Upgraded to Windows 11 but missing the familiar look and feel of Windows 10? You’re not alone. While Windows 11 offers a sleek design and new features, many users find the interface a bit confusing or face compatibility issues with apps and hardware. Luckily, Microsoft gives you options to roll back from Windows 11 to Windows 10—and the process is easier than you think.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through different methods to restore Windows 10 from Windows 11, whether you upgraded recently or have been using Windows 11 for months.
Why Restore Windows 10 from Windows 11?
There are plenty of reasons why users decide to revert:
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Familiarity: Windows 10 feels more comfortable.
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Compatibility: Some apps or drivers may not work properly on Windows 11.
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Performance: Older PCs sometimes run smoother on Windows 10.
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Customization: More flexibility and features that users miss.
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Preference: Not everyone loves the centered taskbar or redesigned menus.
Things to Know Before You Roll Back
Before jumping into the steps, keep these points in mind:
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Backup Your Files – Even though rollback usually keeps personal files, it’s safer to back them up.
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Limited Time Window – Microsoft allows a direct rollback only within 10 days of upgrading to Windows 11. After that, you’ll need a clean install.
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Check System Requirements – If your device ran Windows 10 before, you’re good to go.
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Charge Your Laptop – Keep your device plugged in during the rollback to avoid interruptions.
Method 1: Roll Back to Windows 10 Using Windows Settings (Within 10 Days)
If it has been less than 10 days since your upgrade, you can easily go back.
Steps:
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to System > Recovery.
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Under Recovery Options, look for Go back.
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Click Go back and follow the on-screen instructions.
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Select a reason for going back.
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Click Next → Go back to Windows 10.
Your PC will restart and restore Windows 10 automatically.
✔ This method keeps your files, but apps installed after upgrading to Windows 11 may need reinstallation.
Method 2: Restore Windows 10 After 10 Days (Clean Install Required)
If it’s been more than 10 days, the rollback option disappears. But don’t worry—you can still reinstall Windows 10 manually.
Steps:
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Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
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Visit Microsoft’s official website.
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Download the Media Creation Tool.
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Create a Bootable USB Drive
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Insert a USB drive (at least 8 GB).
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Run the Media Creation Tool.
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Select Create installation media for another PC.
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Choose your language, edition, and architecture (64-bit).
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Create the bootable USB.
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Install Windows 10
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Restart your PC.
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Boot from the USB drive (press F12, F2, or Esc during startup to enter boot menu).
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Select Install Now.
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Choose Custom Install.
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Delete the partition with Windows 11 and install Windows 10.
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✔ This method completely wipes Windows 11, so backup is essential.
Method 3: Use System Image Backup (If You Created One)
If you created a system image backup of Windows 10 before upgrading, you can restore it.
Steps:
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Connect your backup drive.
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Boot your PC and press F8 or F11 to enter recovery.
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Go to Advanced Options > System Image Recovery.
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Choose your Windows 10 backup.
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Follow the instructions to restore.
This will bring your system back to the exact state it was before the upgrade.
Method 4: Use Third-Party Backup Tools
If you used tools like Macrium Reflect, Acronis, or EaseUS Todo Backup before upgrading, restoring is simple.
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Open the backup software.
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Select your Windows 10 system backup.
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Restore the image to your main drive.
This works similarly to Microsoft’s System Image feature but often offers more customization.
Method 5: Contact Your PC Manufacturer
Some laptops and desktops (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) come with recovery partitions that let you restore the original OS.
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Restart your PC and press the recovery key (often F9, F11, or F12).
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Select Restore to factory settings.
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If your device originally came with Windows 10, this will reinstall it.
Method 6: Downgrade Using Windows Insider Settings
If you upgraded to Windows 11 via the Insider Preview program, you can roll back via Insider settings.
Steps:
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Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
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Select Stop getting preview builds.
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Check if rollback options appear in Recovery settings.
What Happens After You Restore Windows 10?
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Your files should remain intact (if using Method 1).
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Some apps may need reinstalling.
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Settings may reset to default.
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Updates may be required after restoring.
Tips to Avoid Issues
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Always keep a bootable USB handy.
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Enable File History in Windows 10 for future backups.
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Create a system restore point after reinstalling apps.
Pros of Restoring Windows 10
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Familiar interface.
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Better app compatibility.
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More stable on older hardware.
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Easier navigation for multitasking.
Cons of Restoring Windows 10
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You’ll miss out on Windows 11’s new features.
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Support for Windows 10 ends in October 2025.
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Requires a reinstall if rollback period is over.
Alternative: Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
If you don’t want the hassle of downgrading, you can tweak Windows 11 to look like Windows 10.
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Start Menu: Use apps like StartAllBack or Open-Shell.
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Taskbar: Align icons to the left.
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Explorer: Use ExplorerPatcher.
This way, you get Windows 10’s look with Windows 11’s latest updates.
Conclusion
Restoring Windows 10 from Windows 11 is simple if you act within 10 days—just use the rollback option in Recovery Settings. If more than 10 days have passed, you’ll need to reinstall Windows 10 manually using a bootable USB or a system image backup.
No matter which method you choose, always backup your files first and ensure your system is ready. Whether you go back for performance, familiarity, or personal preference, you’ll be up and running with Windows 10 in no time.
FAQs
Q1: Can I go back to Windows 10 after 10 days?
Yes, but you’ll need to reinstall it manually using a bootable USB or system image backup.
Q2: Will I lose my files when I restore Windows 10?
If you use the built-in rollback (within 10 days), your files stay safe. A clean install requires backing up.
Q3: Does restoring Windows 10 affect my license?
No, your digital license is tied to your PC, so Windows 10 will activate automatically.
Q4: How long does it take to roll back to Windows 10?
It usually takes 20–45 minutes, depending on your PC’s speed.
Q5: Can I upgrade to Windows 11 again later?
Yes, you can reinstall Windows 11 anytime via Windows Update or Microsoft’s website.