What is meant by 'system restore' in Windows?

The term 'system restore' in Windows refers to a feature that allows users to revert their computer's operating system to a previous state. This process can be beneficial for recovering the system after changes, such as software installations, updates, or configuration alterations that may have caused issues or system instability.

When a restore point is created, the system saves the configuration and settings of system files and installed applications at that moment. If problems arise later, users can initiate a system restore to return to that saved configuration, effectively undoing recent changes without affecting personal files such as documents, images, or music.

This feature is particularly useful for troubleshooting and can help resolve issues that disrupt normal system functionality, making it a crucial tool for maintaining system health.