Whenever we download an unknown program to the PC we run the risk of damaging the Windows operating system beyond repair, particularly if the program contains a virus, trojan or ransomware. This danger can only be mitigated by using a good antivirus and keeping the operating system constantly updated, but sometimes even these systems can fail, putting at risk not only the integrity of the PC but also the personal files kept (with a ransomware we even risk lose them forever!). If we have to try new unknown programs and we want to carry out tests without risks, we can use one of the methods described in this guide to protect Windows from unauthorized modifications ; so we can test anything without fear of damaging the system or files stored on the PC. Furthermore, when a computer is used by many people, the risks that the installed programs can ruin the stability and integrity of the system is certainly higher.
READ ALSO: Better combination of programs to protect your computer (free do-it-yourself suite)
Protecting Windows from the risks of installing programs can be done in 5 ways
1) System Restore
The easiest way to protect Windows from dangerous changes is to use the integrated System Restore tool. This tool will create an image of the system as it appears before the installation of the dubious software, so that it can be restored in case of errors, problems or infections. Many programs automatically create a restore point before installing, but for safety we can create one manually by opening the Start menu, looking for System Restore and clicking on the Create a restore point item .
A new window will open where you simply click on the Create button at the bottom to start creating the recovery point (after choosing a description for the recovery point).
The recovery point will be created in a few minutes, at the end we will be able to proceed with dangerous tests and trials.
If the PC behaves abnormally or exhibits the symptoms of an infection we can restore the restore point created manually (or others present on the PC) by looking in the Start Restore menu and clicking on the Restore item.
In the window that will open click on Open System Restore and choose one of the restore points to start the process of recovering the operating system. Once the procedure has started, it is no longer possible to go back: after a few minutes the system will be restored and Windows will return to the date and time of the creation of the recovery point, as if nothing had happened. If the PC does not start correctly we can use the last configuration that is definitely working by activating the Windows boot menu. This menu will start automatically at the slightest hint of problems; as soon as you see the boot screen with unsuccessful Windows startup select with the keyboard or mouse the item Restore PC to use the restore point created. On old Windows we can access the boot screen by repeatedly pressing the F8 key as soon as the PC starts and selecting the item Restore last working configuration .
In another article, we also found several useful programs to create and manage recovery points in Windows .
2) Virtual machines
Another very effective method to protect Windows from changes is to use virtual machines with Windows (or any other operating system where we want to test). Virtual machines are closed environments, which communicate little or nothing with the real machine (except the inputs of course), therefore any dangerous program started or installed inside the virtual machine can at most damage the operating system of the same, without affecting the system files of the real machine.
For the purpose we can use the free VirtualBox program and an ISO of Windows 10.
We can create the virtual machine for the tests using the complete and detailed guide at the following link; just make sure not to activate any type of sharing between the real and virtual machine, so as to reduce the risk of infection between the machines to zero.
READ ALSO -> Install Windows 10 on VirtualBox
3) Full backup of the operating system
If we do not want to use virtual machines (which still consume system resources) we can make safe tests and protect Windows from dangerous changes by periodically making a complete backup of the operating system, to be saved in an external memory to the PC. The best free program that we can use for the purpose is EaseUS Todo Backup, available at the link here -> EaseUS Todo Backup
Once installed on the PC to be protected, open it and click on System Backup ; we will see the partition where Windows is already selected. In the window we choose how to call the Backup, where to place it, a possible schedule (to perform periodic automatic backups) and start the backup by clicking Proceed . Depending on the size and speed of the hard disk where Windows 10 is present, the process could take even hours, but at the end we will be able to do all the necessary tests without fear of losing Windows. For the recovery we can both use the same program (if Windows starts regularly) and use a recovery drive via DVD or USB stick to be inserted in the malfunctioning PC, so as to start a recovery environment where to select and restore the system backup as soon as created. For security reasons, we recommend saving the backup of the system to an external disk (to be removed at the end of the procedure), to a NAS or another network drive so as to always have it at hand even in the event of a disk failure. original.
In another article, the guide to Easus ToDo Backup
4) System of freezing of changes (Time Freeze)
The last method that we recommend to use to protect Windows from changes and to make risk-free trials and tests is to block system changes in a sort of "time machine", so as to go back at any time even from the boot (without going through from the operating system).
The best free program to freeze changes on Windows is Toolwiz Time Freeze, available for download from here -> Toolwiz Time Freeze .
To use it, simply install it on the PC to be protected and start the Time Freeze mode offered by the program.
Upon restarting our Windows will be completely identical to how we left it, but any type of modification made (including installation of programs and tools) can be canceled simply by "going back in time", ie by deactivating Time Freeze mode, so as to lose immediately all the changes made and safeguard the integrity of Windows 10. Definitely one of the most effective and fastest methods to protect Windows from changes, so as to carry out tests and tests without risk on any type of program.
Note, however, that Time Freeze programs have fallen out of favor over time due to some problem with restores (so much so that old programs like Returnil or Comodo Time Machine are no longer supported). Much better, then, a program like Restarting the PC always canceling any modification with Reboot Restore Rx which works very well.
5) Sandbox
The simplest solution to avoid risks of ruining the system with the installation of programs is that, already described in another article, to create a protected area called sandbox and start unknown programs inside it. This type of program works independently within Windows and does not require any particular complicated procedures to use it, just start it and then, from the Sandboxie interface, open the programs.
See also how to activate the Sandbox in Windows 10
READ ALSO: Using a Virtual Desktop in Windows 10: how to activate the Sandbox
