Reverting Windows 11: Your Step-by-Step Guide Back to Windows 10

What to Know

• Within 10 days of upgrading, go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Recovery > Go back.
• After 10 days of upgrading, download Windows 10 from Microsoft and follow that tool's prompts.
• If Windows 11 was properly activated, Windows 10 will be as well. There's no need to deal with your product key.

This article explains how to downgrade Windows 11 back to Windows 10 in one of two different ways, depending on how long ago you upgraded.

How to Revert Windows 11 to Windows 10

Windows 11 brings a lot of new features and components to the table, but you might decide to go back to Windows 10 if you don't care for those changes. Or maybe you've tried to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10, but it's not quite the same as the real deal.

No matter your reasoning, there are different ways you can go about completing the downgrade. We’ll break down both paths to downgrade here, though the main difference will depend on when you upgraded to Windows 11.

If you’ve upgraded within the last 10 days, then your computer will still have a copy of Windows 10 still stored on it; you can easily revert back to Windows 10 without having to create new installation media. Unfortunately, if it’s already been 10 days, this copy won't be available, and you’ll need to perform a clean install to downgrade from Windows 11.

You don't need your product key to downgrade to Windows 10 as long as Windows 11 is activated.

How to Downgrade From Windows 11 Within 10 Days

If you’re still within the 10-day limit after upgrading to Windows 11, then you can downgrade using your PC’s built-in recovery options. Follow the steps below to revert back to Windows 10.

1. Open Settings (WIN+i), then select Windows Update.
   

   

2. Select Update history.
   

   

3. Select Recovery options (it might be called Recovery on some PCs).
   

   

4. Choose Go back from the list of options.
   

5. Microsoft may ask why you want to downgrade to Windows 10. Select a reason, such as My apps or devices don't work on Windows 11.

   Choose Next to continue.
   

6. If you're asked to check for updates before continuing, select No, thanks .

7. Continue selecting Next on the following prompts, then choose Go back to Windows 10, and wait for Windows 11 to downgrade to Windows 10.

   Depending on the speed of your PC, this process can take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or two.

How to Downgrade From Windows 11 After 10 Days

If it's already been 10 days since you installed Windows 11, then downgrading to Windows 10 will require a bit more work. Don’t worry, though, the process is straightforward, and this guide will help you get through the most challenging parts.

1. Download Windows 10 from Microsoft. You'll get the Media Creation Tool.
   

   

2. Open the Media Creation Tool and select Accept on the notices and license terms screen.

3. Choose Upgrade this PC now, then press Next.
   

   

4. Wait while Windows 10 downloads to your computer and prepares for installation (it won't install just yet). This may take some time depending on your internet and computer speed.

   

5. Read the license terms again, then press Accept.

6. Select Next on the Choose what to keep screen.
   

   Now is a good time to back up any files you want to keep, if you haven't already.

7. Choose Install on the final screen titled Ready to install.

   

8. Your computer will restart a few times as it finishes installing Windows 10.

FAQ

• How do I upgrade to Windows 11?

  To upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, launch the Start menu, type Windows Update, and select Windows Update Settings. Choose Check for Updates; if the Windows 11 update is offered, select Download and Install.

• How long does Windows 11 take to install?

  Windows 11 should take between 10 and 20 minutes to install in most cases. However, many factors affect your download speed, including your internet connection, installation media, and your computer's age and hardware.

• How do I stop a Windows 11 update?

  To stop Windows 11 updates, launch the Start menu and select Settings > System > Windows Update. In the Pause Updates section, select the length of time for which you want to pause Windows 11 updates. This stops all active downloads and halts any installation currently happening.