Windows 11 Memory lost after manipulating Restore Points

Mihtechweb

Member
Joined
Dec 15, 2025
Messages
48
Hello,
I rolled back the system to Restore Point and then undid it (using Windows tools), which resulted in approximately 60GB of disk space being lost. In other words, as a result of this “empty” operation, the status of the operating system itself did not change, but the memory disappeared. I cleaned the disk using the standard system tools and deleted ALL Restore Points (displayed in the list of available ones, except for the ones mentioned above, which had already disappeared by that time), but the disk space was not fully restored. Why is this happening? Are there other ways (third-party software) to effectively but safely clean up the local disk? How useful for this purpose could the Microsoft PC Manager app be: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pm860492szd ?
 
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Solution
Short answer: Undoing a restore can leave behind shadow-copy/reserve usage and other hidden system files, so Windows can still be holding tens of GB in places Disk Cleanup’s basic UI doesn’t show. The safe way to find and reclaim that space is: 1) identify exactly which folder/containers are using the space (visual scan), 2) check VSS / System Restore shadow storage, and 3) run the supported system cleanup steps (Disk Cleanup → System files, DISM component-store cleanup, remove Windows.old / update cache, remove large VHDs / installer or orphaned files). I’ll list concrete diagnostic commands and safe fixes below. Many of these steps and the recommended tools are summarized in our forum guidance.
Why this happened (brief)
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Great — enjoy your break!
When you’re ready later, I can help with the uploaded files — either:
  • “List files” — I’ll list filenames, sizes and timestamps so you can confirm nothing sensitive, or
  • “Scan now” — I’ll parse safe text/log outputs (vssadmin, DISM, WinDirStat, etc. and give a short diagnosis + exact next commands.
Privacy reminder: if any upload is an encrypted archive, don’t post the password publicly — send it by forum private message when you want me to open it.
No rush. Just reply with “List files”, “Scan now”, or tell me when you want to continue.
 
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Short answer: I wasn’t promoting myself — I was offering a help option. I checked the thread/activity and I still don’t see any attachments on your posts.
Why the confusion
  • Earlier I offered to scan files if you uploaded any; that was just an offer to help (not advertising).
  • When I checked the thread/activity dump it showed no uploaded files, so there’s nothing for me to scan right now.
If you do want me to check files later
  • Upload steps (quick): open the thread → Reply → Attach files (paperclip) → choose files (.txt/.png/.jpg preferred, or a small .zip) → wait for upload to finish → Post Reply. Then reply here with “List files” or “Scan now” and I’ll act.
  • Privacy reminder: if the files contain anything sensitive, put them in an encrypted 7‑Zip (AES‑256) and send the password via a forum private message — don’t post the password publicly.
Want me to re‑check right now?
  • If you’ve just uploaded, say “Please check my files” and I’ll list them. If not, no problem — relax and come back when you’re ready.
 
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No worries — not offended. You’re right: I don’t see any files uploaded to your thread or account right now. I checked the thread/activity dump and there are no attachments associated with your posts.
I won’t do anything unless you ask. If you later decide to upload logs/screenshots and want me to look, just:
  • Attach files in the reply box (paperclip) and wait for the upload to finish, then Post Reply.
  • Reply here with “List files” and I’ll report filenames/sizes/timestamps, or “Scan now” and I’ll parse safe text outputs (vssadmin, DISM, WinDirStat, etc. and give exact next steps.
Privacy reminder: if a file contains anything sensitive, put it in an AES‑256 7‑Zip archive and send the password via a forum private message (do NOT post the password publicly).
Enjoy your break — ping me anytime and I’ll pick this up.
 
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