How to Fix System Restore failed (Windows System Restore)

Quick Answer: The 'System Restore failed' error (0x80070091) typically indicates an issue with system files, often related to the 'WindowsApps' directory or corrupted restore point data. The fastest fix often involves running System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to repair system corruption, followed by attempting System Restore in Safe Mode.

What Causes This Error

• Corrupted system files or operating system components.
• Issues with the 'WindowsApps' directory, often due to permissions or integrity problems.
• Antivirus software or other security applications interfering with the restore process.
• Damaged or incomplete restore points.
• Insufficient disk space on the system drive.
• Hardware failures, such as a failing hard drive.

Step-by-Step Fixes

Fix 1: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM to Fix System Restore failed

Open the Start menu, type 'cmd', right-click on 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.,In the Command Prompt window, type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete. This may take several minutes.,After SFC completes, type 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' and press Enter. Allow this process to complete. An active internet connection is required.,Restart your computer after both scans have finished.,Attempt to perform System Restore again.

Fix 2: Perform System Restore in Safe Mode

Restart your computer. As it starts, repeatedly press the F8 key (or Shift + Restart from the login screen, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart) to access the Advanced Boot Options menu.,Select 'Safe Mode with Networking' from the list of options and press Enter.,Once in Safe Mode, open the Start menu, type 'create a restore point', and select the option from the search results.,In the System Properties window, click the 'System Restore...' button, then 'Next', and choose a restore point prior to when the issue started. Follow the on-screen prompts to begin the restore.,Allow System Restore to complete. Your computer will restart automatically.

Fix 3: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

Locate your antivirus software icon in the system tray (usually in the bottom right corner of your screen).,Right-click the icon and look for an option like 'Disable protection', 'Turn off', or 'Exit'. Select the option to temporarily disable it.,If prompted, choose to disable it for a short period, such as 15 minutes or until the next restart.,Attempt to perform System Restore again.,Remember to re-enable your antivirus software after the System Restore attempt, regardless of the outcome.

Fix 4: Check Disk for Errors

Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E) and navigate to 'This PC'.,Right-click on your primary system drive (usually C:) and select 'Properties'.,Go to the 'Tools' tab and under 'Error checking', click the 'Check' button.,If prompted, click 'Scan drive'. If errors are found, Windows will offer to repair them, which may require a restart.,After the check disk process completes and any repairs are made, attempt System Restore again.

Advanced Fixes

Advanced Fix 1: Rename the WindowsApps Folder (Advanced)

Boot your computer into Safe Mode as described in the 'Perform System Restore in Safe Mode' fix.,Open 'Command Prompt' as an administrator.,Type 'takeown /f "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /r /d y' and press Enter to take ownership of the folder.,Next, type 'icacls "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" /grant "%username%":F /t' and press Enter to grant full control permissions.,Finally, type 'ren "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" WindowsApps.old' and press Enter to rename the folder.,Restart your computer into normal mode and attempt System Restore. If successful, Windows will recreate the 'WindowsApps' folder. You can then delete 'WindowsApps.old' if desired.

FAQs

Q: What does error code 0x80070091 mean?

A: Error code 0x80070091, when associated with System Restore, indicates that System Restore failed while attempting to restore a directory, specifically often related to the 'AppxStaging' source and 'WindowsApps' destination. This typically points to corruption or permission issues within the system's application package directories.

Q: Can I lose data if System Restore fails?

A: No, if System Restore fails, your personal files and documents are generally not affected. System Restore only targets system files, installed programs, and registry settings. If the process fails, Windows typically reverts your system to its state before the restore attempt, leaving your data intact.

Q: How often should I create a restore point?

A: It is recommended to create a restore point before installing new software, drivers, or making significant system changes. Windows often creates them automatically during updates, but manual creation provides additional safety. Regularly creating restore points ensures you have recent recovery options.

Q: What if System Restore is not enabled?

A: If System Restore is not enabled, you will not have any restore points to revert to. To enable it, search for 'create a restore point' in the Start menu, select your system drive (usually C:), click 'Configure', and then select 'Turn on system protection'. You can then set the maximum disk space usage for restore points.

Q: Are there alternatives to System Restore?

A: Yes, alternatives include using a full system image backup (created with Windows Backup and Restore or third-party tools), resetting Windows (which can keep your files or remove everything), or performing a clean installation of Windows. These options provide varying degrees of system recovery.

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