How To Downgrade Windows 11 To Windows 10?

OSer

1 year ago

Summary: Windows 11 was released in October 2021, but the design upheaval certainly isn’t to everyone’s tastes. It is easy to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10 if it’s been less than 10 days since you installed Windows 11. In this article, we’ll share 2 methods for you.

When it comes to downgrading the system, we’ll break down both paths to downgrade here, though the main difference will depend on when you upgraded to Windows 11. If you’ve upgraded within the last 10 days, then your computer will still have a copy of Windows 10 still stored on it, and you can easily revert back to Windows 10 without having to create new installation media. Unfortunately, if it’s already been 10 days, this copy won’t be available, and you’ll need to perform a clean install to downgrade from Windows 11.

2 Methods to Downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10

Method 1: Downgrade within 10 Days

If you’ve tried out Windows 11 briefly but aren’t enjoying it, there is an easy way to go back to Windows 10. Just make sure it’s not been more than 10 days since you installed it and you haven’t installed any other updates since. Otherwise, this method won’t work.

Open Settings and choose System from the left pane.
Scroll down to the option marked Recovery and open it.
Under Recovery options, click Go back.
After a few seconds, you’ll be prompted to give a reason why you’re going back. Select the box next to anything on the list, then click Next.
You’ll then be prompted to check for updates and choose No, thanks instead.
As the next screen says, make sure you remember the password you use to log in. Click Next to proceed.
Finally, click Go back to earlier build.
At this point, it will take several minutes to go back to Windows 10 and your device will restart.

NOTE: Although your existing settings and files should be unaffected after the downgrade, it’s also worth backing up your device before continuing.

Method 2: Downgrade after 10 Days

If it has already been over 10 days since you installed Windows 11, then downgrading to Windows 10 will require a bit more work. A clean wipe and install of Windows 10 is your only option. Don’t worry, though, the process is straightforward, and this guide will help you get through the most challenging parts.

Download the Media Creation tool from Microsoft’s Download Windows 10 website.
Click Download Now on the page.
Wait for the file to finish downloading in your browser. Then hit Ctrl+j to open your browser’s downloads: a menu listing your downloads should appear. Click MediaCreationTool21H2.exe in the list.
When a window appears, saying Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?, select Yes.
The Windows 10 Setup window will now appear. After a few seconds, click Accept to agree to the terms and conditions.
The Getting a few things ready screen will show for a few seconds. From the next screen, select Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
The latest version of Windows 10 will now be downloaded. You can still use your PC in the meantime.
Once the download is complete, click Next and Accept from the following screen.
From the Choose what to keep screen, make sure you select Nothing, then Next once again.
You’ll now be on the Ready to install page and click Install to begin the process.

Conclusion

When the installation is complete, you should boot into Windows 10, and the operating system should activate automatically. You’ll need to install the latest updates, and you might need to download some drivers from the PC maker’s website. Once you’ve restored your data files and reinstalled any apps, you can get back to work.