restore point Archives

Winsage

July 9, 2025

5 Windows Registry tweaks I still use, even in 2025

The Windows registry is a crucial part of Microsoft's operating system, recording various system operations. Users can modify the registry through the Registry Editor to enhance performance and user experience, but must do so cautiously to avoid system issues. To take ownership of files, users can add a "Take Ownership" option to the context menu by creating a .reg file. To restore the old Windows 10 context menu in Windows 11, a new key can be added in the Registry Editor. Power throttling can be disabled by creating a new key and DWORD value in the Registry Editor, improving performance for desktop users. Users can disable the Copilot feature by creating a specific key and DWORD value in the Registry Editor. To reduce telemetry data collection, a DWORD value can be set to 0 in the Registry Editor. It is recommended to back up files and create a Restore Point before making any registry changes, and to test risky tweaks on a virtual machine or secondary device.

Winsage

June 25, 2025

Windows 11 backup warning

Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 automatically purges System Restore points after 60 days. Users are advised to create their own restore points periodically to maintain system stability and have a backup option available. To create a restore point, users should search for "Create a restore point" in the Windows search bar.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

Windows 11’s crucial Restore Points now self-destruct after 60 days

Windows 11 users should monitor their operating system’s restore points closely due to a change introduced in the June update for Windows 11 24H2. Restore points will now be retained for a maximum of 60 days, reduced from the previous 90 days. This change is specified in the “System Restore” section, stating that after the June 2025 Windows security update, restore points older than 60 days will not be available. This 60-day limit will also apply to future versions of Windows 11, including the anticipated Windows 11 25H2, set to launch in fall 2025.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

Fixing your broken Windows 11 PC is about to get even harder

Windows 11, version 24H2, now retains System Restore points for up to 60 days after the June 2025 security update, an increase from the previous retention period of 10 days. This change aims to provide users with more time to address issues following installations or updates. Users can create a System Restore point by accessing the System Protection tab in the System Properties menu, enabling the feature, and naming the restore point. System Restore points allow users to revert their system to a previous state, offering a comprehensive backup solution for applications, files, and settings.

Winsage

June 23, 2025

Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Automatic Deletions: Take Action Now To Protect Yourself

Microsoft's Windows 11 features System Restore, allowing users to create snapshots of system files, settings, and registry. These restore points will automatically expire and be deleted after 60 days. Previously, Windows 10 restore points could last up to 90 days, but since Windows 11's launch, the retention period has varied between 10 and 90 days, often leaning towards the shorter duration. Following a June 2025 security update, Windows 11, version 24H2 will maintain restore points for a maximum of 60 days. Users are encouraged to create their own restore points regularly, which will also last for 60 days.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

I used Winaero to customize Windows, and here’s how it went

Winaero Tweaker is a free application that offers a suite of tools for customizing Windows 11, organized into sections for appearance, behavior, and more. It allows users to enable or disable features such as the Copilot and automatic updates, modify Windows Explorer options, and enhance visual settings. Users can enable the classic full context menu, modify the Windows Explorer Window, resize scroll bars, and prevent Windows themes from changing mouse pointers and desktop icons. The Context Menu Tweaker allows customization of right-click options, adding shortcuts for functions like the Control Panel and Snipping Tool. Winaero also provides tools for modifying support and maintenance settings, including automatic registry backups and creating multiple System Restore points. It offers features to restore classic Windows functionalities and install legacy applications. While Winaero presents many options to enhance the user experience, users should be cautious as some features may pose security risks or performance issues. The application includes a Recent Changes feature for reviewing modifications and reverting to default settings if necessary.

Winsage

June 22, 2025

Your Windows 11 System Restore points may vanish 30 days earlier than you’d expect

Recent updates from Microsoft indicate that the lifespan of System Restore points on Windows 11 has been reduced to 60 days. Following the June 2025 Windows security update, restore points older than 60 days will no longer be accessible. This change will also apply to future versions of Windows 11, specifically version 24H2. Previously, System Restore points were designed to last around 90 days, but their actual duration varied, with some expiring as quickly as 10 days after creation.

Winsage

June 17, 2025

5 registry tweaks I made to instantly speed up my Windows PC

Disabling animations and visual effects can improve the responsiveness of Windows 11. To disable visual effects, navigate to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerVisualEffects, create a DWORD value named VisualFXSettings, and set its value to 2. To allocate fewer resources to background apps, go to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionMultimediaSystemProfile, double-click on SystemResponsiveness, and change the Base Decimal value from 20 to 10. To speed up shutdown, navigate to ComputerHKEYLOCALMACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControl, double-click on WaitToKillServiceTimeout, and set the value from 5,000 milliseconds to 2,000 milliseconds. To reduce startup delays, go to HKEYCURRENTUSERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer, create a new key named Serialize, then create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named StartupDelayInMSec and set its value to 0. To prioritize applications and enhance system responsiveness, navigate to HKEYLOCALMACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionMultimediaSystemProfile, double-click on SystemResponsiveness, and adjust it from 14 to 10.

Winsage

June 10, 2025

6 essential steps that Windows 11 users often miss after a fresh install

Many users overlook crucial default settings after installing Windows 11, which can lead to performance issues, privacy vulnerabilities, and complications during recovery. Key settings to configure include: 1. System Restore: This feature is disabled by default and allows users to revert system files and settings to a previous state. To enable it, users must access the System Properties page, select the main drive, click Configure, and turn on system protection. 2. BitLocker Recovery Key: Windows 11 automatically activates BitLocker on new installations. Users should back up their recovery key in their Microsoft account to avoid issues during startup. 3. Power Settings: Users should adjust power settings to prevent underperformance. This includes selecting "Best Performance" for both "Plugged in" and "On battery" modes and configuring screen and sleep timeouts. 4. Privacy Settings: Windows 11 collects diagnostic data by default. Users can enhance privacy by turning off features like "Find my device," "Personalized offers," and "Advertising ID," as well as disabling optional diagnostic data transmission. 5. Device Drivers: Users should verify that all device drivers are correctly installed, as the operating system may not install drivers for critical components. This can be checked in Device Manager, and updates can be managed through Windows Update. 6. System Backup: Establishing a backup is essential for data protection. Users can set up regular backups using the "Backup and Restore" feature by connecting an external drive and following the setup process in Control Panel.

Winsage

May 21, 2025

5 Windhawk modules I couldn’t use Windows 11 without

Windhawk is a tool for customizing the Windows 11 interface, allowing users to make significant modifications to their operating system. It provides various mods, including: - Vertical Taskbar Mod: Restores the ability to reposition the taskbar and customize its width and jump list alignment. - Taskbar Labels Mod: Allows users to display labels for app icons, customize label text, combine apps, and adjust taskbar width, with options for increasing label font size. - Start Menu Syler Mod: Enables users to apply themes to the Start menu, including options that mimic the Windows 10 look. - Classic Explorer Navigation Bar Mod: Restores familiar items to the File Explorer navigation bar, enhancing user experience. - Classic Context Menu Mod: Reverts the context menu to a more familiar format, improving accessibility to options. Windhawk also offers a portable installation option and encourages users to create a restore point before installation to safeguard against potential issues. The platform features a marketplace for various modules, allowing users to customize their experience further.