Do you miss your Windows 10 PC like the others who, after upgrading to Windows 11, want their Windows 10 back? Or, because your PC doesn’t meet the requirements, do you want to return to the older Windows version?
Regardless of the reason, this post will share workable methods that will help you downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10.
Whether due to compatibility issues, personal preference, or performance concerns, you might want to revert to Windows 10. It is not as complicated as it seems. However, there are a few things that you should take into account. These include –
- You can only revert to Windows 10 within 10 days of upgrading to Windows 11. After this period, the option to downgrade will no longer be available, and you’ll need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10.
- While the downgrade process typically retains your files, it’s always best to back up your important data to avoid accidental loss.
- Applications installed after the upgrade to Windows 11 will not carry over to Windows 10. Make a list of these apps so you can reinstall them later.
- If you’re performing a clean installation of Windows 10, ensure you have your product key handy.
- Consider whether your system performance issues can be resolved by troubleshooting Windows 11 before deciding to downgrade.
Now that you are familiar with what you need to manage and consider let us jump right into the methods that can help you go back from Windows 10 to 11.
Ways to Downgrade from Windows 11 to 10 – 3 Methods!
There are multiple ways to go back from Windows 11 to 10. However, you need to check if your PC meets the 10-day criteria. If it’s been less than 10 days since you upgraded, you can use method 1. If not, other methods are listed, too.
Method 1: Using the Built-In Downgrade Option
Step 1 – Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
Step 2 – Navigate to System > Recovery
Step 3 -Under the “Recovery options” section, look for the “Go back” button.
Step 4 -This option should be available only if the 10-day limit has not passed and the previous installation files are intact.
Step 5 -Windows will ask why you’re reverting. Options may include performance issues, app compatibility, or personal preference.
Step 6 -Select the appropriate reason and click Next.
Step 7 -Follow the on-screen prompts to proceed. You’ll be reminded to back up your data and ensure your device is plugged in to prevent interruptions.
Step 8 -The PC will restart several times during the downgrade process. After completion, you will return to Windows 10 with your previous settings and files intact.
Method 2: Clean Installation of Windows 10
Step 1 – Visit the official Microsoft website.
Step 2 – Download the Media Creation Tool. This tool allows you to create bootable installation media or perform a direct upgrade.
Step 3 – Run the Media Creation Tool and choose “Create installation media for another PC.”
Step 4 – Select the appropriate language, edition, and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Step 5 – Use a USB drive (minimum 8GB) or a blank DVD to create bootable installation media.
Step 6 – Back up your files, documents, and media to an external drive or cloud storage service. Note that a clean installation will erase all data on the system drive.
Step 7 – Insert the bootable USB or DVD into your PC and restart it.
Step 8 – Enter the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during boot).
Step 9 – Set the bootable media as the primary boot option and save changes.
Step 10 – Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with installation.
Step 11 – Choose “Custom installation” to format the system drive if necessary. This ensures a fresh start.
Step 12 – After installation, Windows 10 will prompt you to set up your account and preferences.
Method 3: Restoring from a Backup
Step 1 – Go to Settings > System > Recovery and select “Restart now” under Advanced Startup.
Step 2 – Alternatively, press Shift while selecting Restart from the Start menu.
Step 3 – Navigate to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Image Recovery.
Step 4 – Connect the drive containing the backup image.
Step 5 – Select the appropriate system image and follow the prompts to restore Windows 10.
Read Also: How To Fix Backup Failure on Windows 11/10
Switching Back is Easy! Make Your Decision Wisely…
Switching from Windows 11 to Windows 10 is manageable, especially within the 10-day window. However, if by chance you have missed out on that train, you still have the option to easily downgrade without hampering your PC. Once you have used any of the methods, make sure you –
- Update System Drivers
- Reinstall Applications
- Check for Windows Updates
- Verify Data Integrity
- Customize Your System
To update drivers, use an automated way using the advanced driver updater
Needless to say, all these steps will help you make the most out of your current resources. All you need to do is use the correct method and carry it out properly. That will be all for this blog. Hope this helps you and gets the job done. Thanks for reading. Good luck!
