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.”
Step 2: Open the Recovery Menu
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?
Extra Tip: Perform a Clean Up After Each Windows Update
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.
