ACTIVE MALWARE WINDOWS

How to fix
Launch System Restore via the Command Prompt
on Windows

Easily launch System Restore through Command Prompt on Windows 10 or 11. Follow our expert-tested guide for quick and efficient results, fixed in minutes.

How to launch System Restore via the Command Prompt?
Quick Summary
Impact level
Medium
Est. time
10 minutes
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Why does How to launch System Restore via the Command Prompt occur?

  • Ransomware attack
  • Hidden leftovers damaging system files
  • Slow performance due to malware
  • Issues caused by recent updates
  • Malicious processes continuing
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I have recently had a ransomware attack that has made my computer unusable thing for quite a while. However, it seems I got rid of the virus with the help of a few antivirus programs. But the problem of usability is still there. My computer is very slow. I believe it has happened because of that virus. Could there be some hidden leftovers that maybe damaged my system files and it is now slow because of them? I've went through some ransomware removals where it suggests to make a system restore System Restore through Command Prompt. Would this help me to improve my PC? Can you help me with this process?

System Restore is a very comfortable feature that is included in Windows-based computer systems. This function appears very handy when users are looking forward to bringing their machine back to its previous state. This also includes restoring system files, downloaded software, Windows Registry keys, and various machine settings.[ref en-1]

The System Restore feature is also a very beneficial function while dealing with dangerous malware attacks as it allows returning the system back to its previous state and preventing further malicious processes from continuing. Besides, some error codes also can be fixed by launching System Restore if some type of new update has been the cause of the issue.

You can also create a specific restore point on your own, reverse to a previous point, and manage System Restore configuration. Additionally, there are multiple ways how you can opt for the System Restore function, however, if malware has infiltrated your system, the only opportunity left for you might be to launch System Restore via the Command Prompt.[ref en-2]

So, if you have been dealing with some malicious trouble lately, and have been looking for a way to restore your system settings, our experts are here to help you. Take a look at the following steps, read throughout all of them carefully, and get knowledge on how to launch System Restore via the Command Prompt successfully.

How to launch system restore via cmd
How to launch system restore via cmd

How to launch System Restore via the Command Prompt?

  • Boot your machine in Safe Mode with Command Prompt. For this purpose, press the F8 key on your keyboard and when a black window shows up, select the needed option and hit the Enter key.
  • Once you are provided with the black Command Prompt window, type cd restore after the blinking cursor and press Enter.
  • Afterward, type in rstrui.exe and hit the Enter key once again.
    Launch system restore via command prompt
    Launch system restore via command prompt
  • A new window will open. Here click on the Next button.
  • Choose one available restore point from the provided list and hit Next to reverse your system to an earlier state.
  • When you will be asked if you want to continue, select the Yes button.

This method should have helped you to launch System Restore via the Command Prompt. However, if you have a very dangerous and infectious form of malware[ref en-3] lurking on your computer system and it has been preventing you from accessing your Command Prompt tool or System Restore function properly, you might need to complete a thorough malware can an even removal process. For proceeding with a full system checkup and investigating all possibly-infected locations, you should download and install antimalware software such as [d1] on your Windows computer system.

Some malware might be camouflaged as the rstrui.exe file

As we have already mentioned, the System Restore program is based on the rstrui.exe executable and this filename needs to be typed into the black Command Prompt window to launch System Restore via the Command Prompt. However, sometimes bad actors might use the original filename to camouflage their malicious products.

Rstrui exe file in windows task manager
Rstrui exe file in windows task manager

The original version of the rstrui.exe file is placed in the C:\\Windows\\System32\\rstrui.exe location and if you ever see doubled processes with a very similar filename running in your Windows Task Manager[ref en-4] or any other directory, this is definitely a sign of something malicious going on your machine system.

Finding files that are camouflaged as malware requires thorough computer research and this also can be done by employing reputable antimalware software. If the rstrui.exe executable is detected as a malicious component, perform its removal immediately and protect your system from severe damage that might be brought by the hidden virus.

Bottom line

To improve your PC, you can launch System Restore via the Command Prompt, which may help revert your system to a previous state. This process can address issues caused by malware and restore system files and settings. If this does not resolve the problem, consider further troubleshooting or seeking professional help.

Frequently asked questions

To open Command Prompt as an administrator in Windows 10, right-click on the Start button, select 'Windows Terminal (Admin)' or 'Command Prompt (Admin)', and then confirm any prompts that appear.

Yes, you can launch System Restore from Command Prompt in Windows 11 by following the same steps to open Command Prompt as an administrator and then typing 'rstrui.exe'.

In Command Prompt, you should type 'rstrui.exe' and press Enter to start the System Restore process on Windows 10.

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Tom Bradshaw

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Microsoft 365 Expert
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Tom Bradshaw focuses on Microsoft 365 and business software troubleshooting. His guides resolve the most common productivity-blocking issues in Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive — the tools that professionals depend on daily. Tom draws on years of supporting business environments to provide solutions that work in real-world conditions: fixing Outlook profile corruption, recovering unsaved Excel files, resolving Teams audio failures, clearing SharePoint sync errors, and repairing broken Office installations. His guides are practical, tested, and written for users who need the fix fast.

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