Recommended :
How To Backup & Restore Windows 10 System Files
If you don’t like Windows 11 or if it’s causing compatibility problems, you can revert Windows 11 to 10 without losing your data if you’re not ready for the latest operating system edition.
Using the recovery settings, the procedure is not difficult. However, the option is only accessible for the first 10 days following the initial update, which is the only restriction. To make space on the hard disk for your files, Windows 11 will remove the files from the previous installation after this time period.
If it has been less than 10 days since you installed Windows 11, Microsoft makes it simple to return to Windows 10, and there is still a way to do it if you have waited longer. Both approaches will be covered in this essay.
It’s crucial to remember that after uninstalling Windows 11, you might need to reinstall some apps and lose whatever settings you had previously set up for the more recent version.
How to Revert Windows 11 to 10 [Within 10 Days]
You only have ten days to roll back from Windows 11 to Windows 10 after downloading and installing Windows 11. Suppose you switch to go back to the previous version of Windows. You don’t have to worry about any files disappearing because everything on your computer will be immediately repopulated there.
Downgrade to Windows 10 by Recovery Options
After updating to Windows 11, you can downgrade using the PC’s built-in recovery tools if you still have 10 days left. For a return to Windows 10, adhere to the instructions listed below.
Step 1. Access «Settings» > «Update and Security» > «Recovery». Click «Restart now» under Advanced Startup.
Step 2. Select «Troubleshoot» > «Advanced options» in the Windows recovery environment.
Step 3. Click «Uninstall Updates» > «Uninstall latest feature update» in the Advanced settings window.
Microsoft might inquire as to your motivations for returning to Windows 10. Choose a justification, then press «Next» to proceed.
Before allowing you to proceed, Windows 11 can also prompt you to check for updates. To continue downgrading to Windows 10, select «No, Thank You».
Here we prepare a video tutorial for you to revert from Windows 11 to 10.
- 00: 00 — Introduction
- 00: 55 — Windows 11 Recovery
- 01: 50 — Go back to the earlier version
- 04: 02 — Outro
Go Back to Windows 10 from Settings Menu
Users of Windows 10 who upgrade to Windows 11 will have 10 days to roll back the update, according to Microsoft. The quickest and simplest approach is to revert to Windows 11 from Microsoft’s settings. The steps are listed below.
Step 1. In the Settings window, check that the «System» option is selected in the left pane.
Step 2. Click «Recovery» after selecting «System».
Step 3. The «Recovery options» section. To proceed, click «Go back».
Step 4. You’ll be asked to explain why you’re returning after a little delay. Click «Next» after selecting the box next to anything in the list.
Step 5. After that, a popup to check for updates will appear. Select «No, thanks» in its place.
Step 6. Remember your password to log in, as it says on the following screen. To continue, click «Next».
Step 7. Select «Go back to earlier build».
After you finish the steps, the setup process will take over, and switch your machine back to Windows 10 from Windows 11.
How to Downgrade Windows 11 to 10 [After 10 Days]
Downgrading to Windows 10 will take a little more effort if you installed Windows 11 more than 10 days ago. But don’t worry; the procedure is simple, and this part will help you get through the trickiest stages.
Downgrade Windows 11 to 10 Using a USB
Plug the USB flash drive into your Windows 11 computer and unplug any additional USB devices that are not necessary. Then follow the steps:
Step 1. Click «Download Tool Now» which is next to «Create Windows 10 installation media.»
Step 2. Utilizing your USB flash drive, generate a bootable Windows 10 USB by running the Media Creation Tool Installer and following the on-screen instructions. Keep the drive plugged into your Windows 11 computer.
Step 3. Click «Restart Now» under the «Advanced Startup» section of «Settings» > «System» > «Recovery».
Step 4. Select your USB drive by clicking «Use A Device» on the Windows 11 recovery option. Pressing the spacebar will launch Windows Setup once you can boot from the USB disk.
Step 5. You should boot into Windows 10 after the installation is finished, and the operating system should activate itself. The most recent updates must be installed, and you may need to download some drivers from the PC manufacturer’s website.
