Downgrade from windows 11 to windows 10 after 10 days without losing data.

Anonymous
2022-01-12T12:04:39+00:00

Hi, Currently I am using win11 but I'm not satisfied with the system performance compared to win10.

It has been more than 10 Days since I upgraded to win11, now the go back option is grayed out.

Is there any method to downgrade to win10 without losing data?

Thanks and Regards.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Sumit 44,316 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2022-01-12T12:35:59+00:00

Nope. The only way is a reinstall.

Reinstall Windows (microsoft.com)

How to: Uninstall Windows 11 - Your Windows Guide

If it has been over ten days since you upgraded to Windows 11, the options are limited for you**. To go back to Windows 10, you would need to perform a custom installation of Windows that would remove everything unless you backed up. You need to create an Installation Media using Windows 10 Media Creation tool, start your PC from it and choose custom installation.**

How to: Perform a Clean Install or Reinstall of Windows 10 - Microsoft Community

*Once you have your Windows 10 installation media ready, all you need to do is boot from the disc or USB thumb drive to begin setup. If you don't have install media,*see instructions:*How to download official Windows 10 ISO files* 

Review the following guide for instructions and details about configuring your BIOS or UEFI boot settings for DVD, CD, USB or SD Card.

BIOS/UEFI Setup Guide: Boot from a CD, DVD, USB Drive or SD Card

Once your computer is set to boot from the DVD, you should see this option. If you are installing from a retail Windows 10 USB thumb drive, you will be asked to select either 32 or 64 bit Windows 10. Learn morehere

The Windows logo will appear on screen, this might be here for a while, as long as you see the animating dots, everything should be ok.

Was this answer helpful?

60+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

78 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2022-03-24T03:09:08+00:00

    You will have to do a clean install of Win10.

    Yes, that will wipe your installed applications and personal data. So BACKUP your data first!

    .

    NO, you don't have to buy a new license. Starting with Win10 MS changed how Windows licenses are handled. They, MS, keep track of the computer & email account the key is assigned to. You can clean install Win10 OR Win11 and MS will automagically activate it for you.

    .

    Was this answer helpful?

    4 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2022-03-13T13:27:56+00:00

    The article provided earlier

    https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-give-yourself-more-time-to-roll-back-the-upgrade/ 

    tells how you can change the 10 day 'rollback' deadline BEFORE it expires. So, when up "downgrade" to Win11, if know you will need more than 10 days, you can change the limit. After the 10 day limit expires, you CANNOT change it.

    .

    No, you don't have to buy Win10 again. Starting with Win10 MS has been associating the product key with your email account so you can just do a Win10/11 clean install and it will activate automagically.

    .

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2022-01-13T18:24:57+00:00

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2022-01-12T13:42:09+00:00

    Is there any method to downgrade to win10 without losing data?

    You won't lose your data if you back it up before you start.

    Was this answer helpful?

    3 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments