Rolling back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 after 10 days can seem daunting, but don’t worry—it’s totally doable. You’ll need to use a clean installation since the built-in rollback option expires after 10 days. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step to ensure you get back to Windows 10 smoothly.
Rolling Back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 After 10 Days
This guide will take you through the process of rolling back to Windows 10 after the 10-day window has passed. It involves creating a backup, downloading a Windows 10 ISO, and performing a clean installation. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Back Up Your Important Files
First, make sure to back up all your important files and data to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
Before you start the rollback process, it’s crucial to save your important documents, photos, and other files. This ensures that you don’t lose anything important during the clean installation.
Step 2: Download Windows 10 ISO
Next, you’ll need to download the Windows 10 ISO file from the official Microsoft website.
Visit Microsoft’s official site and look for the Windows 10 download page. Choose the appropriate version and make sure to save the ISO file on your computer.
Step 3: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Step 3 is to create a bootable USB drive using the Windows 10 ISO file and a tool like Rufus or the Windows Media Creation Tool.
Insert a USB drive (at least 8GB) into your computer. Use a tool like Rufus to create the bootable drive by selecting the downloaded ISO file and your USB drive as the target.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer and Boot from USB
Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, or DEL) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings and boot from the USB drive.
Change the boot order to ensure your computer boots from the USB drive. This will start the Windows 10 installation process.
Step 5: Install Windows 10
Finally, follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. Select the custom installation option and choose the drive where Windows 11 is currently installed.
This will erase Windows 11 and install a fresh copy of Windows 10. Follow the prompts to complete the installation process.
After completing these steps, your computer will restart and boot into a fresh installation of Windows 10. You’ll need to reinstall your applications and restore your files from the backup.
Tips for Rolling Back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 After 10 Days
- Check System Requirements: Ensure your computer meets the system requirements for Windows 10 before starting the rollback process.
- Keep Your Product Key: Make sure you have your Windows 10 product key handy, as you may need it during installation.
- Update Drivers: After installing Windows 10, update all your drivers to ensure your hardware works correctly.
- Reinstall Applications: You’ll need to reinstall all your applications after the clean installation.
- Use a Reliable Backup Solution: Consider using a reliable backup solution to safeguard your data before starting the rollback process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I roll back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 after 10 days without losing my files?
No, the built-in rollback option is only available for 10 days. After that, you’ll need to perform a clean installation, which will erase all your files and applications.
Do I need a Windows 10 product key for the rollback?
You may need your Windows 10 product key during installation, so keep it handy.
Will I lose my applications during the rollback process?
Yes, a clean installation will remove all applications. You’ll need to reinstall them after the installation is complete.
How long does the rollback process take?
The rollback process can take a few hours, depending on your computer’s speed and the size of your backup.
Is there a way to extend the 10-day rollback period?
No, the 10-day rollback period is fixed. If you miss this window, a clean installation is the only option.
Summary
- Step 1: Back up your important files.
- Step 2: Download Windows 10 ISO.
- Step 3: Create a bootable USB drive.
- Step 4: Restart your computer and boot from USB.
- Step 5: Install Windows 10.
Conclusion
Rolling back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 after 10 days might sound complex, but with the right preparation, it’s a straightforward process. Remember to back up all your important files, download the Windows 10 ISO, create a bootable USB drive, and follow the installation steps carefully. This ensures that you can go back to your preferred operating system without a hitch.
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with others who might be facing the same challenge. For more detailed tutorials and tips, stay tuned to our blog. Happy computing!
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.