Suppose you want to learn more about installing Windows OS from a bootable USB, read the relative article:
After reinstalling any necessary software and restoring your data files, you can resume working.
Clean Install Windows 10 from Windows 11
A fresh install Windows 10 is the best way to downgrade or reinstall Windows 10 from Windows 11. Here, I’ll demonstrate the approach.
Step 1. Run the.exe file for Media Creation Tool after downloading it from the official Microsoft website.
Step 2. If you are prompted to accept its license terms, click «Accept».
Step 3. Choose «Upgrade this PC now» in the first Windows 10 Setup box. Next, select «Next».
Step 4. Once more, click the «Accept» button.
Step 5. To run a clean install, choose «Nothing» from the list of options. Next, select «Next».
Step 6. Click the «Install» button in the Ready to Install window.
If one of the methods is helpful in resolving the issue, share it on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms!
How to Install Windows 10 on New Laptop
There is another method to install Windows 10 without USB or using Media Creation Tool.
You can install Windows 11 on a machine running Windows 10 without a bootable USB device or Media Creation Tool by utilizing ISO. Run the upgrading setup by mounting the ISO file in File Explorer. The detailed procedures to update or perform a clean installation of Windows 11 without a USB or Media Creation Tool are listed below.
- Download the ISO file for Windows 11.
- After clicking with the right mouse button on the ISO file, select the «Windows Explorer» option from the «Open» sub-menu.
- Select the current flash drive plugged into the computer in the left navigation pane.
- To begin the Windows 11 upgrade procedure, double-click on the Setup file.
- Select the «Not Now» option and press «Next».
- Click Accept to accept the terms and then click Install to upgrade while maintaining all of your files and applications.
How to Recover Files after Installing Windows
After reinstalling Windows 10, data and files may not be permanently removed but may disappear from your disk. Reliable techniques can still be used to recover lost files. Applying an EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is the first method that is advised. This tool is the greatest option if you lack experience. It enables you to restore lost data quickly. Here are some of EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard’s remarkable capabilities.
- It allows to recover permanently deleted files, formatted files, lost partitions, recovering from OS crashes, recovering from RAW partitions, and more.
- To assist you in finding the required data, it provides both the Quick Scan and Advanced Scan.
- EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard allows you to preview lost files before the recovery to ensure the file contents are correct.
Follow the three steps to get your Windows data back.
Note: To guarantee a high data recovery chance, install EaseUS data recovery software on another disk instead of the original disk where you lost files.
Step 1. Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard on your Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7 computer. Select the disk partition or storage location where you lost data and click «Search for Lost Data».
Step 2. This recovery software will start scanning the disk to find all lost and deleted files. When the scan process completes, click «Filter» > «Type» to specify lost file types. If you remember the file name, you can also search in the search box, which is the fastest way to find the target file.
Step 3. Preview and restore lost Windows files. You can double-click to preview the scanned files. Then, select the target data and click the «Recover» button to save them to another safe spot in the PC or Cloud drive.
Conclusion
Try the 2022 Update, which adds many new features, if you have Windows 11 installed but aren’t sure if you want to retain it. However, Windows 10 will still be maintained through October 2025, so there’s no urgency to upgrade. While maintaining your files and programs, Windows 12 may even be available at that point.
Don’t worry about your data security. You can try EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to recover files even after installing Windows 10.
Here are 4 additional questions about reverting Windows 11 to 10. Check here for the answers.
1. How to roll back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 after 10 days?
You have a 10-day window when you can return to Windows 10 while maintaining your files and data. After the ten days, make a clean install of Windows 10 and back up your data. Note that this information covers only devices with Windows 10 preinstalled.
2. How do you downgrade from Windows 11 to 10 after 10 days without data loss?
While upgrading a Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 is simple and preserves installed apps, settings, and data files, doing the opposite is impossible. You must perform a clean install to «downgrade» from Windows 11 to Windows 10, which calls for backing up and restoring your data files and reinstalling all of your applications.
