Windows 11, now the pre-installed, default operating system that handles the configuration on the new devices, rolled out in October 2021 as a major release of Microsoft’s Windows NT operating system. The hardware is designed to function with Microsoft’s latest OS and most new models don’t offer the tempting option to install the older versions (Windows 10). While the new Windows has introduced a redesigned interface packed with plenty of new features (version 22H2), many people consider buying new PC’s just to downgrade them to Windows 10. Well, it isn’t possible with all systems.
If a Windows 10 user has a running system which fulfills the miniscule hardware requirements for Windows 11, an update is consistently offered. Even as a free upgrade to its user-friendly predecessor Windows 10, many people were not raving about it.
Some users realized a few mishaps like the system working incorrectly or the expected features not being up-to-the-mark. If troubleshooting didn’t help you either, here’s a guide to help you downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10. Maybe, you can reinstall Windows 11 when Microsoft’s developers have made the necessary modifications.
If you found too many inconsistencies or bugs, or found something missing from your Windows 10, you might not be so enthusiastic about the new Microsoft Windows 11 software. We’ve got the step-by-step fix(es) for you.
Windows 10 is expected to be supported by Microsoft through October, 2025.
How To Downgrade To Windows 10 From Windows 11:
Technical Expertise Level : Intermediate.
Applicable To : Systems preloaded with Windows 10.
Requirements : Within 10 days of update, Previous version files (Windows.old folder)
Is the timeframe between your update to Windows 11 and now, within 10 days? Then you can move ahead with this step-by-step tutorial. Ensure to backup all files created after upgrading to Windows 11 as rolling back to Windows 10 can erase them. Also, all programs installed after the update need to be reinstalled and settings need to be reconfigured (if there are changes). Remember to connect the system to a power source constantly, throughout the downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10.
Please Note: If the timeframe has expired, the only way to reverse back from Windows 11 is by a clean install of Windows 10. All data will be lost and backing up files is a must. A user must perform a custom installation of Windows that will erase / format everything. Create an Installation Media using Windows 10 Media Creation tool and start your PC from it. Choose Custom Installation.
Step 1:
Open the Settings App. (Keyboard Shortcut: Windows + I). Tap on System in the top left sidebar and Click on Recovery in the right bar. You should be able to see the Go Back dialog button. Select the button.
Settings → System → Recovery → Go Back
Step 2
A Windows 11 dialog box will appear, “Go back to Windows 10” and ask you “Why are you going back?”. Mention whichever reason you want to in the ‘Tell Us More’ field or choose from all the available options. Press on the Next button.
Share your comments to Microsoft on your decision to downgrade to Windows 10.
Step 3:
Microsoft will prompt a confirmation if you are really considering downgrading to Windows 10 as the latest update of Windows 11 ‘might fix the problems you’re having.’
Tap on Check for updates if you want to double check the reasons for the software issues. If not, select the No, Thanks button.
The dialog box tries to convince you to continue with Windows 11.
Step 4:
Windows 11 then opens a dialog box under, What you need to know, which displays information necessary for the user to be aware of before downgrading to Windows 10. After going through everything carefully, if you’re ready, Select Next.
Don’t forget to back-up any files that are added or modified after the update to Windows 11.
Step 5:
Another warning dialog box pops up under, Don’t get locked out to ensure you remember the password you configured for the user account on Windows 10. If you forget the password, it will be difficult to sign in after downgrading from Windows 11. Tap on Next when you want to proceed.
Don’t get locked out of your own PC by forgetting passwords.
Step 6:
You can finally tap on the Go back to Windows 10 button to begin downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10.
Reversing back to Windows 10 from Windows 11.
Step 7:
Your system will now reboot and in a few moments, it will display a black screen with the wordings, Restoring your previous version of Windows which takes time depending on the quantity of data being restored.
The windows logo will appear slowly but as long as you can see the circular animating dots, it will work out.
So plug in the charger and sit back, patiently. Once your PC loads the Windows 10 lock screen, you can tap or click on your mouse to open the sign-in screen. You can run the Winver command to verify the Windows 10 version.