Which Windows feature allows users to restore their system to an earlier state?

The feature that allows users to restore their system to an earlier state is System Restore. This tool creates restore points, which are essentially snapshots of the system files and settings at a given time. If a system issue arises, such as after a failed update or installation of troublesome software, users can utilize System Restore to revert the system to one of these saved points. This can help recover from issues without affecting personal files, making it a vital tool for troubleshooting and maintaining system stability.

Other options serve different purposes: Disk Cleanup is used to remove unnecessary files from the hard drive, freeing up space and enhancing system performance, but it does not restore system settings. Task Manager is primarily for monitoring and managing applications, processes, and system performance in real time, not for restoring the system state. Windows Update handles downloading and installing the latest updates and patches for the operating system to improve security and performance, but it does not provide the capability to revert to a previous system state.