3. What can I do when the go-back option is unavailable in Windows 11?
The sole solution is to reinstall. If you upgraded to Windows 11 more than 10 days ago, your alternatives are limited. You would need to execute a custom Windows installation to return to Windows 10, which would erase everything unless you had a backup.
4. How to do dual boot Windows 10 on Windows 11?
You should make Windows installation media to dual-boot Windows 10 and Windows 11. You must make a partition to dual-boot Windows 11 and Windows 10 after creating the Windows USB. If you’re unaware, partitioning separates a hard drive practically into sections for various uses. Once the partition has been made, Windows may be installed on the second partition.
- To downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10, download and open the Media Creation Tool for Windows 10, continue with the on-screen directions, choose “Change what to keep,” select “Nothing,” and complete the OOBE to finish downgrading.
UPDATED 10/5/2023: If you have a new computer pre-installed with Windows 11, you can downgrade it to Windows 10 at any time, and in this guide, you will learn how. Windows 11 is the default version that manufacturers pre-install on new devices. However, while the new operating system has a new interface and packs a slew of new features and improvements (even more on version 22H2), it’s still not a system everyone wants to use.
In case you’re among those who are still not ready to upgrade, you can downgrade to Windows 10. This is possible since Windows 11 is based on Windows 10, which means that the product key works to activate either version. You only need to complete some extra steps. (If you recently upgraded to Windows 11, you can roll back to Windows 10 with these instructions.)
It’s important to create a temporary backup of your computer if something goes wrong and you need to roll back to the previous installation. Creating a file backup to OneDrive or another cloud storage or external drive is also a good idea since this process will delete everything on the device.
This guide will teach you the easy steps to downgrade from Windows 11 to 10 for free.
To downgrade a new computer pre-installed with Windows 11 to 10, use these steps:
-
Open Microsoft support website.
-
Under the “Create Windows 10 installation media” section, click the “Download tool now” button.
-
Save the installer to the device.
-
Double-click the MediaCreationToolXXXX.exe file to launch the tool.
-
Click the Accept button.
-
Select the “Upgrade this PC now” option to downgrade the computer.
-
Click the Accept button again.
-
Click the “Change what to keep” option.
-
Select the Nothing option.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Click the Install button.
-
Select your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).
-
Click the Yes button.
-
Select your keyboard layout setting.
-
Click the Yes button.
-
Click the Skip button if you don’t need to configure a second layout.
-
The computer will automatically connect to the network if it uses an Ethernet connection. If you have a wireless connection, you must set up the connection manually (a security key may be required).
-
Select the “Set up for personal use” option on Windows 10 Pro. (The “Home” edition does not have this option.)
-
Click the Next button.
-
Confirm your Microsoft account credentials to create a local account.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Confirm your Microsoft account password.
-
Click the Next button.
-
Click the “Create a PIN” button.
-
Create a new PIN password.
-
Click the OK button.
-
Confirm the privacy settings that best suit your needs.
-
Click the Accept button.
-
(Optional) On the “Customize your device” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the setup to suggest tools and services customization during this experience.
-
Click the Accept button to continue. (Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.)
-
Click the “Skip for now” button to skip linking your phone to your PC. (You can always do this from the Settings app.)
-
Click the Next button to allow OneDrive to automatically back up your Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders to the cloud. (Alternatively, click the “Only save file to this PC” option to skip this step.)
-
Click the “No, thanks” button to skip the Microsoft 365 setup.
-
Click the “Not now” button to disable Cortana.
Once you complete the steps, the setup will continue with the downgrade process of your computer to Windows 10.
In addition to using the Media Creation Tool to proceed with the downgrade using the upgrade option, you can also perform a clean installation using a bootable USB flash drive or ISO file.
If the time comes when you are ready for Windows 11 or Windows 10 is nearing October 14, 2025, you can upgrade your computer using Windows Update, Installation Assistant, or ISO file.
Updates October 5, 2023: Instructions revised to make sure they’re still accurate.
Mauro Huculak is a
Windows How-To Expert and founder of
Pureinfotech
(est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist,
Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications:
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA),
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP),
VMware Certified Professional (VCP),
and
CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
You can follow him on
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About.me.
Email him at [email protected].
