Windows 10: How do I restore my Windows 10 to an earlier time?

I had a very brief interruption of power to this Windows 10 desktop computer. Windows did not return to the same state before the power interruption, but rather went through some procedure that resulted in all my desktop icons ending on the left side of my screen arranced closely in rows. "Test" was accidently activated and still shows up with the Microsoft siloute with "Test" showing beneath that. It does return to a desktop, but all my favorites are gone. I have made several attempts to restore my computer to an earlier state prior to the power interruption but Windows says that is not successful. How can I restore my computer to the way it was before the power interruption? I want my favorites back. Thank you.

:)

 

Is it time for Windows 10 already?

Here's a good step by step guide on doing a fresh install.

How to clean install Windows 10 from a USB drive - Software - Feature - HEXUS.net

 

Restoring Windows 10 Image using Macrium Reflect


In addition to the above. Here's my suggestion in step by step.
I assume you have Macrium Installed in your current HD and already made a backup copy.

1. Connect your new HD via USB port and boot up.
2. Run Macrium, click on Restore tab then select the Backup Image that you made to restore
3. click on "select a different target disk" then select your new HD as destination
   
   
   
4. Proceed to restore then Shutdown and disconnect the old HD and replace with the new HD
5. Boot up with your new HD.

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.