Why Downgrade from Windows 11?
Whether your new PC hardware comes preinstalled with Windows 11 or you simply don’t like what is on the Windows 11 menu, you may want to stick to Windows 10 for the following reasons:
Windows 10 is fully supported till October 2025: this includes all regular feature and security updates. That’s a lot of time to stick to your current device, whether it’s Home, Pro, or any other version. It’s unknown whether Microsoft could throw in a future extension as they’ve done before.Windows 10 can be used beyond 2025: Windows 10 security updates will continue after 2025 for at least two more years. This means it can be used until at least till 2027.Popular Windows 11 features are already supported in Windows 10: many Windows 11 features are supported in some form in Windows 10, including snap layouts and multiple desktops.
If you’re about to downgrade because something just isn’t working right, have a look at our Windows 11 post-installation checklist first. Maybe there’s an easy solution to your problem.
How to Downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10
If you’ve upgraded to Windows 11 from Windows 10, there are two ways to roll back, depending on how many days have elapsed since the OS upgrade. If it’s ten days or less, Windows 11 has a built-in switch to automatically help you “go back” to Windows 10. Once this deadline expires, you need to opt for a clean installation of Windows 10.
“Go Back” to Windows 10 from Windows 11 within Ten Days of Installation
During the downgrade a blue/black screen will appear for what could be a long time. If you turn the device off using the Power buttons, it will reboot into Windows 11.
How do I know if ten days have passed since upgrading to Windows 11?
For those who took advantage of the free upgrade offer to Windows 11, you have ten days to go back to Windows 10. Windows 11 does not alert you regarding this option with any system notifications or reminders. You will have to remember the date you first installed Windows 11 on your own. If you want to keep track on a Windows device, consider using the Alarms & Clock App.
Downgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 11 After Ten Days
The other way to go back to Windows 10 is doing a clean installation. Like a factory reset, this would completely erase Windows 11 from your system and install a new copy of Windows 10. We have covered the complete instructions to achieve a clean install of Windows 10. Here’s a quick summary of the steps:
How to Upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10
After going back to Windows 10, you can again upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. The only condition is that it should be first updated to the latest version of Windows 10. The steps are based on whether you’re a Windows insider or a general user.
1. For Windows 11 Insiders
The rest of the Windows 10 to Windows 11 upgrade procedure is similar to the procedure for general users spelled out below.
2. For General Users
If you’re not a Windows Insider, you can also freely upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10, provided your device meets the compatibility criteria. (Follow this compatibility guide.) If you need the complete step-by-step instructions on what to expect during a Windows 11 installation from scratch, you can find them here. Follow the last section to understand how much time it should take on your device, as the upgrade involves more than a few blue and black screens.
3. Upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 Using Windows 11 ISO Files
The timing for access to the Windows 11 update can vary from device to device, as Microsoft rolls out the free updates in phases. However, Windows Insiders and those who purchased a new laptop/PC should get instant access. If you can’t wait that long, you should install a Windows 11 ISO and a Windows 11 media creation tool. The official Microsoft links aren’t available yet but should be there in a few weeks’ time. After downloading the two separate Windows 11 software programs, follow the steps in the “clean install of Windows” tutorial as mentioned in the section: “Downgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 11 After Ten Days.”
1. How do I downgrade to an earlier Windows build within Windows 10 or Windows 11?
To downgrade to an earlier Windows 10 build, you need to roll back with an earlier build option as shown here. The same procedure for downgrading applies within Windows 11. You can also set up restore points on your system to reset your PC to an earlier build.
2. Can I upgrade to Windows 11 from Windows 10 after the free upgrade time period is over?
Microsoft’s free upgrade offer to Windows 11 from eligible Windows 10 devices is expected to last till mid-2022. After the free upgrade time period is over, you can still purchase a new Windows 11 license from the official site, download the ISO and burn it to a USB device for a Windows 11 clean installation.
3. Why can’t I see the update to Windows 11 status on my device?
If your PC/laptop hardware is not compatible with Windows 11, you won’t receive the prompt for updating to Windows 11. For those whose device is eligible but still can’t see the message, you need to finish all your other updates first, then go to “Check your updates” and refresh it for a Windows 11 update prompt. If you want to learn how to manage your update problems in Windows 11, refer to similar procedures for Windows 10. You can also clean up and make space on your Windows C drive for better performance.
