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How to Downgrade Your Windows Version

How to Downgrade Your Windows Version

Roll back to a previous Windows version or reinstall Windows safely.

Back up your important files before changing Windows versions. Keep your BitLocker recovery key available if device encryption is enabled.

A rollback is only available for a limited time after an upgrade. Windows usually keeps the required files for 10 days.

Check whether rollback is available

1. Open Start → Settings → System → Recovery.
2. Find Go back under Recovery options.
3. If Go back is available, continue to the next step.

If it is unavailable, use a clean installation instead.

Roll back using Settings

1. Select Go back.
2. Choose a reason, then select Next.
3. Review the prompts and select Go back to earlier build.
4. Wait for Windows to restart and complete the rollback.

Your personal files remain in place. Apps and drivers installed after the upgrade may be removed.

Reinstall Windows when rollback is unavailable

1. Back up all files you need to keep.
2. Download the official installation media from Microsoft’s Windows download page.
3. Create installation media using a USB drive with at least 8 GB free.
4. Start the computer from the USB drive.
5. Select Custom: Install Windows only during setup.

A clean installation removes installed apps and files on the selected Windows drive.

Finish setup

1. Install Windows updates and your device drivers.
2. Restore your files from the backup.
3. Confirm the installed edition and build in Settings → System → About.

Use the same Windows edition that your device is licensed for. Windows normally activates automatically once connected to the internet.