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System Restore Failed Due to Antivirus Error [Full Fix]
Resolve System Restore blocking issues with compatible antivirus
8 min. read
Updated onMarch 25, 2024
updated onMarch 25, 2024
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Key notes
Firewalls and your antivirus software may prevent you from being able to perform a system restore.
System Restore is used to create restore points when you install new applications on your computer, drivers, or Windows updates. It can also be done when you create restore points manually.
Although it isn’t recommended to permanently turn your computer’s antivirus security software off, doing this temporarily will troubleshoot the antivirus blocking System Restore on your computer.
If your computer or device is connected to a network, the network’s policy settings may prevent you from turning off your firewalls and antivirus software.
However, when you uninstall or disable your antivirus program, do not open any email attachments or click links in messages from unknown people.
Also, keep in mind that all the below tips may prove helpful when dealing with any of these issues:
Immediately after you’re done fixing the error, we recommend you re-enable your antivirus and firewall in order to protect your PC from viruses.
How do I fix antivirus blocking System Restore error?
1. Try out another antivirus software
If your current antivirus is causing you issues, you may consider using another one that is fully compatible with Windows 10.
ESET HOME Security Essentialantivirus will never block System Restore procedures due to its small system footprint and background running tools.
Plus, it is a modern antivirus tool, AI-powered, meaning that it is constantly learning how to provide your computer with better security against cyber threats without affecting your system.
2. Boot in Safe Mode then try to perform a system restore
Boot in Safe Mode
Safe mode starts up your computer with limited files and drivers but Windows will still run. To know whether you’re in Safe mode, you’ll see the wordsSafe Modeat the corners of your screen.
If the antivirus is still blocking System Restore, check whether it occurs while your computer is in Safe mode. Follow the above steps to start your computer in Safe Mode.
Perform a System Restore
Restoring doesn’t affect your personal files. It however removes apps, drivers, and updates installed after the restore point was created.
Is your antivirus still blocking the System Restore while in Safe Mode? If it does, then we recommend you try the next solution.
3. Uninstall and reinstall your current antivirus
Sometimes it helps to uninstall your antivirus and reinstall the correct version for the Windows 10 operating system.
After you uninstall the antivirus, you should download the newest version compatible with Windows OS from the official website.
The newest versions are more comprehensive regarding cybersecurity protection, have multiple features, and work better with your computer.
Try uninstalling and reinstalling it, and see if it fixes the antivirus blocking System Restore problem, or try the next solution.
However, uninstalling an antivirus is not always flawless. These tools can leave behind files called leftovers that can interfere with other software.
Fortunately, you can use an uninstaller tool that will help you completely remove your antivirus without leaving any residual files behind.
⇒GetCCleaner
4. Place your system in a Clean Boot mode
If you manage to boot in Safe Mode, perform a clean boot to eliminate anysoftwareconflicts that may be causing the System Restore problem in Windows 10.
Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces conflicts related to software that can bring up the root causes of the problem.
These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that start up and run in the background whenever you start Windows normally.
You will have a clean boot environment after all these steps are carefully followed, after which you can try and check if you can perform a System Restore.
5. Run the Microsoft Malicious Removal Tool (MRT)
Does this help fix the antivirus blocking System Restore problem? If not, perform an SFC scan as described in the next solution.
6. Perform a system file checker scan
A System File Checker scan checks or scans all protected system files, and then replaces the incorrect versions, with the genuine, correct Microsoft versions.
If you still get the antivirus blocking System Restore problem, try performing an automatic repair in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) as described in the next solution.
7. Perform an Automatic Repair in Windows Recovery Tool
Using Windows 10 installation media, you can use Automatic Repair to detect and fix any problems that block System Restore.
Such problems include drivers, program conflicts, your antivirus program, malware, and memory.
However, if you do not have installation media, you can download and createWindows 10installation media, then follow the steps above to perform the Automatic Repair.
8. Repair files through Command Prompt
If the automatic repair doesn’t help, try using commands through theCommand Promptby doing as described above.
9. Run the Microsoft Safety Scanner tool
When a virus infects your computer, it makes the machine’s performance slow down greatly. Running a virus scan means any infected files may be cleaned by deleting the file completely.
Microsoft Safety Scanner is a tool designed to locate and remove malware from Windows PCs. It only scans when manually triggered, then you get to use it 10 days after you download it.
This means you need to download the latest version of the tool before you perform each scan on your computer.
However, the Microsoft Safety Scanner tool doesn’t replace an antivirus, thus, you can use the recommended antivirus from above or any of thesereliable security tools.
Did any of these solutions resolve theantivirus-blockingSystem Restore problem? Let us know in the comments section below.
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
