[Tutorial] How Can You Install Windows 10 on A Windows 11 Computer?

Windows 11 has generated a lot of buzz since its announcement, promising a fresh and innovative user experience. However, some users may still prefer the familiarity and compatibility of Windows 10.

So, they are wondering if it's possible to install Windows 10 on a Windows 11 computer for a gradual transition to get used to the new environment slowly. And they ask, “Can I install Windows 10 on a Windows 11 computer to enjoy the fresh system while still having the familiar environment of Windows 10 available?”. Let’s explore the answer together with continuing reading.

Can you install Windows 10 on a Windows 11 computer to simultaneously enjoy two systems?

“Can you install Windows 10 on a Windows 11 computer?” The answer must be Yes. There are two approaches available for you to both enjoy two systems on a Windows 11 computer. You can choose one of them according to your preference and then continue to read the next part to learn how to install Windows 10 on a Windows 11 computer.

▌ Dual boot Windows 10 and 11
Dual-booting your computer can realize using two systems by installing Windows 10 on a Windows 11 computer, but it can lead to risks and issues that affect your computer's performance.

It is safe to dual boot Windows 10 and Windows 11, but drastically reduces disk space. Running Windows 10 alone on a 64-bit system requires about 11 GB of SSD or HDD space, let alone running two systems.

Besides, the installation of a second operating system is likely to have an impact on the data integrity of the main operating system or the overall system itself, potentially resulting in unintentional data or operating system overwriting. To prevent such issues or failures with the primary operating system and its associated data, it is crucial to carefully determine the specific disk partition that will be utilized for installing the secondary system.

▌Use two system disks on a Windows 11 computer
Using two system disks also allows you to enjoy two operating systems on one computer simultaneously. Each system disk contains a separate operating system installation, and the computer is configured to recognize both disks.

When you power on the computer, you can choose which operating system to boot into from a boot menu or BIOS/UEFI settings. Once you make the selection, the corresponding operating system loads from its respective disk, and you can start using it.

However, there are still some risks existing. Varying hardware and software requirements between the two operating systems may cause compatibility issues. In addition, managing boot loaders, dual boot settings, and partitioning schemes can be more complex, potentially leading to errors or configuration challenges.

Note:

Kindly please pay attention to the Boot Mode if you use two system disks. Windows 10 and Windows 11 both recommend UEFI+GPT for better functionality and flexibility. If your device is the older MBR partition table, it is advisable to convert it to GPT for operation.

How to install Windows 10 on a Windows 11 computer

Can I install Windows 10 on a Windows 11 computer? How? In this part, we will give you an answer with stepwise guidance.

▌Part 1. Create a Windows 10 bootable media for a clean installation
If you have possessed a Windows 10 installation CD/DVD, you can initiate the process starting from Part 2.

Step 1. Insert a USB drive into your computer and proceed to download the Windows Media Creation Tool provided by Microsoft. Once downloaded, run the tool.

Step 2. Choose the "Create installation media" option and click on "Next".

Step 3. Select your preferred language, architecture, and edition, and then click "Next".

Step 4. Under the "Choose which media to use" section, select "USB flash drive" and proceed by clicking "Next".

Step 5. From the list of available "Removable drives," choose the appropriate USB drive, and click "Next". Allow the tool to complete the process while patiently waiting for it to finish.

▌Part 2. Boot your computer from the Windows 10 bootable USB or CD/DVD
Step 1: Insert the Windows 10 bootable media into your computer. While restarting the computer, press the functional key (usually F1, F2, ESC, or DEL) to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

Step 2: Navigate to the Boot menu in the BIOS and set the installation USB or CD/DVD as the first boot device.

Step 3: Save the changes and exit the BIOS. Your computer will then boot from the USB or CD/DVD.

▌Part 3: Install Windows 10 on your computer hard drive
Step 1: Once your computer restarts again, press any key to initiate the process, and then click "Install Now" to start Windows Setup.

Step 2: Enter your Windows product key. This key can be found on the product that came with the Windows CD, or you can find it in your email if you registered for a Microsoft account.

Step 3: Agree to the license terms, click "Next," and select "Install Windows only."

Step 4: Choose the primary drive where you want to install Windows 10 and click "Next".  Wait for the installation process of Windows 10 to complete. Once finished, your PC will reboot.

Step 5: Enter the BIOS again and select the computer hard drive as the first boot device. Then customize the settings and log in to your computer account.

Step 6: Wait until Windows 10 finishes setting up and preparing the start screen. Once ready, you can begin the system on your computer.

Bonus tip: An easier way to run Windows 10 on Windows 11 computer without installing OS 

Although there is an available approach for people to install Windows 10 on a Windows 11 computer, still some concerns are not negligible. Compatibility issues, potential system instability, and risk of data loss due to two systems are all significant factors to consider.

Actually, you can choose a much easier method to enjoy the two systems instead of considering the negative impact or annoy with the complex installation steps. Try AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, a robust computer management expert.

It offers a "Win to Go Creator" feature and allows you to create a portable Windows environment on a USB drive or an external hard drive. This means you can carry your complete Windows operating system with you and use it on different computers without the need for installation or modification of the host system.

Before you do:

The size of the USB or the external hard drive space should be no less than 13GB.

The creation process will ask to erase all your data. Please back up all the important data in advance.

Step 1. Plug the USB into the computer and wait for it be detected by your device. If it failed, you can read the solutions for reference.

Step 2. Launch the installed software. Click “All tools” > “Windows To Go Creator” as the picture shows.

Step 3. Click “Create Windows To Go for personal computer” and choose “Next”. If you are a Mac computer user, you can choose the second option “Create Windows To Go for Mac computer”.

Step 4. Select “Create Windows To Go with system disc/ISO”. The Windows 11 ISO file will be detected automatically Or you can click the folder icon to select the target file manually and click “Next”.

Step 5. Choose the USB drive as the target and select the “Proceed” button to continue.

Step 6. Here you will be noticed that all data on the USB will be wiped. Choose “Yes” unplug the USB, and try to boot it on another computer. If you do not know how to boot, you can continue following the steps below.

Step 7. Connect the Windows 11 To Go USB drive into your computer. Boot the device and press a specific key to enter BIOS/UEFI.

Step 8. Choose USB Device and press the “Enter” key to boot from the Windows 11 bootable USB.

Conclusion

Can you install Windows 10 on a Windows 11 computer after reading this clear tutorial? If you want to keep enjoying the familiarity and compatibility of Windows 10, you can try to use AOMEI Partition Assistant to downgrade in an easy way.

This user-friendly software also provides features like converting between GPT/MBR, migrating OS to SSD, and allocating free space to C drive for fixing common problems. Windows Server users can choose the Server Edition to manage your devices