Downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10 means either using the built-in rollback option within 10 days of the upgrade or doing a clean install of Windows 10 if the rollback is not available. Back up your files first, confirm your license details, create a bootable Windows 10 USB if needed, then follow the rollback or install steps. After the install, update drivers, reactivate Windows, and restore your files and apps.
Step by Step Tutorial
This section walks you through the main choices for returning to Windows 10, either by using Windows’ automatic rollback or by doing a clean install with a USB drive.
Step 1: Back up your files and create a recovery copy.
Create backups of your Documents, Pictures, and any app data to an external drive or cloud before you touch the system.
Backups prevent data loss if something goes wrong during rollback or reinstall. Use File History, OneDrive, or copy files manually to a USB drive. Also consider creating a system image or a recovery USB from Settings, in case you want to return to Windows 11.
Step 2: Check the rollback option in Settings and note eligibility.
Open Settings, go to System, then Recovery, and see if the “Go back” or “Previous version of Windows” option is available.
Windows gives you about 10 days after upgrading to revert to Windows 10 with settings and files intact. If you still have the Windows.old folder and the option shows, the rollback will be the easiest route. If it is disabled, you will need to do a clean install.
Step 3: Save your product key and sign in details.
Make sure you know your Microsoft account email and any product key or license details for Windows 10 before proceeding.
Most modern PCs use a digital license tied to your Microsoft account or hardware, but older setups might need a product key. Record any third party app keys too, so you can reinstall everything without problems.
Step 4: Try the built-in rollback and follow the prompts if available.
If the rollback option is present, click Go back, answer the questions, and follow the on screen steps to revert to Windows 10.
The rollback tries to restore your previous Windows 10 installation and keep your files. It will uninstall recent apps and updates, and you may need to reenter passwords after the process. This is the least disruptive method if it is available.
Step 5: Download Windows 10 media and make a bootable USB if rollback is not available.
Use the Microsoft Media Creation Tool to download the Windows 10 ISO and create a bootable USB drive on another PC.
Select the correct edition and architecture that matches your license. The USB should be at least 8 GB. This tool formats the drive, so save any files on that USB first.
Step 6: Boot from the USB and start a clean install.
Restart your PC, open the boot menu or BIOS, choose the USB drive, and begin installing Windows 10.
During setup choose Custom install to remove the existing Windows partition or format the drive. This erases the system partition, so make sure your backups are complete. Follow on screen prompts for region, keyboard, and account setup.
Step 7: Install drivers and run Windows Update after installation.
Once Windows 10 is installed, connect to the internet and run Windows Update, then install any manufacturer drivers you need.
Drivers from your PC maker often improve battery, touchpad, audio, and graphics performance. Check the support page for your model and install the recommended drivers. Restart after driver installs for best results.
Step 8: Reactivate Windows and restore files and apps.
Check Settings, Activation to confirm Windows 10 is activated, then copy your backed up files back and reinstall apps.
If activation fails, sign in with the Microsoft account tied to your digital license or use the product key you saved. Reinstall your apps from their official sources and restore settings as needed.
After a successful rollback or clean install, your PC will run Windows 10 and behave like it did when that version was originally installed. You may need to reinstall some apps, update drivers, and restore personal files from your backup. Your device should reactivate automatically if it has a digital license, otherwise enter your product key or use the activation troubleshooter.
Tips for How To Downgrade Windows 11 To 10
- Use the rollback option if possible, it keeps settings and files and is faster than a clean install.
- Always back up to two locations, like one external drive and one cloud account, to be safe.
- Make sure your recovery media is created while the system is healthy, do not wait until problems appear.
- Download drivers from the PC manufacturer, not third party sites, to avoid compatibility or security issues.
- Keep your Windows 10 installation media in case you need it again in the future.
- Check hardware compatibility and firmware settings like Secure Boot if the PC fails to boot from USB.
- Know your Microsoft account credentials, they can help with activation and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go back to Windows 10 after upgrading to Windows 11?
Yes, you can if it has been less than about 10 days since the upgrade and the Windows.old folder still exists. Use Settings, Recovery to find the Go back option. If that option is gone, you will need to do a clean install.
Will I lose my files when I downgrade?
If you use the built-in rollback, your files are usually preserved. For a clean install, you will lose files on the system drive unless you back them up first. Always back up important data before making major system changes.
Do I need a Windows 10 product key to install it?
Many newer devices have a digital license tied to the hardware or to your Microsoft account, which activates Windows 10 automatically. If your machine needs a product key, use the one you saved from before the upgrade or contact your PC maker for help.
How long does the rollback option last after upgrading?
The rollback option is typically available for about 10 days after you upgrade to Windows 11. After that, Windows removes the old files to free space and the rollback option disappears.
Will drivers and apps still work on Windows 10?
Most apps and drivers that worked on Windows 10 before the upgrade will work again after a rollback or clean install. You may need to reinstall some apps and update drivers. Check the manufacturer website for the latest drivers.
Can I downgrade if my PC came with Windows 11 preinstalled?
If the PC shipped with Windows 11, the manufacturer may not provide a Windows 10 license for that specific device. Downgrading may be possible, but activation could be an issue. Contact the manufacturer to confirm support and drivers.
Summary
- Back up files
- Check rollback option
- Save product key and account info
- Use rollback if available
- Create Windows 10 USB if not
- Boot USB and clean install
- Install drivers and updates
- Reactivate and restore files
Conclusion
Downgrading your PC from Windows 11 to Windows 10 is a common move when users want a familiar interface or face compatibility issues. There are two main paths to do this. The first path is the built-in rollback which is quick and simple if you act within the allowed time. It restores your previous Windows 10 setup, keeps most of your files, and needs very little manual work. The second path is a clean install using a Windows 10 USB, which takes longer but works when the rollback option is gone or when you want a fresh start.
Before you start, back up everything, confirm your license or product key, and prepare installation media if needed. Driver support is important, so grab the latest drivers from the PC maker. If activation fails after a clean install, sign in with your Microsoft account or use the product key you saved. If the hardware shipped only with Windows 11, contact the manufacturer to check whether Windows 10 is officially supported.
If you prefer a low risk approach, test the rollback first and keep your recovery options ready. If you want full control and a spotless system, the clean install route is the way to go, but it means reinstalling apps and settings. For more help, check official Microsoft documentation or your device manufacturer support pages. If you are unsure at any step, take a break, verify your backups, or ask for professional help. If you decide to proceed now, follow the steps in this guide for how to downgrade Windows 11 To 10, and you will be back to Windows 10 with confidence.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.