Restore point

Question

Hi,

I spent a lot of time time customizing Windows 11 (Home).

I'm really now very happy about how it looks like.

I was wondering if creating a restore point was enough to save "entirely" how Windows looks like.

Eg : I did a nice 3D animated Wallpaper (with Lively Wallpaper), created some custom orbs, etc...

I've another HDD (2TB) where I backed everything up. But it is data : images, code, softs etc.

Is creating a restore enough to save all ? I would say "no", because it a restore point affects Windows / Registry, but not the customization itself.. Am I right ?

Thanks for your help !

Kind regards,

Aurélien.

Answer 1

Hi Aurélien Acherman

Welcome to Microsoft Community.

Based on your description, I understand that you're wondering if creating a restore point will fully preserve the look of Windows, since you've made beautiful 3D animated wallpapers, some custom spheres, and so on. I understand your feelings very well!

Sorry for some reason I just received this thread today, but I edited this reply as soon as I did.

Normally, Restore Point primarily captures system files and settings, including the Windows Registry, but does not back up personal files or third-party applications (such as Lively Wallpaper), nor does it back up any specific customizations you've made (such as custom spheres). While it can restore your system to a previous state, it will not save personalized settings or files outside of your system files.

Overall restore points are primarily used to create a current state of your system, allowing you to get back to a problem as quickly as possible before it happened.

Restoring your system via a restore point will not delete your current personal files and data, but it will delete third-party applications, drivers, Windows Update, etc. that have been installed since the restore point.

If you want to fully retain your customized settings, in addition to making a restore point, you can consider the following steps.

1. Since you have another hard drive, make sure to back up all your customization files, including wallpapers, themes, and any other personalization settings.
2. I have not personally used the Lively Wallpaper app, so if the app offers an export feature, you can save the configuration locally.
3. Record any specific changes you make, including installation paths and settings, in case you need to recreate them.

And so on.

By taking a few extra steps, we were able to ensure that the customized settings were preserved and not just a restore point.

I sincerely hope that the above solution will solve your problem. Please feel free to contact me if you have any problems or still can't solve them. (Photos related to the question would be great!).

I look forward to hearing back from you. 

Best Regards

Arthur Sheng | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

Answer 2

No one ? Should I post my question on Reddit rather ?

Answer 3

No one ? Should I post my question on Reddit rather ?