In October 2021, Microsoft launched Windows 11, the latest version of its popular operating system. With its sleek design and improved features, Windows 11 quickly gained popularity among users. However, not everyone was ready to make the switch from Windows 10 to Windows 11. Whether it’s compatibility issues or personal preference, there may be situations where you would like to go back to Windows 10 after upgrading to Windows 11.
In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of reverting from Windows 11 to Windows 10. We will explore various methods and provide step-by-step instructions to ensure a smooth transition. So, if you find yourself wanting to switch back to Windows 10, keep reading to learn how.
What’s Needed
- A Windows 10 installation media (USB or DVD)
- A backup of your data
- Patience and a willingness to follow instructions
Video Tutorial:
What Requires Your Focus?
- Creating a Windows 10 installation media
- Backing up your data
- Performing a clean installation or restoring from a backup
Option 1. How to Go Back to Windows 10 via Windows Rollback
If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 and want to roll back to Windows 10, you can do so using the built-in Windows Rollback feature. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting Settings or by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.
- In the Settings window, click on System and then select Recovery from the left-hand menu.
- Under the Advanced startup section, click on the Restart now button.
- Your computer will restart and boot into the Windows Recovery Environment.
- In the Windows Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot and then choose Advanced options.
- Click on Go back to the previous version to initiate the rollback process.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the rollback.
- Pros:
- Easy and built-in feature
- No need for external media
- Cons:
- Rollback option is only available for 10 days after upgrading to Windows 11
- You may lose data or installations made after upgrading to Windows 11
Option 2. How to Go Back to Windows 10 via Fresh Installation
If the Windows Rollback feature is not available or if you have exceeded the 10-day limit, you can still go back to Windows 10 by performing a fresh installation. Here’s how:
- Create a Windows 10 installation media using a USB drive or DVD. You can download the official Windows 10 ISO file from the Microsoft website.
- Backup all your important data to an external storage device or cloud service.
- Insert the Windows 10 installation media into your computer and restart it.
- When the computer starts, press the appropriate key (usually F2 or Del) to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings.
- In the BIOS or UEFI settings, change the boot order to prioritize the Windows 10 installation media.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. Make sure to select the option to perform a clean installation and format the existing Windows 11 partition.
- After the installation is complete, restore your data from the backup.
- Pros:
- Allows you to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 10
- No time limit or restrictions
- Cons:
- Requires creating a Windows 10 installation media
- You need to reinstall your applications and configure your settings
Option 3. How to Go Back to Windows 10 via System Image Backup
If you have previously created a system image backup of Windows 10, you can use that backup to restore your computer to its previous state. Here’s how:
- Create a Windows 10 installation media using a USB drive or DVD. You can download the official Windows 10 ISO file from the Microsoft website.
- Insert the Windows 10 installation media into your computer and restart it.
- Select the language, time, and keyboard input preferences.
- Click on Repair your computer in the bottom left corner of the screen.
- In the recovery options, select Troubleshoot and then choose System Image Recovery.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer from the system image backup.
- Pros:
- All your files, settings, and applications are restored
- No need to reinstall everything from scratch
- Cons:
- Requires you to have a previously created system image backup of Windows 10
- May not be available if you haven’t created a system image backup
Option 4. How to Go Back to Windows 10 via Dual Boot
If you prefer to have both Windows 10 and Windows 11 on your computer, you can set up a dual boot configuration. This allows you to choose which operating system to boot into every time you start your computer. Here’s how:
- Create a Windows 10 installation media using a USB drive or DVD. You can download the official Windows 10 ISO file from the Microsoft website.
- Backup all your important data to an external storage device or cloud service.
- Shrink the existing Windows 11 partition to create space for Windows 10.
- Insert the Windows 10 installation media into your computer and restart it.
- When the computer starts, press the appropriate key (usually F2 or Del) to enter the BIOS or UEFI settings.
- In the BIOS or UEFI settings, change the boot order to prioritize the Windows 10 installation media.
- Save the changes and exit the BIOS or UEFI settings.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 on the newly created partition.
- After the installation is complete, you can choose which operating system to boot into each time you start your computer.
- Pros:
- Allows you to have both Windows 10 and Windows 11 on the same computer
- Provides flexibility to switch between operating systems
- Cons:
- Requires manual configuration and partitioning
- Increases complexity and may require more storage space
Why Can’t I Go Back to Windows 10?
If the above methods are not suitable for your situation or if you encounter issues while trying to go back to Windows 10, here are some alternative solutions:
- Upgrade Hardware: In some cases, the hardware requirements for Windows 11 may be too high for your current computer. Consider upgrading your hardware to meet the requirements and enjoy the benefits of Windows 11.
- Virtual Machine: Set up a virtual machine on your computer and install Windows 10 as a guest operating system. This allows you to run Windows 10 within Windows 11, providing a seamless experience.
- Seek Professional Assistance: If you are facing technical difficulties or are unsure about the best solution for your situation, it may be beneficial to consult a professional who can guide you through the process.
Implications and Recommendations
Before making the decision to go back to Windows 10, consider the implications and take the following recommendations into account:
- Compatibility: Ensure that all your hardware, software, and peripherals are compatible with Windows 10 before reverting. Check the manufacturer’s websites for the latest drivers and updates.
- Data Backup: Back up all your important files, documents, and settings before proceeding with any method. This ensures that you can restore or recover your data in case of any unforeseen issues.
- Application Reinstallation: If you decide to perform a clean installation or revert via a method that erases your existing Windows 11 installation, be prepared to reinstall all your applications and configure your settings again.
The Bottom Line
While Windows 11 brings many new features and improvements, it’s understandable that you may want to go back to Windows 10 for various reasons. We have discussed multiple options for reverting from Windows 11 to Windows 10, including using the Windows Rollback feature, performing a fresh installation, restoring from a system image backup, and setting up a dual boot configuration.
It’s important to carefully assess your needs and consider the implications before deciding to switch back. Make sure to back up your data, verify hardware compatibility, and be prepared for the reinstallation of applications and configuration of settings.
5 FAQs about Going Back to Windows 10
Q1: Can I go back to Windows 10 anytime after upgrading to Windows 11?
A: The Windows Rollback feature is available for 10 days after upgrading to Windows 11. After that, you will need to use other methods like performing a clean installation or restoring from a backup.
Q2: Will I lose my files and applications when reverting to Windows 10?
A: Yes, performing a clean installation or restoring from a backup will result in the loss of files and applications. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding.
Q3: Can I create a dual boot configuration with Windows 10 and Windows 11?
A: Yes, you can set up a dual boot configuration to have both operating systems on the same computer. This allows you to choose which one to boot into each time you start your computer.
Q4: Should I upgrade my hardware if Windows 11 is not compatible with my current computer?
A: Upgrading the hardware of your computer may be a solution if you want to experience Windows 11 and its new features. However, it’s important to consider the cost and ensure that the upgrade is worth it for your specific needs.
Q5: Is it possible to switch back to Windows 10 if I have already deleted the Windows.old folder?
A: If you have deleted the Windows.old folder, it becomes more challenging to revert to Windows 10. In such cases, it is recommended to perform a fresh installation or restore from a system image backup.
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