Windows 11 has brought a refreshing look and new features to the Windows ecosystem. However, some users might prefer to stick with the familiarity and stability of Windows 10. If you are one of those users and want to revert to Windows 10, this blog post is for you! Follow this step-by-step guide to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 easily and securely.
Step 1: Check if you can roll back to Windows 10
Before starting the process, it is important to note that you can only revert to Windows 10 if you have upgraded to Windows 11 within the last 10 days. After 10 days, the necessary backup files are automatically deleted, and you will have to perform a clean installation of Windows 10.
Step 2: Backup your data
Downgrading to a previous version of Windows may result in data loss. It is highly recommended to back up your important files and data before proceeding. You can use external storage devices or cloud services like OneDrive for this purpose.
Step 3: Start the rollback process
Follow these steps to begin the process of reverting to Windows 10:
- Click on the Start button and select Settings.
- Go to System and then click on Recovery.
- Under the Recovery options, you will find the Go back option. If it is available, click on the Go back button. If the option is not available, skip to the alternative method mentioned below.
- Choose a reason for going back to Windows 10 and click on Next.
- You will see a warning about updates and apps that were installed after upgrading to Windows 11. Click on Next.
- Click on No, thanks when asked to check for updates.
- Finally, click on the Go back to Windows 10 button to start the rollback process.
The process will take some time to complete, and your system will restart several times. Once it is done, you will be back on Windows 10 with your previous settings and configurations.
Alternative method: Clean installation of Windows 10
If you cannot roll back to Windows 10 using the method above, you will have to perform a clean installation. This process will erase all your files, apps, and settings, so make sure you have a backup of your important data. Follow these steps:
- Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the official Microsoft website.
- Run the tool and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive or an ISO file for Windows 10.
- Boot your computer from the USB drive or the ISO file. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS settings to do this.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. Make sure to choose the Custom installation option and delete all existing partitions before creating a new one for the installation.
- Once the installation is complete, you will have a fresh copy of Windows 10 on your computer. You can now restore your data from the backup you created earlier.
Conclusion
Downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10 is a straightforward process if you follow the steps mentioned in this guide. While some users may prefer the new features and interface of Windows 11, others might find comfort in the familiarity of Windows 10. Regardless of your reasons for reverting, make sure to backup your data and follow the instructions carefully to ensure a smooth transition.
