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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.

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