Thinking about making the leap back from Windows 11 to Windows 10? You’re not alone. Many folks find themselves wanting to return to the familiar comfort of Windows 10 for various reasons, whether it’s app compatibility, performance issues, or just personal preference. Good news, it’s totally doable. The simplest way to revert is within a 10-day window after upgrading, using a built-in recovery option that keeps your files. If you’ve passed that window, don’t fret, you can still do a clean installation of Windows 10, but that means wiping your drive and starting fresh, so backing up your important stuff is super crucial in either scenario.
Tutorial – How to Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10
Downgrading your operating system might sound a bit intimidating, but I promise you it’s a process you can manage if you follow the right steps. This section will walk you through the primary method, which is available for a limited time, and then we’ll look at the alternative if that time has passed. Remember, no matter which path you take, preparing your system is key.
Step 1: Check Your Reversion Window
The very first thing you need to do is open your computer’s Settings, then navigate to “System,” and finally click on “Recovery.”
This “Recovery” section is your control panel for getting your system back to a previous state. Look for an option that says “Go back” or “Previous version of Windows.” If you see it, you’re in luck, as this means you’re within the 10-day window Microsoft gives you to easily revert to Windows 10 without losing your personal files. This is by far the easiest route.
Step 2: Prepare Your System by Backing Up Data
Before you click anything, it’s absolutely vital to back up all your important files, photos, documents, and anything else you can’t live without.
Think of your computer as a house, and you’re about to move all your furniture. You wouldn’t just throw everything out, right? You’d carefully pack it. Whether you use an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or cloud storage services like OneDrive or Google Drive, make sure copies of everything precious are stored safely somewhere else. While the 10-day “Go back” option is designed to keep your personal files, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, just in case something unexpected happens.
Step 3: Initiate the Downgrade Process
Once you’re sure your data is safe, go back to the “Recovery” section in Settings and click the “Go back” button.
This action will launch a wizard that guides you through the reversion process. It’s like a friendly guide asking you a few questions before taking you on a journey back in time for your computer. This is the point of no return for this specific method, so make sure you’ve backed up your data.
Step 4: Follow the On-Screen Prompts
The wizard will ask you why you’re downgrading, and you can pick any reason that applies to you. It might also offer to check for updates instead.
Just politely decline the update offer, unless you’ve had a change of heart, and continue with the downgrade. It will warn you about potentially losing apps and changes made since the upgrade, which is normal. Confirm your decision to proceed, and get ready for your computer to start its transformation.
Step 5: Let Your PC Do Its Thing
After you confirm everything, your computer will restart and begin reverting to Windows 10.
This isn’t a quick process, so grab a snack or do something else for a bit. It’s similar to installing a major update or a new operating system, so it will take some time, perhaps 15 minutes to an hour or even more, depending on your computer’s speed and how much data it needs to process. Do not turn off your computer during this crucial time.
Alternative Path: Clean Install of Windows 10 (If Past 10 Days)
If the “Go back” option isn’t available, it means you’ve passed the 10-day window. Don’t worry, you can still downgrade, but it requires a “clean install” of Windows 10. This means erasing everything on your main drive and installing Windows 10 fresh. This is like moving into a brand new house and having to set up everything from scratch.
Step 1 (Alternative): Create Windows 10 Installation Media
You’ll need a USB flash drive (at least 8GB) and the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
This tool will help you download the Windows 10 installation files and put them onto your USB drive, making it “bootable.” Think of it as creating a special key that can unlock and install Windows 10 onto your computer. Make sure you download the correct version of Windows 10 (Home, Pro, etc.) that matches your existing license.
Step 2 (Alternative): Back Up Everything and Boot from USB
Before you do anything else, make absolutely sure all your files are backed up, as this process will erase your entire system drive. Then, restart your computer and boot from the USB drive.
You’ll typically need to press a specific key during startup (like F2, F10, F12, or Del) to enter your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings and change the boot order, telling your computer to start from the USB drive instead of its hard drive. This is a critical step: if you don’t boot from the USB drive, you won’t be able to install Windows 10.
Step 3 (Alternative): Install Windows 10
Follow the on-screen instructions of the Windows 10 setup wizard. When asked, choose “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).”
This part of the process requires you to select the drive where you want to install Windows 10. Make sure you select the correct drive, usually the primary one, and then format it. Formatting wipes everything on the drive, including Windows 11, making way for a fresh Windows 10 installation. You’ll then go through the standard Windows 10 setup, picking your region, keyboard layout, and so on.
Step 4 (Alternative): Reinstall Drivers and Applications
Once Windows 10 is installed, you’ll need to reinstall all your necessary drivers for components like your graphics card, sound card, and network adapter, as well as your favorite applications.
