Switching back from Windows 11 to Windows 10 after the 10-day window isn’t exactly baked into Windows anymore — Microsoft kinda made it harder, but it’s still possible with some effort. If the normal rollback option in Settings is gone, you’re likely looking at creating a fresh install using installation media. It’s messy, but doable if you follow each step carefully. Doing this means you’ll get your familiar Windows 10 environment again, which can be a relief if Windows 11 isn’t feeling right or causing issues. Just beware: it’s not a quick fix, and you’ll have to back up your data because everything’s getting wiped during a clean install. This process might seem intimidating, but it’s really more about patience and making sure you have your stuff safe before diving in.
How to Fix the Windows 11 to Windows 10 Rollback After the 10-Day Limit
Backup your stuff first — always, no matter what
Before anything, make sure all your important files, documents, and downloads are safe. Use an external drive, cloud storage, whatever you prefer. If you skip this, you’ll regret it — trust me. Windows 11’s rejection of the quick rollback after 10 days means a clean install is the way, so you won’t get the old Windows folder anymore. That’s why backup is key, especially for apps, personal files, browser settings, and game saves if relevant.
Download the Windows 10 ISO or Media Creation Tool
Head over to the official Microsoft website for the Windows 10 download page. There, grab the Media Creation Tool — it’s pretty straightforward. Once downloaded, run it. It’ll ask whether you want to upgrade or create installation media. Choose to make a USB drive. If you prefer, you can just download the ISO directly, burn it to a USB, or even mount it later, but creating media with the tool is faster and safer. Make sure you have at least a 8GB USB drive sitting around.
Make a bootable USB drive — yes, really
Use the tool to format and make the USB bootable with Windows 10. Follow the prompts and select the USB drive when asked. It’s a little nerve-wracking because it’ll erase everything on that drive, so double-check you’re choosing the right one. Honestly, the process is usually smooth, but sometimes the tool stalls or throws errors — on those setups, trying again or using a tool like Rufus might help. If the tool throws up errors, check your USB stick or try another port.
Change your boot priority in BIOS/UEFI — awkward but necessary
Reboot your PC and enter your BIOS/UEFI firmware — usually by pressing Delete, F2, or another key during startup (look for the vendor-specific key).Once inside, find the Boot menu. You need to move your USB drive to the top of the boot order list. Save changes and exit. This step is kinda annoying because BIOS interfaces differ a lot, and some systems hide the options or have a confusing menu. Just be sure you select the correct drive or device as the first boot device. If it doesn’t boot from USB immediately, recheck your BIOS settings.
Reinstall Windows 10 — finally
When your PC restarts, it should boot from the USB. If not, double-check BIOS options. From there, follow the Windows installation prompts. You’ll need to select Custom Install — this is where you’ll wipe your current Windows 11 and install fresh Windows 10. Beware: this will erase everything on your primary drive—so again, backup is a must.
If you have a Windows 10 product key, keep it handy. Sometimes, Windows will activate automatically if it detects a digital license linked to your hardware. On other setups, you might need to input the key manually during installation. Weirdly, some machines activate automatically even without input, but not always.
After the install, your PC will restart, and you’ll go through initial setup like giving it your user info, language, Wi-Fi, etc. It’s kind of like setting up a new PC, but at least you’ll be running Windows 10.
Tips for Ease and Fewer headaches
- Make sure your internet connection is steady — Windows might want to activate online, and you don’t want to be stuck without it.
- If you’re reusing an old Windows 10 product key, verify you have it somewhere safe.
- Double check that all your personal data is safely backed up before starting the clean install — missteps happen.
- Expect this process to take some time, especially if your computer is slow or your USB is slow. Patience is key.
- Don’t forget to keep your device plugged in; rebooting or power loss during install isn’t fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip creating a bootable USB and do this some other way?
Not really. After the 10 days, the quick rollback option disappears, so the only reliable way is through a clean install with a bootable media.
What about my activation? Do I need to re-enter my Windows key?
If your Windows 10 was originally activated, it should reactivate automatically after reinstalling. If not, you might need to enter your key, or sometimes just click Activate in Settings. PCs with digital licenses usually get re-activated without fuss.
Does reinstalling wipe everything entirely?
Yep, a clean install wipes your drive — which is why the backup is critical. If you want to keep some data, make sure it’s saved elsewhere before doing the reinstall.
Summary
- Back up everything — don’t skip this step.
- Download Windows 10 ISO or Media Creation Tool.
- Create a bootable USB drive.
- Change your BIOS boot sequence to prioritize USB.
- Reinstall Windows 10 from the USB — grab a coffee, it takes time.
Wrap-up
Honestly, this whole process is kinda annoying, especially with Windows making it a pain after that 10-day window. But it’s totally doable if you’re patient — just remember to back everything up first. Expect a few hiccups, but generally, it’s a straightforward route to restore your familiar Windows 10. Hope this shaves off a few hours for someone, because believe me, it’s worth the effort if Windows 11 just isn’t your thing anymore.