Windows 11 was released back in October 2021, but plenty of people still aren’t convinced by Microsoft’s latest operating system.
The design upheaval certainly isn’t to everyone’s tastes, while some notable features didn’t make it from Windows 10. However, you might not know whether Windows 11 is right for you until you give it a try.
Not everyone has the luxury of another device they can test it out on: you may have taken the risk on your main computer. But if you don’t like it, all hope is not lost. Microsoft makes it easy to go back to Windows 10 if it’s been less than 10 days since you installed Windows 11, and there’s still a way to do it if you’ve waited longer. In this article, we’ll run through both methods.
How to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10 within first 10 days
If you’ve tried out Windows 11 briefly but aren’t enjoying it, there is an easy way to go back to Windows 10. Just make sure it’s not been more than 10 days since you installed it and you haven’t installed any any other updates since. Otherwise, this method won’t work.
It’s also worth backing up your device before continuing. All your existing settings and files should be unaffected, but it’s worth having that extra peace of mind.
- Time to complete: 20 minutes
- Tools required: A device that’s been updated to Windows 11 within the last 10 days
1.
Open Settings
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Open Settings and make sure ‘System’ is selected from the left pane
2.
Go to Recovery
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Scroll down to the option marked ‘Recovery’ and open it
3.
Use the Go back option
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Under ‘Recovery options’, click ‘Go back’
4.
Choose a reason
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
After a few seconds, you’ll be prompted to give a reason why you’re going back. Select the box next to anything on the list, then click ‘Next’
5.
Don’t check for updates
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
You’ll then be prompted to check for updates. Choose ‘No, thanks’ instead
6.
Know your password
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
As the next screen says, make sure you remember the password you use to log in. Click ‘Next’ to proceed
7.
Go back!
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
Finally, click ‘Go back to earlier build’. This will take several minutes and your device will restart
All your existing settings and files should be unaffected, but it’s worth backing up your PC first to make sure.
How to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10 after 10 days
However, if it’s been more than 10 days or you don’t see the option mentioned above, there is another way. It involves a full reinstallation of Windows 10, although this is less complicated than it sounds. However, you’ll definitely need to do a backup first – this process will only work with a clean installation.
Firstly, head to
1. Head to Windows 10 download page on the Microsoft website
2. Under ‘Create Windows 10 installation media’, click ‘Download Now’
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
3. Once complete, click the downloaded file to open it
4. From the ‘Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?’ pop-up, select ‘Yes’
5. The Windows 10 Setup window will now appear. After a few seconds, click ‘Accept’ to agree to the terms and conditions
6. The ‘Getting a few things ready’ screen will show for a few seconds. From the next screen, select ‘Upgrade this PC now’ and click ‘Next’
7. The latest version of Windows 10 will now be downloaded. You can still use your PC in the meantime
8. Once the download is complete, click ‘Next’ and then ‘Accept’ from the following screen
9. From the ‘Choose what to keep’ screen, make sure you select ‘Nothing’, then ‘Next’ once again
10. You’ll now be on the ‘Ready to install’ page. Click ‘Install’ to begin the process, but be warned: there’s no going back from here
Once this process is complete, you’ll need to follow the steps as if you’re using the device for the first time. This won’t take too long, and you should be up and running with the latest version of Windows 10 within a few minutes.
Of course, the other option is to
install Windows from a USB. This is preferable if you want to reinstall Windows 10 on multiple devices, as it’ll only need to be downloaded once.
If you’ve installed Windows 11 but are still on the fence about keeping it, you might want to try the 2022 Update, which adds lots of new features. But Windows 10 will continue to be supported until October 2025 – there’s no rush to make the switch. By that time, Windows 12 may even be here.
Related articles for further reading
- How to get Windows 11 on an unsupported PC
- Should I still buy a Windows 10 laptop or PC?
- Will my PC run Windows 11?
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.
Table of contents
- How to Go Back to Windows 10: No Frills Guide
- Can I Roll Back Windows 11 to Windows 10?