Windows 10 might install some generic drivers, but for optimal performance, especially for things like gaming or specific hardware, you’ll want to get the latest drivers directly from your computer manufacturer’s website or the component manufacturers. Then, one by one, you can start reinstalling all the programs you use, from web browsers to productivity suites and games.
After you complete the action, your computer will be running Windows 10, just like it used to. You will likely need to reinstall any applications that you had on Windows 11, as these are typically removed during a downgrade. For those who performed a clean install, you’ll also need to reinstall all your drivers to ensure everything works perfectly.
Tips for Downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10
- Always, always back up your important data before starting any major system change, it’s the most critical step.
- Check for the “Go back” option in Settings first, as it’s the easiest and safest way to revert within the 10-day window.
- If you’re doing a clean install, make sure you have your Windows 10 product key handy, although many modern PCs with a digital license won’t require manual entry.
- Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection, especially if you need to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool or reinstall drivers and applications.
- Download the essential drivers for your specific computer model from the manufacturer’s website before you start a clean install, and store them on a separate USB drive.
- Consider why you’re downgrading; sometimes, issues with Windows 11 can be resolved with updates or troubleshooting, which might save you the hassle of a full downgrade.
- Be patient during the process, as downgrading can take significant time, and rushing it might lead to problems.
Can I downgrade after the 10-day window?
Yes, absolutely. If you’ve missed the 10-day window for the easy “Go back” option, you can still downgrade to Windows 10. However, this method involves performing a clean Windows 10 installation, which means you will erase everything on your computer’s main drive. This is why a complete backup of your files is not just recommended, but essential for this process.
Will I lose my files if I downgrade?
If you use the “Go back” option within the initial 10-day period, your personal files are generally preserved, much like they are during a regular Windows update. However, any applications you installed or settings you changed after upgrading to Windows 11 will likely be removed. If you perform a clean installation of Windows 10, then yes, all your files, programs, and settings on the drive where Windows 10 is installed will be completely erased.
Do I need a Windows 10 product key?
Most modern computers that originally came with Windows 10 have a digital license tied to the hardware. In such cases, when you perform a clean install of Windows 10, it should automatically activate once it connects to the internet, and you won’t need to enter a product key. If you purchased Windows 10 separately or built your own PC, you might need to enter your product key during installation.
How long does the downgrade process take?
The “Go back” option is usually the quickest, often taking anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on your system’s speed and the amount of data. A clean Windows 10 installation will take longer. The installation itself might take about the same amount of time, but you also have to factor in reinstalling all your drivers and applications, and restoring your personal files from your backup, which can easily add several hours to the total process.
What if I encounter problems during the downgrade?
If you use the “Go back” option and it fails, your computer might try to revert, or you might end up with an unstable system. In such cases, a clean install of Windows 10 is usually the best solution. If you’re having trouble with a clean install, double-check that your Windows 10 installation media was created correctly, that your USB drive is functioning, and that your computer’s BIOS/UEFI settings are configured to boot from the USB drive.
Summary of Downgrading Steps
- Check for “Go back” option in Settings.
- Back up all personal data to an external source.
- Initiate downgrade via Settings, System, Recovery.
- Follow all on-screen prompts and confirm decisions.
- Allow PC to restart and revert to Windows 10.
- (Alternative) Create Windows 10 installation media on USB.
- (Alternative) Boot PC from USB and install Windows 10.
- (Alternative) Reinstall necessary drivers and applications.
Final Thoughts on Your Downgrade Journey
Making the decision to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 is a personal choice, often driven by a need for stability, specific software compatibility, or simply a preference for the familiar. It’s like moving back into a favorite old home after trying out a new one; sometimes, the comfort and known layout are exactly what you need. While the idea of changing your operating system might feel like a big deal, hopefully, this guide has shown you that it’s a manageable task with the right preparation and knowledge.
The key takeaway here is preparation. Whether you’re lucky enough to be within that handy 10-day “go back” window or you’re gearing up for a full clean install, protecting your data is non-negotiable. Think of your data backup as your digital safety net, ensuring that even if things don’t go exactly to plan, your precious memories and important documents are safe and sound. It’s also worth considering why you want to make the switch. Is Windows 11 truly causing issues, or are there small tweaks and updates that could solve your problems? Sometimes, a little troubleshooting can save you a lot of effort.
Ultimately, your computer should work for you, not the other way around. If Windows 10 offers a better experience for your daily tasks, your software, or your hardware, then taking the steps to revert is a perfectly valid decision. Don’t be afraid to take control of your digital environment to ensure it meets your needs. By following the steps outlined here, you can confidently downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 , bringing your system back to a state where you feel most productive and comfortable. Are you ready to make the switch back and rediscover the reliability you’re looking for? With careful planning, you’ll be back on Windows 10 in no time, with your system feeling just right.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.
Read his full bio here.
