All Windows users should become familiar with the concept of a restore point. Simply put, a restore point acts as a sort of "snapshot" of your computer and its settings. A restore point can be made at any time, but it is recommended to make one at a time when your computer is running smoothly with your preferred settings.

What's so great about a restore point?

Basically, restore points act as a sort of reference point for your computer. In the event of some sort of error or problem with your computer, you have the option to simply revert back to that point of reference. So rather than having to reinstall an operating system and reinstate all of your preferred programs and settings, you can restore your computer to a point before encountering the error.

How do I create a restore point?

Restore points are very simple to create. Just go to your start menu and click on "Help and Support", then click on "Performance and Maintenance". From there find the option on the menu for "Restore Point". This brings you to a list of possible tasks, including "Create a Restore Point".

Now simply follow all of the prompts given by Windows. Viola! A new system restore point has been created. This means that all of the settings and preferences of your computer at that given time will be saved in that restore point. It is important to note that you should only create restore points at times when your computer is up and running correctly- a restore point doesn't do anyone any good if it was created at a time when the computer wasn't functioning properly.

How do I actually revert to a restore point after I've created one?

First, go to the "Help and Support" menu from the start menu again. This time, instead of clicking on "Create a Restore Point" option, click "Restore my computer to an earlier time". Now you can choose from any of the restore points that have been created and your computer will revert to the settings of the computer at the time the point was made.

Restore points are an invaluable tool for any Windows user. Of course, they are not infallible and may not even solve your problem. Because of this, you should always regularly backup any important files just in case. That said, they are an important part of any arsenal, and every Windows user should become familiar with them.