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Start with what changed and when. If one app or setting caused the trouble, undo that change first; if the slowdown followed a Windows update, remove that update; if several system changes happened after a known date, consider restoring the PC to an earlier point. Choose the narrowest fix that fits the cause, and back up important files before using Windows recovery tools.
Choose a rollback that matches what changed
Windows offers several ways to reverse changes, but they do not undo the same things. A targeted app fix is usually less disruptive than restoring the system, and a reset is a later option rather than a first response. Microsoft recommends starting with the least disruptive suitable recovery choice.
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| Option | What it reverses | Personal files | Availability or limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair, reset, or uninstall an app; disable its startup entry | One app or its effect on startup | Depends on the app and action; check the app’s prompt before proceeding | Use when a particular app or startup behavior appears responsible. Windows may offer repair or reset for some apps. |
| Uninstall a Windows update | The selected update | Microsoft says removing the selected update does not affect personal files or apps | Some updates cannot be uninstalled. Best matched to a problem that began after an update. |
| Go back to a previous Windows version | A Windows version upgrade, including apps, drivers, and settings added or changed afterward | Personal files are kept | Microsoft lists a 10-day window after upgrading; the option may no longer be available after that. |
| System Restore | System files, registry settings, and installed programs as of the selected restore point | Personal files are not affected | Requires a suitable restore point. Apps, drivers, updates, or settings installed or changed later may be undone. |
| Point-in-time restore | The operating system, apps, settings, and files as of a recent automatic restore point | Files changed after the point may be lost | For Windows 11 version 24H2 or later; Microsoft says points are retained for up to 72 hours. |
| Reset this PC | Reinstalls Windows and removes apps and settings | Choose to keep or remove personal files | More disruptive than targeted rollback. Back up first; an encrypted device may require its BitLocker recovery key. |
If Windows still starts
One app or its startup behavior is the likely cause
If the problem began after installing or changing a particular app, look for a built-in repair or reset option before uninstalling it. The exact availability varies by app. If the PC is slow mainly while starting, disable startup apps you do not need. Microsoft’s performance guidance covers reviewing startup apps and other ways to improve PC performance: Tips to improve PC performance in Windows.
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Try removing the update that came immediately before the problem rather than rolling back the whole Windows version. Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, then select the relevant update if it is listed. Some updates do not have an uninstall option. Microsoft says uninstalling an update does not affect personal files or apps, but it is not a guarantee that performance will improve: Recovery options in Windows.
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The problem followed a Windows version upgrade
If Windows offers Go back, you can return to the previous version. Microsoft lists this option as available for 10 days after upgrading. It removes apps, drivers, and settings added or changed after the upgrade, though personal files are kept. The path is generally Settings > System > Recovery > Go back; labels can vary with Windows version and device. See Microsoft’s recovery options before proceeding.
Several system changes may be responsible
If a suitable restore point exists from before the trouble began, System Restore can reverse system-level changes without affecting personal files. It may undo programs, drivers, updates, and settings installed or changed since that point. To open it, search Windows for Create a restore point, open the System Protection result, select System Restore, and choose a point dated before the problem. Review the affected programs list before confirming. Microsoft explains the process and its effects in System Restore.
You need to restore files as well as system settings
Windows 11 version 24H2 or later may offer point-in-time restore to a recent automatic restore point. Unlike System Restore, this can restore files as well as the operating system, apps, and settings, so changes made after the chosen point may be lost. Microsoft says these points are retained for up to 72 hours. Confirm that this option and a suitable point are available before relying on it: Point-in-time restore for Windows.
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Less disruptive fixes have not worked
Before resetting, copy important files to a separate location and make sure you can access the BitLocker recovery key if the device is encrypted. In Settings > System > Recovery, choose Reset PC. Keep my files retains personal files but removes apps and settings; Remove everything deletes personal files as well as apps and settings. Read each confirmation screen carefully. Microsoft’s Reset your PC guide describes the options. A manufacturer’s recovery media may include hardware-specific drivers and factory apps; check the device maker’s instructions if reinstalling Windows is necessary.
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If Windows will not start normally
Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) provides recovery tools even when you cannot reach the desktop. Depending on the problem and available recovery data, it can offer Uninstall Updates, System Restore, Startup Repair, and Reset this PC. If WinRE does not appear automatically, Windows installation media can also be used to reach recovery options. An encrypted device may ask for the BitLocker recovery key.
- Enter Windows Recovery Environment. If Windows repeatedly fails to start, it may open WinRE automatically. Otherwise, use Microsoft’s documented recovery route for your device or start from Windows installation media and select the repair/recovery option rather than installing Windows.
- Choose the tool that matches the cause. In WinRE, open Troubleshoot > Advanced options, then choose Uninstall Updates or System Restore when the issue followed an update or a known system change. Try Startup Repair if Windows cannot start; use Reset this PC only after considering its file and app effects.
- Provide the recovery key if requested. Do not guess or bypass a BitLocker prompt; locate the key before continuing.
Microsoft describes WinRE tools in Windows recovery environment and additional recovery paths in Backup, restore, and recovery in Windows. A USB flash drive is useful only when correctly prepared as Windows recovery or installation media; a blank drive alone cannot repair the PC, and a recovery drive does not contain personal files.
Windows 10 support status
Microsoft states that Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Recovery steps may still be available on a Windows 10 PC, but restoring or resetting it does not change that support status. See Microsoft’s Reset your PC guidance.
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