Add Create System Restore Point Context Menu

Updated 7 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This article explains how to add a “Create System Restore Point” option to the Windows right-click context menu, allowing you to trigger a restore point with a single click. You will learn the exact registry steps, the risks involved, and how to remove the entry if you no longer need it. The method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11, with minor differences noted.

Why Add a Restore Point to the Context Menu

System Restore is a built-in Windows feature that takes a snapshot of system files, installed drivers, and registry settings. Normally you create a restore point manually through the System Properties dialog (Control Panel > System > System Protection), which takes several clicks. Adding a context menu entry gives you one-click access from the desktop or any folder, which is useful before installing new software, updating drivers, or making risky registry changes. It does not replace automatic restore points, but it gives you control over when a snapshot is taken.

How the Context Menu Entry Works

The context menu entry is created by adding a registry key under HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell (for the desktop right-click) or HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\Shell (for folder backgrounds). When you right-click on an empty area of the desktop or a folder window, Windows checks these keys and displays any commands found. The command itself runs a PowerShell or Command Prompt script that invokes the Checkpoint-Computer cmdlet (PowerShell) or wmic.exe (Command Prompt) to create a restore point. Because the action requires administrator privileges, the registry entry must include a RunAs value that triggers a UAC prompt.

Step-by-Step: Add the Context Menu Entry

Follow these steps carefully. Incorrect registry edits can cause instability, so back up the registry before proceeding (File > Export in Registry Editor).

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell.
Right-click on Shell, select New > Key, and name it Create Restore Point.
Select the new key. In the right pane, double-click (Default) and set its value to Create Restore Point (this is the text shown in the menu).
Right-click on the Create Restore Point key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it Icon, and set its value to 0 (optional, but gives a default shield icon).
Right-click again, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it RunAs, and set its value to 1. This forces the command to run with administrator rights.
Right-click on the Create Restore Point key, select New > Key, and name it command.
Select the command key. Double-click (Default) and enter one of the following commands (see the next section for which to use):
- PowerShell: powershell.exe -NoProfile -Command "Checkpoint-Computer -Description 'Manual Restore Point' -RestorePointType 'MODIFY_SETTINGS'"
- Command Prompt: cmd.exe /c wmic.exe /Namespace:\\root\default Path SystemRestore Call CreateRestorePoint "Manual Restore Point", 100, 7
Click OK and close Registry Editor.
Right-click on the desktop and select Create Restore Point. Accept the UAC prompt. A command window may flash briefly; wait a few seconds for the restore point to be created.

To verify, open System Properties > System Protection > System Restore > Next, and you should see the new restore point listed with the description you set.

PowerShell vs. Command Prompt Command

Both commands achieve the same result, but they have differences:

PowerShell uses the Checkpoint-Computer cmdlet, which is the modern recommended method. It creates a restore point with the type MODIFY_SETTINGS (value 100). The command is longer but more readable.
Command Prompt uses wmic.exe, which is deprecated in newer Windows versions but still works in Windows 10 and 11. The parameters are: description, restore point type (100 = MODIFY_SETTINGS), and event type (7 = SYSTEM_CHANGE). This command is shorter but less intuitive.

If you use Windows 11 24H2 or later, wmic.exe may be removed; use the PowerShell command instead. Also note that Checkpoint-Computer requires the SystemRestore PSDrive to be available, which it is by default on desktop editions.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

If the context menu entry does not appear or fails, check these issues:

Wrong registry path: Ensure you added the key under DesktopBackground\Shell, not Directory\Shell (the latter affects folder background only, not desktop).
Missing RunAs value: Without RunAs=1, the command runs without admin rights and fails silently. Double-check the DWORD value.
Command syntax error: A typo in the command path (e.g., missing quotes) will cause a flash of a window and no restore point. Copy the command exactly as shown.
System Protection disabled: If System Protection is turned off for the system drive, the command will fail. Go to System Protection settings and enable protection for the C: drive.
UAC disabled: If UAC is completely disabled, the RunAs value may not trigger a prompt, and the command may run without elevation. This is rare but possible.
Group Policy restriction: Some enterprise editions may block System Restore via policy. Check with your administrator.

How to Remove the Context Menu Entry

To remove the entry, simply delete the registry key you created. In Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\DesktopBackground\Shell\Create Restore Point, right-click it, and select Delete. Confirm the deletion. The context menu entry disappears immediately. No reboot is required.

Alternative Methods

If you prefer not to edit the registry, there are other ways to create restore points quickly:

Desktop shortcut: Create a shortcut with the PowerShell command above, and set it to run as administrator. Double-click the shortcut to create a restore point.
Task Scheduler: Schedule a task that runs the command at a specific time or event, but this is less convenient for manual creation.
Third-party tools: Some system utilities offer a “Create Restore Point” button, but they are not necessary for this simple task.

Safety and Best Practices

Editing the registry carries a small risk. Always back up the registry or create a system restore point before making changes (ironically, you can use the context menu entry after it is added). The command itself is safe—it only creates a restore point, not deletes or modifies anything. However, be aware that restore points consume disk space; each snapshot can use several gigabytes. Windows automatically deletes old restore points when the disk space limit is reached, so you don’t need to manage them manually. Also note that System Restore does not back up personal files, so it is not a substitute for file backups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this work on Windows 11?

Yes, the registry path is the same. However, Windows 11’s new context menu may show the entry under “Show more options” if you right-click on a folder background. On the desktop, it appears directly. The command works identically.

Can I add the entry to the right-click menu of a specific drive?

No, the method described adds it to the desktop and folder background, not to drive icons. To add it to drive icons, you would need a different registry key (HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\Shell), but that is not covered here and may have unintended effects.

What is the difference between restore point types?

Restore point types are internal flags. The most common is MODIFY_SETTINGS (100), which indicates a system change. APPLICATION_INSTALL (0) is used during installations. For manual creation, MODIFY_SETTINGS is standard and works fine.

Why does the command window flash and disappear?

That is normal. The command runs in the background and exits. If a restore point is not created, check the command syntax and ensure System Protection is enabled.

Can I set a custom description for each restore point?

The command uses a fixed description (e.g., “Manual Restore Point”). To change it, edit the command in the registry. You cannot enter a description each time you right-click without creating a more complex script.

Is it safe to delete the registry key later?

Yes, deleting the key only removes the context menu entry. It does not affect existing restore points or the System Restore feature.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.