Switching to Windows 11 sounded exciting at first, didn’t it? Sleek design, fresh icons, and promises of better performance. But for many users, the reality hit differently—compatibility issues, slower speed on older hardware, or simply not liking the new interface. If you’ve upgraded to Windows 11 and now regret it, you might be wondering: is it too late to go back to Windows 10 after 10 days?

The short answer: it’s possible, but it’s not as straightforward as hitting an “undo” button. Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through every detail in this guide.

Why Windows 11 Gives You Only 10 Days to Roll Back

Microsoft knows not everyone adapts quickly. That’s why, when you upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the system stores your old files in a folder called Windows.old. This folder allows you to roll back easily within 10 days.

But here’s the catch: after that window closes, Windows automatically deletes those files to free up disk space. Once that happens, you can’t use the built-in rollback option.

Can You Still Go Back After 10 Days?

Yes—you can still revert to Windows 10. The method just changes. Since the quick rollback option disappears, you’ll need to use one of these approaches:

Reinstall Windows 10 using installation media.
Restore from a system backup (if you created one before upgrading).

Let’s break down both methods so you can make the right move.

Method 1: Reinstall Windows 10 Using Installation Media

If you didn’t back up your system before upgrading, don’t panic. You can still reinstall Windows 10 manually.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Think of this like packing up before moving houses. A clean installation wipes your drive, so make sure to:

Save important files on an external drive or cloud storage.
Export browser bookmarks, passwords, and email data.
Note down software license keys (for apps like MS Office).

Step 2: Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

Head over to the Microsoft official website and download the Media Creation Tool. This tool helps you create a bootable USB or directly reinstall Windows.

Step 3: Create Installation Media

Plug in a USB drive (at least 8GB).
Run the tool and choose Create installation media for another PC.
Select Windows 10, your language, and the correct architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

Step 4: Install Windows 10

Insert the USB into your computer.
Restart and boot from the USB (you may need to change boot order in BIOS).
Follow on-screen instructions and select Custom: Install Windows only.
Format the partition where Windows 11 is installed, then continue.

Method 2: Restore from a System Backup

If you were cautious enough to create a system image backup before upgrading, congratulations! You can restore that backup and be back on Windows 10 in no time.

How to Do It:

Connect the external drive where your backup is stored.
Boot into Advanced Startup Options (hold Shift while restarting).
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Image Recovery.
Select your backup and restore.

What to Expect After Reinstalling Windows 10

Going back to Windows 10 isn’t just about hitting rewind. Here’s what you should expect:

A clean slate: Unless you restore from a backup, you’ll need to reinstall apps.
Updates needed: Windows 10 may require several updates to catch up.
License activation: If your PC had Windows 10 activated before, it should auto-activate.

How to Avoid Problems During the Rollback

Rolling back can feel like opening Pandora’s box if you’re not careful. Keep these tips in mind:

Back up everything—not just documents, but also settings and app data.
Have drivers ready—especially for Wi-Fi, graphics, and sound cards.
Check compatibility—make sure your hardware supports Windows 10.

Is It Safe to Roll Back After 10 Days?

Absolutely! Reinstalling Windows 10 is just like installing a fresh operating system. As long as you back up your files, the process is safe. The only real downside is the time it takes to reinstall apps and reconfigure settings.

Why Some Users Prefer Windows 10 Over Windows 11

Rolling back isn’t just about regret; sometimes it’s about practicality. Many users prefer Windows 10 because:

Their older PCs run smoother.
Certain apps and drivers work better.
The familiar interface feels more comfortable.

Windows 11 is modern, but Windows 10 is stable—like that old pair of shoes that just fits right.

Will Microsoft Still Support Windows 10?

Yes, but not forever. Microsoft has announced that support for Windows 10 will end on October 14, 2025. Until then, you’ll keep receiving security updates.

Should You Stick with Windows 11 Instead?

Before you rush back, ask yourself:

Are your apps compatible with Windows 11 now?
Is your PC hardware powerful enough?
Are you open to adapting to new layouts?

If you answered no to most of these, rolling back makes sense.

Pros and Cons of Rolling Back

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Pros

Familiar and stable environment
Better compatibility with older hardware
No steep learning curve

Cons

Time-consuming reinstall
Possible driver hunting
Windows 10 support will eventually end

Alternatives to Rolling Back

If you’re on the fence, you might consider:

Dual-boot setup: Run both Windows 10 and 11 side by side.
Virtual machine: Test Windows 10 inside a VM while keeping Windows 11.

Final Tips Before Downgrading

Make sure your product key is handy.
Disconnect unnecessary devices before reinstalling.
Take your time—rushing could lead to mistakes.

Conclusion

Rolling back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 after 10 days isn’t as easy as clicking a button, but it’s definitely doable. Whether you reinstall from scratch or restore from a backup, the process mainly requires patience and preparation. If Windows 11 just isn’t working for you, there’s no shame in going back to what feels comfortable and reliable. After all, technology should work for you—not the other way around.

FAQs

Q1: Can I roll back to Windows 10 after 10 days without losing files?
No, not unless you have a system backup. A fresh installation will wipe your files.

Q2: Do I need a Windows 10 license key to reinstall?
Usually not. If your PC had Windows 10 activated before, it should auto-activate online.

Q3: How long does the rollback process take?
Depending on your method, expect anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Q4: Can I upgrade to Windows 11 again later?
Yes, you can upgrade back anytime as long as your PC meets requirements.

Q5: Is it worth staying on Windows 10 until 2025?
Yes—if your hardware runs better and your workflow feels smoother, there’s no harm in staying until support officially ends.

How to Roll Back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 After 10 Days