Windows 11 Regret! How to Go From Windows 11 to Windows 10 without losing data?

Can I roll back Windows 11 to Windows 10?

In late 2021, Windows 11 was officially launched, offering a modern interface and exciting features. However, some users may encounter compatibility issues or prefer the design of a previous version, making them consider returning to Windows 10. But can you roll back Windows 11 to Windows 10?

First, you can downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10. However, there are two common questions that generally appear in such cases.

Microsoft offers a chance for users in this category to go back to their previous OS, but it is important to note that there is a specific time limit for doing so. Once 10 days have passed since upgrading to Windows 11, the built-in tool will not allow users to roll back Windows 11 to Windows 10. Therefore, it is crucial to initiate the rollback process within this 10-day window to ensure a smooth transition back to Windows 10.

How to go from Windows 11 to Windows 10?

In this section, we will offer solutions on how to downgrade to Windows 10 from Windows 11, whether it's within the initial 10-day period or even after it has been missed. You have the flexibility to select the method that best suits your specific needs and preferences.

Situation 1: Rolling back to Windows 10 within 10 days

If you are still within the 10-day period after the upgrade, you can downgrade the OS from Windows Settings using Windows.old folder.

Step 1. Click the "Start" button and select "Settings."

Step 2. In the "Settings" interface, click "Update & Security" and then "Recovery."

Step 3. Under the "Recovery options," you will find "Previous version of Windows." Click the "Go back" button.

Step 4. Choose the reason for downgrading Windows 11 from the provided list and click "Next". Your PC may restart multiple times during this process. Once the downgrade is finished, log in to your previous Windows account, and you can reinstall your apps and recover your files.

Situation 2: Switching from Windows 11 to 10 after 10 days by reinstalling

If more than 10 days have passed since you updated to Windows 11, returning to Windows 10 will require a "clean install" of the operating system. This means you need to delete everything on your PC and start anew, so ensure you have backed up your data. And please remember to make necessary adjustments as needed.

Step 1. Insert a USB drive into your computer. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft and run it.

Step 2. Choose "Create installation media" and click "Next".

Step 3. Configure the language, architecture, and edition, then click "Next".

Step 4. Choose "USB flash drive" under "Choose which media to use" and click "Next".

Step 5. Select the USB drive from the list of "Removable drives" and click "Next". Wait for the process to complete.

Now you have ready-to-use media for reinstallation.

Step 1. Reboot your computer and press the designated functional key (usually F1, F2, ESC, or DEL) to enter the BIOS Setup utility.

Step 2. Go to the Boot menu and set the installation USB or CD/DVD as the first boot device.

Step 3. Save and exit the BIOS. The computer will boot from the USB or CD/DVD.

Once your computer restarts, press any key to start, then click "Install Now" to begin Windows Setup.

Step 4. Enter your Windows product key, which is typically found with the Windows CD or in your email when you register your Microsoft account.

Step 5. Agree to the license terms, click "Next," and select "Install Windows only".

Step 6. Choose the primary drive where you want to install Windows 10 and click "Next". Wait for the installation to complete. The PC will reboot again.

At last, enter the BIOS to set the computer hard drive as the first boot device and log in to your Windows 10 account. Wait until Windows 10 completes the setup and prepares the start screen. You can then use Windows 10 on your computer.

Further reading: Effortlessly downgrade to Windows 10 without losing data?

If you wish to avoid reinstalling or hope to reserve the data as the installation requires deleting everything on your PC, there is an alternative method available on how to go from Windows 11 to Windows 10 without losing data. Utilizing the "Migrate OS" feature provided by AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, you can transfer your current Windows 11 operating system to another disk or even a different Windows 10 PC. This approach avoids the need for a complete reinstallation process, making the rollback procedure more straightforward.

Please note that before proceeding, it is essential to remove the disk containing Windows 11 from your PC and connect it to a Windows 10 PC, ensuring a stable connection. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. From the top menu, select "Clone" and then choose the "Migrate OS" function.

Step 2. In the new window that appears, click "Next" to proceed.

Step 3. Select an unallocated space on your target disk or choose the option to delete all existing partitions if preferred.

Step 4. Adjust the partition size as needed and click "Next".

Step 5. Finally, click "Finish" and "Apply" to initiate the task.

After completing these steps, turn off your PC, reconnect the target disk back to your Windows 11 PC, and set it as the boot device. Your Windows 11 PC will now function as a Windows 10 PC.

Verdict

Now you know how to go from Windows 11 to Windows 10 whether within or after 10 days. AOMEI Partition Assistant is a practical Windows OS manager for Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7/XP, you can also use it to convert to GPT/MBR, clone the whole disk, transfer installed apps, etc. And there’s the Server Edition for Windows Server users.