How to Roll Back to Windows 10 from Windows 11?

Did you upgrade to Windows 11 and regret your decision? Are you dissatisfied with this recent update? Don’t be concerned it’s not the end of the world because rolling back to Windows 10 is pretty simple.

This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of going back to Windows 10 after you’ve already installed the Windows 11 update.

Before we start, let’s go through the requirements you’ll need to meet to go through this process.

Rolling back to Windows 10 (Prerequisites)

The first and foremost thing to remember is that you can only go back to Windows 10 within ten days after upgrading to Windows 11. For example, if you upgraded to Windows 11 on the 15th of October, you may only return to Windows 10 before 25th of October.

There are alternatives, however, it’s best to do it within ten days since your old system files will be permanently erased and replaced with the Windows 11 system files, once the upgrade is permanent.

• You must first have the previous Windows version files, such as Windows.old folder and other required files on your computer.
• If any of the aforementioned conditions aren’t met, you won’t be able to return to Windows 10. And in that case, you’ll need to do a clean installation in order to go back to Windows 10.

Note: Make a complete backup of all the files you created after upgrading to Windows 11, as the downgrade procedure might erase them from the system. Furthermore, after installing and configuring programs and settings in Windows 11, you’ll need to reinstall and reconfigure them.

Now, let’s roll back to Windows 10! And remember, you need to do this within ten days of the upgrade.

Method 1 – Rollback to Windows 10, The easy way

1. Go to Settings, select System and then Recovery.



2. Under Recovery options, click Go back.



3. Select a reason for your return or explain Microsoft more and then click Next.
4. You’ll see a message requesting that you check for updates. Here select No, thanks.



5. Make sure you read everything under “What you need to know.” Click Next once you’re finished.
6. Read the password notification and then click Next.



7. Select Go back to Windows 10.

After you’ve completed the steps, the installation procedure will begin and bring your system from Windows 11 to Windows 10.

Some users, on the other hand, may encounter a problem in which Windows 10 refuses to revert. If this happens to you, try another method mentioned in the next section.

Method 2 – Rollback to Windows 10, via Windows Recovery Environment

The issue with going back or resetting Windows 10 is currently classified as an issue with build 22000.71. The official blog has made reference to this. It is said that you can uninstall Windows 11 from the Windows 11 recovery environment.

This method is ideal if your Windows 11 Go back button isn’t working. These steps will show you how to return to windows 10 without using the Go back button.

1. To get to the Windows recovery environment, type “Recovery” into the search field and then select Recovery options. Then, under Advanced startup, click on Restart now.



2. When you click Restart Now, your system will not get shut down besides a blue color screen will appear named Choose an option.



3. Navigate to Troubleshoot and press enter. Next again a blue color screen will appear named Advanced options.
4. In the Advanced options window, select Uninstall Updates, then Uninstall Latest Feature Update.



5. This will remove the Windows 11 feature update and this will therefore roll back to Windows 10.

How to rollback to Windows 10 after the 10-day period

You have two options in this situation, either a clean installation or restoring the Windows 10 system image to your hard drive.

Let’s take a look at how to do it with a Clean Install.

1. Download and run the Media Creation Tool.exe file from the Microsoft website.
2. If you are asked to agree to the license terms, click Accept.
3. In the first Windows 10 Setup window, choose Upgrade this PC now. Then click Next.



4. Click the Accept button once more.
5. To perform a clean install, select Nothing and then click Next.
6. Now click the Install button in the Ready to install window.

Wrapping Up

This is how to downgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 11 within and after the 10-days limit offered by Microsoft. Hope these instructions were clear and helpful. And remember, it’s always good to make a backup of your data before doing anything like this.