on the date the point was created.

You can read in detail about Windows restore points, how to work with them and how to solve typical problems with this tool in the article Windows 8 and 7 Restore Point.

Rolling back updates

The next most common task is to roll back Windows 8 or 8.1 updates in cases where, after installing them, certain problems with the computer appeared: errors when starting programs, loss of the Internet, and the like.

This is usually done by uninstalling updates through Windows Update or using the command line (there are also third-party software for working with Windows updates).

Step-by-step instructions for removing updates: How to remove Windows 8 and Windows 7 updates (two methods).

Reset Windows 8 settings

Windows 8 and 8.1 provide the ability to reset all system settings if it is not working properly, without deleting your personal files. This method should be used when other methods no longer help - with a high probability, the problems can be solved (provided that the system itself starts).

To reset your settings, you can open the panel on the right (Charms), click Settings, and then Change PC settings. After that, select “Update and Recovery” - “Recovery” from the list. To reset the settings, you just need to start restoring your computer without deleting files (however, your installed programs will be affected, we are only talking about document files, videos, photos and similar ones).

Using recovery images to roll back the system to its original state

The Windows recovery image is a kind of complete copy of the system, with all installed programs, drivers, and, if desired, files, and you can return the computer to exactly the state that was saved in the recovery image.

1. Such recovery images are available on almost all laptops and computers (branded) with pre-installed Windows 8 and 8.1 (located on a hidden partition of the hard drive, containing the operating system and programs installed by the manufacturer)
2. You can create a recovery image yourself at any time (preferably immediately after installation and initial configuration).
3. If you wish, you can create a hidden recovery partition on your computer’s hard drive (if it doesn’t exist or has been deleted).

In the first case, when the system on the laptop or computer was not reinstalled, but the original one is installed (including one updated from Windows 8 to 8.1), you can use the “Recovery” item in changing the parameters (described in the previous section, there is also a link to detailed instructions), but you will need to select “Delete all files and reinstall Windows” (almost the entire process occurs automatically and does not require special preparation).