How to Go Back to Windows 10 If You Regret Installing Windows 11

Upgraded to Windows 11 and not feeling it? Maybe your apps don’t work right, your PC’s acting sluggish, or you just prefer the way things were. The good news: you can go back to Windows 10. Here’s exactly how to do it, step by step.

1. Check If You Can Roll Back Easily

Microsoft gives you a 10-day window after upgrading to Windows 11 to revert to Windows 10 without losing your files. If it’s been less than 10 days:

• Go to Settings → System → Recovery.
• Under Recovery options, look for Go back.
• Click Go back and follow the prompts.

You’ll get a quick survey on why you’re leaving. After that, just follow the instructions. Your old files and apps should be waiting for you when it’s done.

2. What If You Missed the 10-Day Window?

If it’s been more than 10 days, the “Go back” option won’t be there. You’ll have to do a clean install of Windows 10. That means everything gets wiped, so back up your files first!

Here’s how:

A. Back Up Your Data

• Save important files to an external drive, cloud storage, or another safe place.
• Make a list of apps you’ll want to reinstall later.

B. Download Windows 10

• Go to the official Microsoft Windows 10 download page.
• Download the Media Creation Tool and run it.
• Create a bootable USB drive or download the ISO file.

C. Install Windows 10

• Plug in your USB drive or use the ISO.
• Restart your PC and boot from the USB (usually by pressing F12, F2, DEL, or ESC right after turning on your computer).
• Follow the prompts to install Windows 10.
• When asked for a product key, you can skip this step—Windows 10 should activate automatically if your device was already running a genuine copy before.

3. After Reinstalling: Get Back to Normal

• Restore your files from backup.
• Reinstall your apps.
• Run Windows Update to get all the latest security patches.

Final Tips

• If you’re unsure about any step, ask for help or consult a professional. Messing with OS installs can be risky.
• Keep your product keys and passwords handy.
• Only download Windows from Microsoft’s official website.

Bottom line: If Windows 11 isn’t working for you, don’t sweat it. Going back to Windows 10 is totally possible—and for the first 10 days, it’s a breeze. After that, a clean install takes a bit more work, but you can get your PC back to where you want it.

Need more tech tips? Bookmark this site and check back for more straight answers and easy guides.

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!