How To Downgrade Windows 11 To 10 Without Losing Data: A Guide

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6 min. read

Published on November 10, 2025

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Upgrading to the latest operating system can be exciting, but sometimes it’s not the right fit. If you’ve made the jump to Windows 11 and are experiencing compatibility issues, performance problems, or simply prefer the familiarity of Windows 10, you’re not alone. Fortunately, downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10 without losing your precious data is possible, though it requires careful planning and execution.

This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to revert back to Windows 10, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to your files and settings. We’ll cover the built-in rollback option, as well as alternative methods for a clean installation, helping you choose the best approach for your specific situation.

How Can I Downgrade From Windows 11 to 10 Without Data Loss?

Understanding the Rollback Period

If you’ve recently upgraded to Windows 11, you’re in luck. Windows offers a built-in rollback option that allows you to revert to your previous operating system within a specific timeframe, typically 10 days. This is the easiest and safest method for downgrading without losing data.

Open the Settings app: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
Navigate to System > Recovery: In the Settings app, click on “System” and then select “Recovery.”
Click “Go back”: Under the “Recovery options” section, you should see a “Go back” option. Click the “Go back” button.
Follow the on-screen instructions: Windows will ask you why you’re downgrading and may offer potential solutions. Answer the questions and continue through the process.
Wait for the process to complete: The downgrade process may take some time, so be patient and avoid interrupting it. Your computer will restart several times during the process.

Preparing for a Clean Installation

If the rollback period has expired or if the “Go back” option is unavailable, you’ll need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10. This method requires more preparation but still allows you to preserve your data.

Back up your data: Before proceeding with a clean installation, it’s crucial to back up all your important files, documents, photos, videos, and other data to an external hard drive, cloud storage, or another safe location.
Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool: Visit the Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.
Create a bootable USB drive or DVD: Run the Media Creation Tool and follow the instructions to create a bootable USB drive or DVD containing the Windows 10 installation files.
Find your Windows 10 product key: If you upgraded to Windows 11 from a previously activated Windows 10 installation, your product key should be automatically detected. However, it’s always a good idea to have it on hand.
Change your boot order in BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing Del, F2, F12, or Esc during startup). Change the boot order to prioritize the USB drive or DVD you created.
Boot from the USB drive or DVD: Save the changes in BIOS/UEFI and restart your computer. It should now boot from the USB drive or DVD.
Follow the on-screen instructions: The Windows 10 installation process will begin. Choose the “Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)” option.
Delete existing partitions: Delete all existing partitions on your system drive. This will erase all data on the drive, so make sure you have a backup.
Create a new partition and install Windows 10: Create a new partition and select it as the installation location. Follow the remaining instructions to complete the installation.
Restore your data: Once Windows 10 is installed, you can restore your data from the backup you created earlier.

Addressing Potential Driver Issues

After downgrading, you might encounter driver issues, especially if your hardware is relatively new.

Check for driver updates: Open Device Manager (search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu) and check for any devices with yellow exclamation marks.
Download drivers from the manufacturer’s website: Visit the website of your computer manufacturer (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) or the manufacturer of your specific hardware components (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, AMD) and download the latest Windows 10 drivers for your devices.
Install the drivers: Install the downloaded drivers and restart your computer.

Tips For a Smooth Downgrade

Before downgrading, disable any antivirus software or firewalls that might interfere with the process.
Ensure your computer is connected to a stable power source during the downgrade process.
If you encounter any errors during the downgrade, consult the Microsoft support website or online forums for assistance.
Consider creating a system image backup of your Windows 11 installation before downgrading, so you can easily revert back if needed.

Comparing Rollback vs. Clean Install

Here’s a quick comparison of the two main methods for downgrading:

Feature	Rollback	Clean Install
Data Loss	No data loss if done within timeframe	Requires data backup and restore
Complexity	Simple and straightforward	More complex, requires technical knowledge
Time Required	Relatively quick	Longer, including backup and restore time
Availability	Only available within the rollback period	Always available
Potential Issues	Fewer potential issues	More potential issues, especially with drivers

Reverting to Windows 10: A Simpler System

Downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10 doesn’t have to be daunting. By carefully following the steps outlined above and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully revert to your preferred operating system while preserving your valuable data. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and technical expertise, and always back up your data before making any major changes to your system.

FAQ

Will downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10 delete my files? No, if you use the “Go back” option within the 10-day rollback period, your files should not be deleted. However, a clean install will require you to backup and restore your files.

How long does it take to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10? The “Go back” option can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. A clean install can take several hours, including the time required for backing up and restoring your data.

What happens if the “Go back” option is not available? If the “Go back” option is not available, you will need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10.

Do I need a Windows 10 product key to downgrade? If you upgraded to Windows 11 from a previously activated Windows 10 installation, your product key should be automatically detected. However, it’s always a good idea to have it on hand.

Will all my programs work after downgrading? Most programs that worked on Windows 10 should work after downgrading. However, some programs may require you to reinstall them or update them to the latest version.