Downgrading Windows 11 back to Windows 10 isn’t exactly rocket science, but yeah, it’s a bit of a process that needs some prep. First up — back up all your important files. Seriously, don’t skip this, because even if you’re careful, things can go pear-shaped. You can use an external drive or just upload everything to a cloud service like OneDrive or Dropbox. Better to be safe than sorry, right?
Next, check if your PC has a recovery partition — usually it’s hidden away in the settings. Head over to Settings > System > Recovery and see if there’s an option called “Go back to Windows 10” or something similar. If it’s not there, no worries. You’ll probably need to make a Windows 10 installation media, which you can do with Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool. Grab a USB stick (at least 8GB, blank is sweet), run the tool from https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows10, and make a bootable Windows 10 installer. Because of course, Windows has to make things a bit more complicated than they need to be, eh?
Once you’ve got your recovery media or confirmed the recovery partition is there, restart your PC. To jump into the Windows Recovery Environment, hold down Shift and click Restart from the power menu. Or, if Windows is acting a bit dodgy, you might have to boot straight into recovery mode by hitting F8 or F11 during start-up — it depends on your machine.
In Recovery, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Go back to the previous build. That’s the magic button to roll back to Windows 10. Just keep in mind — this option usually only works within a 10-day window after upgrading to Windows 11, unless you’ve cleaned out some old files. If it’s not there, then you definitely need the installation media.
Follow the prompts from there — Windows will uninstall 11 and reinstall 10. Expect some time — on some PCs, it’s quick as a flash, but on others, it can drag out. Make sure your laptop is plugged in so it doesn’t run out of juice halfway through — nobody wants a bricked machine. Once it’s finished, your system will restart and should land you back on the familiar Windows 10 desktop. All the Windows 11 stuff gets wiped, but your backup’s got your files, right?
If this doesn’t work straight away, some folks find that a clean install using the media creation tool is the go-to. Also, be aware that apps installed under Windows 11 might need a re-install, since the rollback wipes most apps to keep things tidy. The whole process can be a bit hit-and-miss — sometimes it works a treat, and other times, not so much. Patience is the key, mate.
Tips for Downgrading to Windows 10 from Windows 11
- Always, and I mean always, back up your data before mucking around with system restores or OS downgrades.
- Plug in your laptop or make sure your desktop is on a reliable power source. Power blips or low battery while restoring = big trouble.
- If making installation media, double-check you’ve downloaded the right version for your hardware — 32-bit or 64-bit, all that jazz.
- Make sure your hardware still ticks the boxes for Windows 10 — some new gear might be tailored for Windows 11 now.
- Get to know what options are available in the Recovery menu — it’s better to have a quick squiz beforehand than panic during the process.
FAQs
Can I roll back to Windows 10 without losing my files?
Not quite. Downgrading to Windows 10 generally wipes Windows 11 and everything that comes with it. So, yeah, backups are a must, mate.
How long does it usually take?
Depends on your PC — a decent one might take about 30–45 minutes, but an older machine could take over an hour. Just grab a cuppa and hang tight.
If I don’t have a recovery partition, what then?
Then you’ll need to make a bootable USB with the Windows 10 media creation tool. That’s usually the best way if the recovery partition’s missing or stuffed.
Will I have to reinstall my apps after downgrading?
Most likely, yes. Apps installed under Windows 11 will usually be gone, so you’ll need to reinstall them. Keep the installer files handy — it saves a lot of grief.
Can I upgrade back to Windows 11 after I’ve gone down to Windows 10?
Absolutely. Once you’re back on Windows 10, you can upgrade again later if you want — as long as your hardware is up to scratch and you have your backups sorted, of course.
Wrap-up
- Back up all your important files — don’t be lazy with this.
- Check for recovery options or get a Windows 10 USB installer ready.
- Restart into recovery mode (Shift + Restart or F8/F11).
- If available, choose “Go back to Windows 10”.
- Follow the prompts and keep your patience handy.
Hopefully this sheds some light for anyone trying to switch back without losing their marbles. Take it slow, back everything up, and you’ll have it done before you know it — even if the process is a bit messy.