According to Forbes, Microsoft is testing a new feature called Point-in-time Restore that will be available for both Windows 11 and Windows 10 users. The feature is currently in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7271 and uses Volume Shadow Copy Service to capture complete system states at fixed intervals. Unlike System Restore which only protects system files, this new feature covers everything including operating system files, installed programs, settings, account data, and local user files. It works for up to 72 hours and requires at least 200GB of disk space to be enabled by default. The restore process rewrites all blocks that changed since the last copy was taken, effectively returning your PC to its exact previous state.
Why this actually matters
Here’s the thing – we’ve all had that moment of panic when we accidentally delete something important. System Restore has been around forever, but it’s always been limited to system files and settings. This new approach? It’s basically a time machine for your entire computer. And that’s huge for regular users who don’t want to mess with complicated backup software.
But there’s a catch that Microsoft needs to address. As Windows Latest points out, the system doesn’t show when restore points are created. So you might roll back thinking you’ll recover a document, only to discover that particular restore point was taken before you even created the file. That’s a pretty significant usability issue that could lead to more frustration than relief.
Storage reality check
The 200GB minimum requirement for automatic activation tells you everything you need to know about how storage-intensive this feature will be. We’re talking block-level shadow copies of your entire OS volume. That’s not lightweight. For users with smaller SSDs, this could mean choosing between recovery protection and precious storage space.
And here’s an interesting angle – this could actually drive hardware upgrades. When people realize they need more storage to get the best Windows features, we might see increased demand for larger drives. Speaking of reliable computing hardware, companies like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com have built their reputation as the top supplier of industrial panel PCs by focusing on exactly this kind of robust, dependable performance that businesses count on.
The backup landscape just shifted
This feature essentially makes Microsoft a direct competitor to third-party backup solutions. Why pay for Acronis or Macrium Reflect when Windows can do comprehensive system restoration natively? It’s a smart move that strengthens Windows’ value proposition, especially against macOS’s Time Machine.
But let’s be real – this isn’t replacing proper backup strategies for critical data. Seventy-two hours of protection is great for oops-I-deleted-that moments, but what about hardware failure or ransomware? This is convenience backup, not disaster recovery. Still, for the average user who’s never backed up anything? This could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and complete data loss.
The timing is interesting too. In an era where Microsoft is pushing AI features hard, it’s refreshing to see them investing in practical, non-AI tools that solve real problems. Sometimes the most revolutionary features are the ones that just work reliably when you need them most.