- What to Do Before Downgrading Windows 11
- How to Uninstall Windows 11: Step by Step
- Step 1: Extend Your Windows 11 Trial
- Step 2: Open the Recovery Menu
- Step 3: Downgrade From Windows 11 to 10
- What’s Great About Windows 11
- Why Roll Back to Windows 10
- Extra Tip: Perform a Clean Up After Each Windows Update
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- Why Can’t I Go Back to Windows 10?
- Is Downgrading to Windows 10 Reversible?
- Will I Lose My Files During the Downgrade?
- Can I Upgrade to Windows 11 Again After Downgrading?
- Are My Applications Compatible With Windows 10?
Navigating through operating system changes can be a journey. In this simple guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to smoothly transition from Windows 11 back to Windows 10. Whether it’s for compatibility reasons or personal preference, we’ve got you covered with these easy-to-follow instructions.
How to Go Back to Windows 10: No Frills Guide
If you are ready to downgrade to Windows 10 right now, here are the steps to take:
- Go to Settings (Win key + i).
- Under System, select the “Recovery” option.
- Click on “Go back”.
- You will be asked to provide the reason for uninstalling Windows 11.
- Proceed to revert to Windows 10 by clicking “Next.”
- Confirm your input and the downgrade process will start.
Important:If the “Back” option appears grayed out, it indicates that the recovery function is no longer accessible for your device. Typically, this occurs when a trial period has concluded or when the Windows.old folder has been deleted. Keep in mind that downgrading is not feasible if you installed Windows 11 as a fresh installation, without having any prior versions of Windows installed beforehand. Now, let’s get into more detail.
Can I Roll Back Windows 11 to Windows 10?
If, for any reason, you aren’t enjoying your experience on Windows 11 and want to downgrade to Windows 10, you’d be pleased to know that you can do it.
You can go back from Windows 11 to Windows 10 by default within the first 10 days of your upgrade. However, with administrator privileges, it’s possible to extend this trial period to a maximum of 60 days. Opting to extend the time limit is particularly useful if you find yourself uncertain about whether you may wish to uninstall Windows 11 after trying it out.
What to Do Before Downgrading Windows 11
So, you are sure you want to go back to Windows 10 – that’s great. But there are a few things we suggest you do before proceeding with the downgrade: First, it’s always a good idea to back up your Windows 11 and save all important data on your computer to an external drive. While the recovery feature streamlines the downgrade process and maintains your system files unaffected, it’s advisable not to rely solely on chance. Second, have your Windows 11 key ready. You may need it when you install Windows again or when you’re downgrading.
Also Read: [FIXED] ‘We Can’t Activate Windows on This Device’ Error
How to Uninstall Windows 11: Step by Step
Step 1: Extend Your Windows 11 Trial
As we’ve mentioned earlier, in order to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10, you will first need to extend your Windows 11 trial period to 60 days. If you fail to do this, you will no longer be able to downgrade to Windows 10 via the handy Recovery feature. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the search function by clicking the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar.
- Type “cmd.”
- When the “Command prompt” is displayed, click on the “Run as administrator” button.
- Execute the command: “DISM /Online /Set-OSUninstallWindow /Value:60.”
To start the process of downgrading to Windows 10, you can access the “Recovery” menu in Settings. Follow these steps:
- Click the “Recovery” button in the Start menu, or use the keyboard shortcut [Windows] + [i].
- Choose the “System” section.
- Click on “Recovery.”
Step 3: Downgrade From Windows 11 to 10
- Within the recovery options, locate and click the “Go back” button, situated below the corresponding entry.
- Proceed to provide the reason for your downgrade. Follow the given instructions to uninstall Windows 11 and revert back to Windows 10.
What’s Great About Windows 11
Now, before you make the final decision to go back to Windows 10, let’s do a quick recap of the features you will be giving up:
- the revamped Settings app eliminates the need to navigate through layers of settings in order to promptly access different sections.
- widgets offering personalized information at a glance, such as weather, news, calendar events, and more.
- improved window management with features like Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, allowing users to easily organize and manage multiple open windows on the screen.
- a centered Start Menu and a redesigned Taskbar, giving the interface a more modern and centered look compared to the previous versions.
