How to Downgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 11

Many users ask if there is a way to downgrade to Windows 10 after installing Windows 11.

If you’ve upgraded to Windows 11 from Windows 10 within the last ten days, you can revert to Windows 10 via Settings. Otherwise, you need to do a clean installation or install Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool without keeping the apps, files, and settings (the “Nothing” option).

Resolution

Go back to Windows 10 within ten days

You can go back to Windows 10 within ten days of the upgrade. Your files and apps will be safe during the process. The “go back” procedure uses the Windows 10 files in the Windows.old folder on the C: drive created during the Windows 11 upgrade process. The Windows.old folder will be deleted after ten days unless you use DISM to extend the 10-day limit within the first ten days.

RELATED: Extend the 10-day Limit to Go back to the previous version of Windows

Open the Settings app in Windows 11. Go to System → Recovery. Under Recovery options, click “Go back“.

---

Beyond 10 days

Beyond ten days, you’ll need to backup your data to an external drive and do a clean installation by booting from the USB stick or an in-place repair using Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.

(Your files and apps will not be kept during the process.)

Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and run it.

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=2265055

Choose “Upgrade this PC now” (although it’s a downgrade to Windows 10.)

Note:

If you use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10, the option to keep apps, files, and settings will not be available. You must backup the data beforehand to an external drive or the cloud.

You’ll see a note mentioning, “Your files, apps, and settings can’t be kept because your current version of Windows might be installed in an unsupported directory or you’re trying to install an older version of Windows.”

Follow the on-screen instructions and install Windows 10.