Greetings to all readers! Have you recently upgraded your Windows operating system to version 11, but regret doing so? Are you experiencing compatibility issues with your software or hardware? Fear not, as you can always revert back to Windows 10. In this article, we will provide you with 12 simple steps on how to revert back to Windows 10 from Windows 11.
Step-by-Step Guide to Revert Back to Windows 10 from Windows 11
Step 1: Check Your Windows.old Folder
Before reverting back to Windows 10, it is important to check if your Windows.old folder is still intact. This folder contains your previous Windows installation files and other important data that you may need. To access this folder, simply search for “File Explorer” in the Windows search bar, open it, and navigate to “This PC”.
Step 2: Create a Backup of Important Files
Before proceeding with the revert, it is critical to create a backup of all your important files and documents. This can be done by transferring them to an external hard drive or uploading to cloud storage.
Step 3: Download the Windows 10 Installation Media
You will need the Windows 10 installation media to revert back to Windows 10. Go to Microsoft’s website, download the media creation tool, and select “Create installation media for another PC”. Follow the prompts and save the media to a USB flash drive or DVD.
Step 4: Boot from the Installation Media
Insert the USB flash drive or DVD with the Windows 10 installation media into your computer. Restart your computer and access the boot menu by pressing the designated key (usually F12 or Esc) during start-up. Select the media and press enter.
Step 5: Choose Your Language and Edition
Select your language and edition of Windows 10 during the installation process.
Step 6: Click on “Install Now”
Accept the license terms and agreement and click on “Install Now”.
Step 7: Select “Custom: Install Windows Only”
Choose the “Custom: Install Windows Only” option and select the partition where Windows 11 is currently installed. Delete that partition and select the unallocated space. Click “Next” and wait for the installation to complete.
Step 8: Create a User Account
Create a new user account and customize your settings.
Step 9: Install Drivers and Updates
Install any necessary drivers and updates for your hardware and software to ensure compatibility with Windows 10.
Step 10: Restore Your Files from Backup
Restore your files and documents from the backup you created earlier.
Step 11: Uninstall Windows 11 Updates
Uninstall any updates or programs related to Windows 11 by going to the “Control Panel” and selecting “Programs and Features”. Click on “View installed updates” and select the updates to be uninstalled.
Step 12: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer and enjoy using Windows 10 once more!
Additional Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Check Hardware Compatibility
Before upgrading or reverting back to an older version of Windows, always check if your computer hardware is compatible with it.
Tip 2: Create a System Restore Point
Create a system restore point before upgrading or reverting back to Windows to easily restore your system in case of any issues.
Tip 3: Keep Your Drivers and Software Up-to-Date
Ensure that your drivers and software are always up-to-date to minimize compatibility issues.
Tip 4: Use a Reliable Backup Tool
Use a reliable backup tool that offers cloud storage and automatic backups to ensure that your files are always safe and easily recoverable.
Tip 5: Install Antivirus Software
Install and regularly update your antivirus software to protect your computer from viruses and other malware.
Tip 6: Utilize System Utilities
Utilize system utilities such as Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize your system performance.
Tip 7: Avoid Downloading and Installing Unsupported Software
Avoid downloading and installing unsupported software on your computer as it may cause compatibility and performance issues.
Tip 8: Monitor Your Computer’s Performance
Monitor your computer’s performance regularly to identify any issues and address them promptly.
Tip 9: Seek Professional Assistance
Consult a professional if you are unsure about any steps or experience any technical issues during the upgrade or revert process.
Tip 10: Stay Informed
Stay informed about the latest updates and news related to your operating system to ensure that you are always up-to-date.
We hope that this guide has helped you in reverting back to Windows 10 from Windows 11. Remember to always take necessary precautions and seek professional assistance if needed. Thank you for reading!
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Reverting Back to Windows 10 from Windows 11
Advantages:
1. Better compatibility with older software and hardware. Many users have reported issues with certain programs not working properly or drivers not being available on Windows 11.
2. More familiar interface. Windows 10 has a more traditional desktop interface that many people are used to and prefer over the changes in Windows 11.
