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Create a System Restore Point from PowerShell (Checkpoint-Computer)

Use Checkpoint-Computer to script a Windows system restore point before risky changes such as driver installs or registry edits.

Windowsbackupsystem-restorepowershellLow risk
Run Checkpoint-Computer -Description "..." -RestorePointType MODIFY_SETTINGS in an elevated PowerShell to create a restore point immediately.

01Command

Command
$ Checkpoint-Computer -Description "Before driver update" -RestorePointType MODIFY_SETTINGS

02What it does

Checkpoint-Computer is the forgotten PowerShell front-end to the System Restore service, so it can be scripted right before automation that touches drivers, services, or the registry. RestorePointType accepts MODIFY_SETTINGS, INSTALL, UNINSTALL, DEVICE_DRIVER_CANCEL... the common choice is MODIFY_SETTINGS. Windows throttles creation: by default only one restore point per 24 hours unless the SystemRestorePointCreationFrequency registry value is set to 0, and the command silently returns once 256 restore points exist.

03Risk

RiskLow risk
RequirementsRun PowerShell as administrator; System Restore must be enabled on the system drive
!Warning: Restore points are not backups — they do not preserve personal files, and they are discarded if System Restore is later disabled or the drive is reimaged.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • Checkpoint-Computer - SS64
    SS64 · technical · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Shows usage of Checkpoint-Computer with RestorePointType values such as MODIFY_SETTINGS.
  • Checkpoint-Computer
    Microsoft Learn · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Documents Checkpoint-Computer parameters including Description and RestorePointType, and the 256-name limit and frequency restrictions.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: System & Settings

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