# Disabling Windows System Restore

The Windows System Restore feature is always enabled by default on new Windows 7 or later installations. Therefore, you must systematically disable this feature on all existing and new installations using Windows 7 or later

1- Click on the Windows Start button, and select **Control Panel.**

<figure><img src="/files/4u0bcFNQTpMexVii00Ja" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2- From the Control Panel home, click on **System and Security**.

<figure><img src="/files/2T66SxiGLqElSGB1xlqo" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

3- Click on System

<figure><img src="/files/lhP8FZYsqg6yHbcr12Gt" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

4- The System window opens. On the left-hand side of the window, click on System Protection.

<figure><img src="/files/ICKku2DCUKFosHUvpcOF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

5- If the protection is set to On for one or more of your drives, select the drive and click the Configure… button.

<figure><img src="/files/GqLm7iCFcVpYFPsGaeez" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

6- Select the Turn off system protection, and click OK

<figure><img src="/files/wYUB4SI5UE046n322li5" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

7- A warning message will appear. Click Yes to delete all existing restore points and disable System Restore for this drive.

<figure><img src="/files/UoZagTsfvch0IXVURFeA" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Repeat steps 4 through 7** for any other drive for which the protection is still set to **On**.

8- Once System Restore is Off for all drives, click OK to close the System Properties window.

<figure><img src="/files/kvQQDcgpy6IFHG6bp03B" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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