3. Access to features that were removed in Windows 11. Some features like Live Tiles and the old start menu are still available in Windows 10 and may be missed by users.
4. Reduced system requirements. Windows 11 requires newer hardware to run smoothly, while Windows 10 can run on a wider range of devices.
5. More control over updates. Windows 10 allows users to delay or choose which updates to install, while Windows 11 automatically updates without giving users much choice.
Disadvantages:
1. Missing out on new features and improvements. Windows 11 includes several new features and updates that may not be available on Windows 10, such as better integration with Microsoft Teams.
2. Less future support. Microsoft has already announced that Windows 10 will stop receiving updates in 2025, which means users may need to upgrade eventually.
3. Unstable performance. Going back to an older operating system can sometimes cause stability issues and may require additional troubleshooting.
4. Potential security risks. Older operating systems may have security vulnerabilities that are not being addressed, which could put users at risk.
5. More time and effort needed. Reverting back to Windows 10 requires a clean install, which can be time-consuming and may involve backing up and restoring data.
FAQ
Q: Can I revert back to windows 10 from windows 11?
A: Yes, it is possible to revert back to windows 10 from windows 11.
Q: Why would I want to revert back to windows 10 from windows 11?
A: You might want to revert back to windows 10 from windows 11 if you are experiencing compatibility issues or if there are bugs in the operating system.
Q: How do I revert back to windows 10?
A: Go to the Start menu, click on the Settings gear icon, then select “Update & Security”. Select “Recovery” from the list on the left-hand side, then click on “Go back to Windows 10”. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
Q: Will reverting back to windows 10 delete my files?
A: No, reverting back to windows 10 should not delete your files. However, it is always a good idea to back up your files before making any major changes to your operating system.
Q: How long does it take to revert back to windows 10?
A: The process of reverting back to windows 10 can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the speed of your computer and the amount of data on your hard drive.
Q: Can I revert back to windows 10 if I upgraded from a previous version of Windows?
A: Yes, you can still revert back to windows 10 if you upgraded from a previous version of Windows.
Q: Will reverting back to windows 10 delete my apps?
A: Yes, reverting back to windows 10 will delete any apps that you installed after upgrading to windows 11. However, you can always reinstall them after the revert is complete.
Q: What happens to my settings if I revert back to windows 10?
A: Your settings will be restored to the settings you had before upgrading to windows 11.
Q: Can I revert back to windows 10 if I missed the 10-day window?
A: Yes, it is still possible to revert back to windows 10 even if you missed the 10-day window. However, the process may be more complicated and time-consuming.
Q: Can I revert back to windows 10 if I upgraded to windows 11 as part of the Windows Insider Program?
A: Yes, you can still revert back to windows 10 if you upgraded to windows 11 as part of the Windows Insider Program.
Q: Will I lose any data if I revert back to windows 10?
A: No, you should not lose any data if you revert back to windows 10. However, as with any major change to your operating system, it is always a good idea to back up your files beforehand.
Q: Is there a way to prevent my computer from automatically upgrading to windows 11?
A: Yes, you can prevent your computer from automatically upgrading to windows 11 by changing your Windows Update settings.
Q: Can I upgrade to windows 11 again after reverting back to windows 10?
A: Yes, you can upgrade to windows 11 again after reverting back to windows 10. However, it is important to make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements before doing so.
How to Revert Back to Windows 10 from Windows 11
Have you tried Windows 11 but it just doesn’t work for you? Perhaps it’s too slow or some of your apps don’t run properly. Whatever the reason, it’s entirely possible to go back to Windows 10. Here’s how you can revert back to Windows 10 from Windows 11.
Conclusion and Closing
While Windows 11 has some excellent features and updates, it’s understandable that it might not work for every user. Whatever reason you have for wanting to revert back to Windows 10, remember that it’s a completely reversible process. However, it’s always best to back up your files just in case something goes wrong.
Thank you for reading this article on how to revert back to Windows 10 from Windows 11. We hope that this guide has been helpful to you and that you’re able to switch back to Windows 10 with ease. Don’t forget to share this article with anyone you know who is thinking about switching back to Windows 10!
Until then, happy computing!