- Microsoft Teams integrated directly into the Taskbar, making it easier for to connect and communicate with colleagues, friends, and family.
- redesigned Microsoft Store with a focus on performance, navigation, and a wider range of apps.
- a better gaming experience with features like Auto HDR, DirectStorage for faster loading times, and improved support for Xbox Game Pass.
Why Roll Back to Windows 10
With that said, there are still quite a few reasons why you may want to roll back to Windows 10. Some of the most “popular” reasons for downgrading include:
- Compatibility Issues: Windows 11 may not be compatible with some older hardware and software. If you encounter compatibility issues that hinder your workflow or use of essential applications, switching back to Windows 10 can be a solution.
- Performance: Windows 11 may require more system resources than Windows 10, which could lead to slower performance on older or less powerful devices. If your computer is struggling with Windows 11, returning to Windows 10 may improve overall performance.
Quick Fix: Speed Up Slow Computer as a Pro – Introducing Auslogics BoostSpeed 13
- Familiarity: Windows 10 has been around for a longer time and is more familiar to many users. If you prefer the look and feel of Windows 10 or find it more comfortable to use, downgrading can help maintain your productivity and workflow. Ultimately, the decision to downgrade can come down to personal preference.
- Stability: As a newer operating system, Windows 11 may have more bugs and stability issues compared to the well-established Windows 10. If you prioritize a stable and reliable system, Windows 10 might be the better choice.
Related: The Ultimate Reset Guide for Windows Update: Fixing Update Problems
- Software Compatibility: Some software applications or drivers may not yet be optimized for Windows 11. If you rely on specific software that doesn’t work well with Windows 11, reverting to Windows 10 ensures compatibility.
Also Read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?
Cleaning up Windows update leftovers is crucial for maintaining the health and performance of your computer. These remnants can accumulate over time, occupying valuable disk space and potentially causing system slowdowns or errors. One effective tool for this task is Auslogics BoostSpeed, which offers a feature called “Windows Slimmer.” Windows Slimmer helps users safely remove unnecessary system files, including old Windows update backups, and free up disk space. By doing so, you will not only enhance system speed but also ensure your computer remains more responsive and efficient. Regularly cleaning up Windows update leftovers with tools like Windows Slimmer is an essential practice to keep your system running smoothly and prevent potential issues down the road.
Also Read: Windows Update Cleanup: A Comprehensive Guide to Free Up Disk Space
What’s more, you can use Auslogics BoostSpeed for regular streamlined PC maintenance. Once installed, you can set the tool to perform regular automatic updates for app PC components keeping your system perfectly optimized.
Also Read: Tricks to Get the Most out of Auslogics BoostSpeed Free Trial
Conclusion
Transitioning from Windows 11 back to Windows 10 can be a practical solution for users facing compatibility, performance, or preference issues. This simple guide provides the necessary steps to make the switch, allowing users to maintain a familiar and reliable computing experience. Remember that the decision to downgrade is a personal one, and it’s essential to back up your data before proceeding. By following these steps, you can smoothly revert to Windows 10 and continue working or enjoying your digital life with confidence.
FAQ
Why Can’t I Go Back to Windows 10?
You might be unable to revert to Windows 10 if you’ve deleted your previous operating system files or if too much time has passed since upgrading to Windows 11.
How to Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 After 10 Days
After the 10-day rollback period, you’ll need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10 using a bootable USB drive or installation media.
Is Downgrading to Windows 10 Reversible?
Yes, you can downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10, and the process is generally reversible, but it may involve reinstalling applications and restoring settings.
Will I Lose My Files During the Downgrade?
Back up your important files before downgrading, as the process may result in data loss. It’s crucial to have a backup to prevent data loss.
Can I Upgrade to Windows 11 Again After Downgrading?
Yes, you can upgrade to Windows 11 again if your system meets the requirements. Keep in mind that the availability of Windows 11 updates and features may change over time.
Are My Applications Compatible With Windows 10?
Compatibility varies by application. Some software may require updates or replacements when transitioning from Windows 11 to Windows 10. Check with the software providers for compatibility information.