Microsoft has officially confirmed that system restore points in Windows 11 will now be automatically deleted after 60 days, defining a clearer chronology for users who rely on functionality to protect their PCs from software or configuration misadventures.
System Restore is an integrated recovery tool in Windows which allows users to reduce the system files, registry parameters and drivers installed to a previous functional condition – offering a safety net when updates, drivers installations or configuration changes go wrong. Personal files such as documents and photos are not affected by the process.
However, the lifespan of these restoration points was a question of confusion, with inconsistent behaviors reported by users since Windows 11 made its debut in 2021. Although the documentation of Windows 10 suggested restoration points could last up to 90 days, real retention in Windows 11 has proven to be incoherent, more and more than 10 days DISK system and space available.
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From now on, in a new assistance document linked to the security update of June 2025 for Windows 11 version 24H2, Microsoft finally codified the rule: “After having installed the Windows security update of June 2025, Windows 11, the 24H2 version will keep the restoration points of the system for up to 60 days … Restoring the previous points at 60 days are not available. This 60 -day limit will also apply to future versions of Windows 11, 24H2 version.
Why it matters
The restoration of the system has long been considered a light and rapid recovery option, in particular compared to the backups or resettlements of the system. But its usefulness has always completed the duration of these recovery points.
Ten days is too short window for many users to notice the problems caused by bad drivers or stranded updates, especially those that do not use their computers daily. The new 60 -day retention window offers a more reasonable calendar, balancing data recovery flexibility with the management of disk space.
Windows will always automatically delete old catering points once the limit is reached, either due to the window or storage capacity for 60 days.
According to Windows last, which reported the updated retention policy, the new approach offers more clarity than past behavior: “This will give you several snapshots, but Windows will always delete the oldest once they exceed the retention window (now 60 days on Windows 11 24H2 by default).”
How to manually create a system restoration point
Although Windows automatically creates catering points before certain system changes (such as updates or major pilot facilities), it is also good to create them manually, especially before installing new software, making system adjustments or updating the drivers.
Here’s how to manually create a restoration point:
- Open the Start menu and search “Create a restoration point”.
- This will open the system protection tab under the properties of the system.
- Under protective settings, select the reader where Windows is installed (usually C :), and click Configure.
- Make sure that system protection is activated for this reader.
- Click Create, name the restoration point for easy identification (for example, before the pilot update) and follow the prompts.
Your catering point created manually will remain available for 60 days unless the storage limits require earlier deletion. The windows generally allocate a small percentage of disk space (often approximately 1 to 3%) for the storage of restoration points, and once this fills, the older points are removed to make room for new ones.
Now that the 60 -day expiration rule is official, experts recommend creating catering points every few weeks, especially for users who frequently install software, modify the parameters or test new configurations. For users with limited storage space, adjusting the quantity of disk space is allocated to catering points can help preserve more recovery options.
It should also be noted: System Restore is deactivated by default on certain Windows 11 devices, in particular those with storage restrictions or limited OEM. Users must check that it is activated under the protection of the system.
With this clarification, Microsoft brings more transparency to one of its longest recovery features. Although it is not as robust as backups of the complete system, the restoration of the system remains a vital part of the defense of Windows against unexpected problems – and now, with a known window of 60 days, users can plan their protective strategies more efficiently.
