Windows 10: Microsoft Tests Point-in-Time Restore for Windows 11, a Full System Backup Beyond Classic...

Microsoft is testing Point-in-Time Restore, a new recovery feature for Windows 11 that offers a more comprehensive system snapshot than the traditional System Restore. The feature was first seen in the Windows 11 Insider Experimental preview released on April 24, 2026, and was originally announced in 2025.

Microsoft explains that the goal of Point-in-Time Restore is to "minimize downtime and simplify troubleshooting when disruptions occur." The feature appears in the Windows Recovery Environment troubleshooting window when a PC encounters issues and can also be accessed and configured from the Windows Settings app.

What Point-in-Time Restore Backs Up and How Snapshot Scheduling Works




Unlike System Restore, which backs up system files, registry settings, drivers, and installed applications, Point-in-Time Restore includes user files, applications, settings, passwords, secrets, certificates, and keys. Files stored in OneDrive or other cloud services are not affected by the restore.

Reverting to a Point-in-Time snapshot restores the entire PC, so any local changes made after the snapshot will be lost. This includes local file edits or new files saved outside of cloud storage.

Point-in-Time Restore follows an automated schedule instead of offering the option for manual snapshot creation. Snapshots are kept for up to 72 hours and can be set to retain for shorter periods such as six, twelve, sixteen, or twenty-four hours. Depending on user preferences, new snapshots can be created every four, twelve, sixteen, or twenty-four hours.

Storage Requirements and the Windows 365 Enterprise Version


On PCs with at least 200GB of drive space, Point-in-Time Restore is enabled by default. Devices with smaller drives need to be set up manually. Storage usage is set to 2% of the total drive capacity, with options for different percentage allocations. At least 2GB must be reserved for the feature to work properly. For consumer Windows installations, this feature is optional and can be turned on or off by the user.

A different version of Point-in-Time Restore is available for Windows 365 Enterprise cloud PCs managed via Intune. This enterprise feature is always active, keeps restore points for up to a month, allows for manual creation of restore points, and relies on scalable cloud storage instead of local drive space.

Remote Management Support and Availability


Remote management support for Point-in-Time Restore is in development but not yet available in the current preview. Microsoft has said it will be included in future updates, although no specific timeline has been announced. The feature is now limited to Windows 11 Insider Experimental channel builds.

Microsoft has not provided any information on when Point-in-Time Restore will be accessible to a wider group of Windows 11 users.

Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Microsoft Tests Point-in-Time Restore for Windows 11, a Full System Backup Beyond Classic System Restore appeared first on gHacks.

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System Restore Point Questions

Thanks, Dave!

Suppose I go back to an earlier version of C: with the desired restore point, restore from it and create a restore point on D:, then reload the current C:. Will I be able to restore from that restore point on D:?

Step by step:

1. Enable Restore for D:
   
2. Back up the C: drive with Acronis.
   
3. Restore C: to an earlier date with the desired restore point, from the Acronis backup image.
   
4. Restore the system from the desired restore point.
   
5. See if Restore is still enabled for D:. If not, enable it there, with the same capacity as in step 1.
   
6. Disable Restore for C:.
   
7. Create a restore point. Since there's no availability on C:, it should be created on D:, and be identical to the desired restore point.
   
8. Now put C: back to the current version using the backup created in step 2.
   

Will the system now recognize that restore point on D: and let me restore from it?

(Edited to add the explanation, and step 4.)

 

Windows 10 system image restore points unable to delete

Have deleted system image backups using the windows 10 suggested method. But 2 system image rstore points are still listed under other backups. Have tried all the suggested methods on the net and from the microsoft community, but the system image restore
points remain. Even after deleting all but the last normal restore points. I guess I can just ignore them. Would appreciate any advice as nothing seems to remove them.

 

How to delete inactive System Image Restore Points in System Restore

AndreTen - I have tried Disk Cleanup but unfortunately the problem entries did not go away.
I feel certain Bree (VIP Member) has identified the correct cause of this problem as above and his adviced solution should also do the trick.

- - - Updated - - -

Bree - Thank you. I must admit that I did use 'Create system image' a few times in 'Backup & Restore (Windows 7)' instead of 'Backup now' and these ghost entries relate to those actions. You have rightly identified the cause of this issue.
It is crazy that Microsoft has put two different backup options causing the issue of these ghost restore points.

Regarding your advice on how to rectify the issue - I must add that I am not very computer savvy and feel reluctant to use Diskpart utility etc to delete 'WindowsImageBackup\SPPMetadataCache' and 'WindowsImageBackup\Catalog folders' from within 'System Volume Information' folder with command Prompt as I fear damaging the pc by making any mistakes, as I have never done this before.

Please advice if there may be another simpler method to delete the above folders OR if you are able and have time to post a step by step instructions (with pictures if possible) on how to follow your advice. Much appreciated.