Welcome to our article on how to uninstall Windows 10! If you find yourself wanting to go back to your previous operating system or simply facing technical issues with your current Windows 10, this guide will provide you with the necessary steps to uninstall it and revert back to your original OS. But before diving into the details, let’s briefly explore the reasons why one might want to uninstall Windows 10.
Why Uninstall Windows 10?
Despite being the most widely used operating system in the world, Windows 10 is not immune to flaws and user dissatisfaction. Some users may have compatibility issues with certain software or hardware, while others might not find the new features worth the upgrade. Additionally, privacy concerns and forced updates are frequently cited as reasons for reverting back to a previous version of Windows.
Step-by-Step Guide to Uninstalling Windows 10
Back Up Your Data
The first and most important step before uninstalling any operating system is to back up all your data. This way, you won’t lose any important files or documents during the process. You can use an external hard drive or cloud storage to create a backup of your data.
Create a Windows Installation Media
Next, you will need to download the Windows installation media (also called a bootable USB/DVD) for your previous operating system. This can be achieved by downloading the ISO file and creating a bootable USB using a tool such as Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool.
Change Boot Order in BIOS
Once you have created the installation media, you will need to change the boot order in BIOS to prioritize the USB/DVD. This can be done by entering the BIOS settings and selecting the boot options menu. Choose the USB/DVD as the primary boot device and restart your computer.
Choose Language and Other Preferences
After restarting your computer, you will be prompted to choose your language, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method. This is similar to the initial Windows setup process.
Install the Previous Version of Windows
Next, you will need to follow the steps to install the previous Windows version you backed up. This process may take some time, so be patient and make sure you have the necessary product keys and licenses to complete the installation.
Remove the Windows 10 Partition
Once your previous version of Windows is installed, you can remove the Windows 10 partition. This can be done by opening the Disk Management tool and deleting the Windows 10 partition. Make sure not to delete any necessary partitions for your other programs or files.
Edit the Boot Menu
After deleting the Windows 10 partition, you will need to edit the boot menu to remove Windows 10 as an option. This can be done by opening the Command Prompt as an administrator and running the command “bcdedit /deletevalue {current} safeboot”.
Install Drivers and Software
After completing the uninstallation process, you may need to install the necessary drivers and software for your previous operating system. Make sure to download them from trusted sources.
Update and Run the Antivirus Software
Before using your computer, make sure to update and run your antivirus software to ensure that your system is free of malware or viruses.
Customize the Settings
Finally, you can customize the settings of your previous operating system to your liking, such as personalizing the desktop or adjusting the system performance settings.
Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Back Up Before Making Any Changes
Always make sure to back up your data before making any changes to your computer’s operating system. This will prevent any loss of important files or documents.
2. Use Trusted Sources for Downloads
When installing software or drivers, be sure to download them from trusted sources to prevent infection by malware or viruses.
3. Research Compatibility Issues
Before upgrading or downgrading your operating system, research any potential compatibility issues with your current hardware or software.
4. Keep Your Antivirus Software Updated
Make sure to keep your antivirus software updated to protect your system from the latest security threats.
5. Take Your Time
Uninstalling an operating system and installing a new one can be a time-consuming process. Take your time and be patient, and remember to always follow the instructions carefully.
6. Seek Professional Help When Necessary
If you are unsure about any step or encounter any technical difficulties, seek professional help to ensure a smooth and safe uninstallation process.
7. Think Twice Before Uninstalling Windows 10
If you are considering uninstalling Windows 10, make sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully. It may be possible to troubleshoot any issues or customize the settings to better suit your needs.
8. Check System Requirements
Before installing any operating system, check the system requirements to ensure that your computer meets the necessary specifications.
9. Create a Recovery Drive
Creating a recovery drive beforehand can be helpful in case of any unforeseen issues or errors during the uninstallation process.
10. Keep Regular Backups
Regularly backing up your data can save you from the headache of losing important files or documents in case of any system failures or errors.
Kelebihan dan Kekurangan of Uninstalling Windows 10
Advantages
1. Recover Disk Space – When you uninstall Windows 10, all the operating system files will be deleted from your system. This means that you will be able to free up a lot of disk space on your computer which can be used to store other important data.
2. Improved Performance – If you have been using Windows 10 for some time, you might have noticed that your system has become slow. Uninstalling Windows 10 can help you to improve your system’s performance, especially if you are using an older computer.
3. Compatibility Issues – In some cases, certain programs and software may not work well with Windows 10. Uninstalling the operating system can help you to address such compatibility issues and enable you to use the programs that you need without any problems.
