Several users are experiencing Windows 11 on their computers through the operating system preview, which is available to Windows Insider participants and is close to its final release. Although it is tempting for many, the instability and lack of definitive resources can weigh on the decision to keep the system. If you want to go back to Windows 10, check out how to downgrade below.
How to go back from Windows 11 to 10
A few factors are often relevant to proceeding with an operating system under testing. In the case of Windows 11, the absence of definitive features, instabilities or higher minimum requirements can be some of the adversities encountered by users who do not want, at least for now, the OS preview and want to return to Windows 10.
If you are part of the Windows Insider program, you can roll back the update within the first ten days of Windows 11. It is necessary that you have not removed the old system files after the update, as they are still available as temporary files in your storage settings from Windows.
- Open the “Settings” application;
- Select “System”;
- Look for the “Recover” option and select;
- In the option “Go back to a previous version of Windows”, click on “Back”;
- Confirm Microsoft’s warnings and the downgrade will begin;
- Wait for the process to finish;
Okay, if all goes well, you can go back to using Windows 10 normally.
Create Windows 10 installation media
If it has been more than ten days after upgrading to Windows 11, you can create installation media using the “Media Creation Tool”. You can download it from the Microsoft Store. As an example, I will use a pen drive as media.
- Make a backup of all your files;
- Run the Media Creation Tool and connect a USB flash drive;
- Accept the terms and choose “Create installation media”;
- Choose installation configuration;
- On the next screen, choose “USB Flash” as media;
By clicking next, the tool will download Windows 10 to your drive;
Now the next step is to install Windows 10 from your flash drive. With the device connected, follow the steps:
- In settings, select “System”, then “Recovery”;
- In the “Advanced startup” option, select “Restart now”;
- In the boot options, select the USB port where your flash drive is connected;
- Choose Windows 10 installation settings and click “Install Now”;
- Select the “Custom: Install Windows only” option;
There, the system installation process will begin and you will soon be able to return to Windows 10.