Cannot create a restore point

Question

Cannot create a restore point

Rich A 20

My PC will not create a restore point. I get the error for Volume Shadow Copy Service (0x80042302).

System protection is turned on.
Volume Shadow Copy Service is set to automatic and is started.
I have run ‘scannow’ in the Command Prompt, which said it fixed some errors.
I scanned the hard drive for errors; none were found.
I have tried several other scans in the Command Prompt that I found in YouTube videos for this error (although I cannot remember what all of them are).

Here is my PC data:

Processor AMD Ryzen 5 5600G with Radeon Graphics (3.90 GHz)

Installed RAM 16.0 GB (15.3 GB usable)

Graphics card AMD Radeon(TM) Graphics (496 MB)

Device ID [Moderator's note: PII Removed]

Product ID [Moderator's note: PII Removed]

System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor

Pen and touch No pen or touch input is available for this display

Edition Windows 11 Home

Version 25H2

Installed on ‎3/‎17/‎2025

OS build 26200.8457

Experience Windows Feature Experience Pack 1000.26100.304.0

0 comments

Answer accepted by question author

Hendrix-V 15,695 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Please note that our forum is a public platform, and we will modify your question to hide your personal information in the description. Kindly ensure that you hide any personal or organizational information the next time you post an error or other details to protect personal data.

Hi Rich A,

If you’re unable to create a restore point, it usually means that a required component (such as System Protection, services, or system files) isn’t working as expected. This can prevent Windows from saving the snapshot properly.1, Confirm required services are running

Press Win + R > type services.msc > Enter
Restart these services:
- Volume Shadow Copy
- Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider

2, Repair system files

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Then run sfc /scannow again

3, Check available disk space

Ensure your system drive has sufficient free space
If storage is low, free up space and try again

If the issue continues, it may be related to deeper system configuration or file integrity. A repair install (in-place upgrade) can often restore the feature without affecting your files.

Let me know if you need any further help. Feel free to ask by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Reply" if you are unable to add a comment, so that your reply is visible. I appreciate your effort.

Note: Follow the instructions in our documentation to enable email notifications if you wish to receive notifications about this conversation.

Rich A 20 Reputation points

2026-05-30T14:35:29.1433333+00:00

I completed all of your recommendations. I have 47 GB of free space in my hard drive. I set the maximum usage for the restore point at 100%.

I get the same result and error message.

What are you suggesting when you mention a repair install (in-place upgrade)?
Hendrix-V 15,695 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-05-31T06:57:26.5666667+00:00
Hi Rich A,

Thanks for the update. Since you’ve already confirmed storage, settings, and standard checks, this points to something deeper in the Windows components rather than a simple configuration issue.

A repair install is a way to reinstall Windows over itself without removing your data or apps. That being said, I recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so.

Use the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft - download Windows 11

Run the tool and select "Upgrade this PC now"

When prompted, choose Keep personal files and apps

Continue and let the process finish
Rich A 20 Reputation points

2026-05-31T13:45:00.1233333+00:00

That fixed the issue. Thanks for the help.
Hendrix-V 15,695 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-05-31T23:50:42.99+00:00

Hi Rich A,

I'm relieved to know that you made a great decision and everything is good to go on your side. I hope the insights shared in the forum help address your concerns effectively.

In addition, if you found my answer helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could click "Accept Answer" and kindly give it an upvote. Your acknowledgment helps others facing similar situations find useful references and contributes to building a stronger community.

1 additional answer

Your answer

Rich A 20 Reputation points

2026-05-30T14:35:29.1433333+00:00

I completed all of your recommendations. I have 47 GB of free space in my hard drive. I set the maximum usage for the restore point at 100%.

I get the same result and error message.

What are you suggesting when you mention a repair install (in-place upgrade)?
Hendrix-V 15,695 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-05-31T06:57:26.5666667+00:00

Hi Rich A,

Thanks for the update. Since you’ve already confirmed storage, settings, and standard checks, this points to something deeper in the Windows components rather than a simple configuration issue.

A repair install is a way to reinstall Windows over itself without removing your data or apps. That being said, I recommend that if you have important data, you should back it up before making large system changes. If you want to back up your data first, please do so.

Use the official Media Creation Tool from Microsoft - download Windows 11

Run the tool and select "Upgrade this PC now"

When prompted, choose Keep personal files and apps

Continue and let the process finish
Rich A 20 Reputation points

2026-05-31T13:45:00.1233333+00:00

That fixed the issue. Thanks for the help.
Hendrix-V 15,695 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-05-31T23:50:42.99+00:00

Hi Rich A,

I'm relieved to know that you made a great decision and everything is good to go on your side. I hope the insights shared in the forum help address your concerns effectively.

In addition, if you found my answer helpful, I’d really appreciate it if you could click "Accept Answer" and kindly give it an upvote. Your acknowledgment helps others facing similar situations find useful references and contributes to building a stronger community.

Answer 1

Horace Wiggins 440

Type: Create a restore point in the search box.

This should come up, select, Create.

Example image.

User's image

0 comments

Share via

Cannot create a restore point

1 additional answer

Your answer