Switching back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 after the 10-day rollback period might seem daunting, but it’s totally doable with a clean installation of Windows 10. This guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you get back to your preferred operating system without any hassle.
How to Rollback to Windows 10 from Windows 11 After 10 Days
Rolling back to Windows 10 after the 10-day grace period requires performing a clean installation of Windows 10. This means backing up your data, creating a bootable USB drive with the Windows 10 installation media, and reinstalling the operating system. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition.
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before you do anything, make sure you backup all your important files, documents, and settings.
Losing data can be heartbreaking, so ensure you save your files to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another safe location. This step is crucial as a clean installation will erase everything on your drive.
Step 2: Create a Bootable USB Drive
Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website and use it to create a bootable USB drive.
Having a bootable USB drive is necessary to install Windows 10. The Media Creation Tool will guide you through the process, so follow the prompts carefully. Make sure the USB drive has at least 8GB of space.
Step 3: Boot from the USB Drive
Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive by changing the boot order in your BIOS or UEFI settings.
Accessing BIOS or UEFI settings varies by manufacturer, but typically, you press a key like F2, F12, or Del during startup. Once there, set your USB drive as the primary boot device.
Step 4: Install Windows 10
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10, making sure to select the correct partition to avoid data loss.
The installation process will guide you through setting up Windows 10 on your machine. When asked where to install Windows, select the partition that contains your current Windows 11 installation.
Step 5: Restore Your Data
Once Windows 10 is installed, restore your data from the backup you created earlier.
After installation, take your time to transfer all your backed-up files and reinstall your necessary applications. This step will help you get back to your normal workflow quickly.
After completing these steps, your computer will be running Windows 10 again. You’ll need to spend some time reinstalling software and transferring files, but the hardest part is over.
Tips for How to Rollback to Windows 10 from Windows 11 After 10 Days
- Ensure you have a reliable backup of your data before starting the process to avoid losing important information.
- Keep your Windows 10 product key handy; you might need it during installation.
- Use a high-quality USB drive to create the bootable installation media for a smoother installation process.
- Make sure your computer is plugged in and has a stable power source during the installation to avoid interruptions.
- Take note of any custom settings or configurations you had so you can reapply them after reinstalling Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t have a Windows 10 product key?
If your computer originally came with Windows 10, it should automatically activate after the installation. Otherwise, you may need to purchase a new license.
Can I rollback to Windows 10 without losing my data?
Unfortunately, after the 10-day period, a clean installation is required, which means all data on the drive will be erased. Always back up your data first.
Is my hardware compatible with Windows 10?
If your computer ran Windows 10 before upgrading to Windows 11, it should be compatible. Check the hardware requirements on Microsoft’s website if you’re unsure.
Will I lose my installed programs?
Yes, a clean installation will remove all installed programs. You will need to reinstall them after rolling back to Windows 10.
How long does the rollback process take?
The actual installation of Windows 10 can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on your hardware. Allow additional time for backing up and restoring your data.
Summary of How to Rollback to Windows 10 from Windows 11 After 10 Days
- Backup your data.
- Create a bootable USB drive.
- Boot from the USB drive.
- Install Windows 10.
- Restore your data.
Conclusion
Rolling back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 after 10 days may seem like a big task, but with careful preparation and following the steps outlined, it can be a smooth experience. Ensuring you have a reliable backup and creating a bootable USB drive are critical steps in the process. Remember, this action will erase everything on your drive, so taking the time to back up is essential.
After completing the rollback, you’ll find yourself back in the familiar territory of Windows 10. While it might take some time to get everything back to the way it was, the stability and comfort of your preferred operating system are worth the effort. If this guide helped you, consider sharing it with others who might be facing the same challenge. For more in-depth guides and tech tips, stay tuned to our content. 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.