How to Downgrade from Windows 11 to 10 Without Losing Your Files

Many users may find themselves wondering whether it is possible to downgrade from Windows 11 to 10 without losing valuable files. The good news is that it can be done, but it requires careful consideration and proper preparation. This article will guide you through the downsizing process while ensuring you keep your data safe.

Can You Downgrade from Windows 11 to 10?

Yes, you can downgrade from Windows 11 to 10 without losing your files, but there are some important factors to consider.

Within the First 10 Days

If you upgraded your PC to Windows 11 within the last 10 days, you have a special option to downgrade. Microsoft provides a built-in recovery feature that allows you to revert to Windows 10 while preserving your personal files. Here’s how:

Navigate to the Settings. Select the System option. Click on Recovery. Under the Go back section, you will see the option to downgrade your system. Follow the on-screen prompts to proceed.

It’s always a good idea to back up your data before attempting this, even when you are using the built-in recovery feature.

After 10 Days

If more than 10 days have passed since the upgrade, the built-in downgrade option will no longer be available. In this case, you will need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10. This method typically erases everything on the drive, so backing up your files is crucial.

Backup Your Files

No matter which method you choose, it’s best practice to back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage before attempting the downgrade. This ensures that you won’t lose any valuable data during the transition.

Installation Media

If you need to perform a clean installation, you can create a Windows 10 installation media using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool and then proceed with the installation. Here are the steps to follow:

Create a bootable Windows 10 installation media using a USB drive or a DVD with a Windows 10 ISO file. Insert the bootable media into your computer and restart it. Access the BIOS/UEFI settings to change the boot order and boot from the installation media. The exact key varies depending on your PC manufacturer, commonly F2, F12, ESC, or DEL. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10. Select the partition where Windows 11 is installed (usually the C: drive). This will overwrite Windows 11 with Windows 10.

Be sure to select the option to keep your files during the installation if prompted, although this option may not be available during a clean install.

By following these steps, you can successfully downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 while minimizing the risk of losing your valuable files.