Whether your PC is embroiled in too many issues, such as overheating and sluggishness after the Windows 11 update, or you no longer enjoy the latest iteration of Windows, you would be glad to know that there are multiple ways to downgrade Windows 11. And that too without losing any media or data. Keep reading…
Downgrade Windows 11 25H2 Without Losing Any Data
In this hands-on guide, we are going to discuss three ways to downgrade from the latest iteration of Windows. If you backed up your device before the software upgrade, you can breeze through the process. Don’t have the latest backup of your device? Bother not! There are a couple of reliable workarounds to rescue
Method 1: Downgrade Using a System Backup
If you have the full system backup or system image of your previous Windows version, you will be able to restore your PC to that state using the backup, without any pain at all.
- To get going, hit the Start button -> Settings -> System -> Recovery.
- Under the “Advanced startup” section, hit the “Restart now” button.
- When your PC restarts, choose Troubleshoot -> Advanced options -> System Image Recovery.
- Next, choose your system backup and then go through the instructions carefully in order to restore your PC to the previous version of Windows.
Method 2: Rollback to Windows 10 (within 10 days of upgrade)
It’s worth pointing out that Windows 11 offers a pretty straightforward way to roll back to Windows 10 within 10 days after upgrading. Note that after 10 days, the system removes the old files to keep the clutter at bay. So, keep this important thing in your mind.
- To begin with, press Windows + I to launch the Settings app. Alternatively, hit the Start button -> Settings.
- Now, choose System -> Recovery.
- Under the Recovery options section, click on the Go back option and then run through the prompts to revert to Windows 10.
Method 3: Downgrade Using Windows 10 Installation Media (After 10 Days)
What if it’s been more than 10 days since you upgraded to Windows 11, or the Go back option is unavailable? No worries! In this situation, you will have to reinstall Windows 10 with the help of the installation media. Bear in mind that it will wipe out all the apps and settings. Hence, be sure to back up your files before going ahead with this process.
- First off, head over to the Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool.
- Then, launch the tool and go through the instructions to create a bootable USB drive.
- After that, select the USB Flash Drive (at least 8 GB) when asked.
- Next, make sure to back up all personal files to external storage or OneDrive, depending on your convenience.
- Next up, you have to insert the bootable USB drive into your computer.
- Up next, restart your PC and then boot from the USB drive. You might have to press a key like F2 or F10 during startup to bring up the boot menu.
- Then, run through the instructions to install Windows 10.
- When asked, select “Custom” installation in order to format the hard drive and perform a clean installation.
Wrapping up…
There you have it! Hopefully, you have downgraded to the previous version of Windows without any hassle at all. Now, feel free to share your thoughts and your preferred method of downgrading.