4. Better Privacy – Windows 10 is known for its invasive privacy policy. If you really care about your privacy, then uninstalling Windows 10 can reduce your risk of having your personal information shared without your knowledge or consent.
5. Reduces System Errors – Sometimes, Windows 10 may face issues like random crashes or freezes, making it hard to complete important tasks on your computer. Uninstalling Windows 10 can help you to restore your system stability and reduce any errors that you may be facing.
Disadvantages
1. No More Automatic Updates – If you uninstall Windows 10, you will no longer receive automatic updates or security patches that help to ensure your system is protected against new threats and vulnerabilities. This could put your computer at risk of cyber-attacks or data breaches.
2. Limited Upgrade Options – Uninstalling Windows 10 means that you cannot upgrade to the latest version of the operating system or enjoy its new features.
3. Losing Access to Windows 10 Exclusive Applications – Some programs and applications may be exclusive to Windows 10. Uninstalling the operating system means that you may lose access to such applications.
4. Incompatibility with Hardware Drivers – Older hardware devices may not be compatible with previous versions of Windows. Uninstalling Windows 10 may mean that you lose access to updated hardware drivers causing issues with your computer performance.
5. Time and Effort Required – Uninstalling an operating system takes time and effort. You need to spend time backing up your files, applications, and data. You also need to ensure that you have the installation media for the operating system that you want to install.
FAQ
1. What is Windows 10?
Windows 10 is the latest operating system developed by Microsoft that is designed to make things more efficient and user-friendly for users.
2. Why do people want to uninstall Windows 10?
People might want to uninstall Windows 10 for various reasons such as compatibility issues with their hardware or software, the user interface is not favourable, or they prefer an earlier version of Windows.
3. How do I know if I have Windows 10?
You can check if you have Windows 10 by clicking on the start menu and searching for “About your PC”. Under the “Windows specifications” heading, it will specify which version of Windows you have installed on your device.
4. Can I uninstall Windows 10 and revert back to an earlier version of Windows?
Yes, you can uninstall Windows 10 and revert back to an earlier version of Windows if you have a system restore point or a backup of your previous operating system.
5. What are the steps to uninstall Windows 10?
To uninstall Windows 10, you need to go to “Settings”, click on “Updates and Security”, select “Recovery” and choose the option “Go back to Windows [previous version]”.
6. Does uninstalling Windows 10 delete all my files?
No, uninstalling Windows 10 will not delete your files. However, it is recommended to back up your important files before proceeding with the uninstallation process.
7. What happens to the programs and applications I installed on Windows 10 after uninstalling it?
The programs and applications you installed on Windows 10 might not be compatible with the previous Windows version you reinstall. You may have to reinstall them or find an alternative version that is compatible with the earlier Windows version.
8. How long does it take to uninstall Windows 10?
The time it takes to uninstall Windows 10 depends on your device’s specifications and the amount of data that needs to be transferred back to the previous version of Windows.
9. Can I uninstall Windows 10 without losing my data?
Yes, you can uninstall Windows 10 without losing your data. However, it is always recommended to back up your data before proceeding with the uninstallation process.
10. Will I still receive updates if I revert back to an earlier version of Windows?
Yes, you will still receive updates if you go back to an earlier version of Windows. However, some updates may not be applicable to the earlier version you are using and may only be available to Windows 10 users.
11. Can I uninstall Windows 10 if it came pre-installed on my device?
Yes, you can uninstall Windows 10 if it came pre-installed on your device. However, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer or check the device’s user manual for the proper instructions on how to proceed with the uninstallation process.
12. What do I do if I encounter any problems during the uninstallation process?
If you encounter any problems during the uninstallation process, you can try restarting your device or seeking assistance from a professional technician.
13. Should I uninstall Windows 10?
The decision to uninstall Windows 10 ultimately depends on your personal preferences and whether it is suitable for your needs. It is recommended to evaluate the compatibility of your hardware and software with Windows 10 before making a decision.
Conclusion
Uninstalling Windows 10 may not always be the easiest thing to do, but it’s definitely possible. One thing to keep in mind is that if you plan on going back to your previous operating system, it’s best to do it sooner rather than later. The longer you have Windows 10 installed, the more difficult it may be to uninstall. Remember to backup all important files and programs before proceeding with the uninstallation process. If you experience any issues or have any questions, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional or reach out to the Microsoft support team.
Closing
And that’s it! You now know how to uninstall Windows 10. While it may seem daunting, the process is manageable if you follow the steps carefully. If you’ve decided that Windows 10 just isn’t for you, or if you have any other reasons for wanting to get rid of it, I hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process. Thank you for reading, and until next time!