Windows System Restore is used to restore a Windows desktop to a previous state, a useful feature when using a traditional physical desktop. This feature is generally not required when using linked clone and instant clone desktops, though, as those desktops can be restored to their original state using Horizon maintenance operations.
vSphere snapshots can be used in place of System Restore if you need the ability to quickly undo changes made to your master virtual desktop images or full-clone desktops. vSphere snapshots should not be used with linked clone and instant clone desktops, as the snapshot would prevent Horizon maintenance operations from completing successfully.
Generating Windows System Restore snapshots generates intermittent spikes in storage I/O, and also requires additional disk space. To minimize the per-desktop storage utilization, this feature should be disabled on all linked clone and instant clone desktops, as well as full-clone desktops unless the feature is explicitly required. The following steps outline how to disable system restore:
- Right-click on This PC (Windows 8.1 and newer) and select Properties.
- Select Advanced system settings | System Protection.
- Click on the Configure button to open the System Protection window.
- Under the Restore Settings section, click on the Disable system protection (Windows 8.1 or newer) radio button.