How to Downgrade Windows 11 to 10 without losing data (After 10 days)

Upgrading to Windows 11 might seem like a good idea, but not everyone is happy with the changes. Some discover hardware compatibility issues or missing features after using it for a while. The built-in rollback option only works for 10 days after upgrading. After that, you’ll need a different approach if you want to return to Windows 10 without losing your data.

This guide walks you through a practical, step-by-step process to downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10 after the 10-day window has closed, focusing on keeping your files and apps as intact as possible. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure you don’t lose important data during the transition.

Understand the Limitations After 10 Days

Microsoft only allows a simple rollback within the first 10 days after upgrading to Windows 11. Once this period passes, the ‘Go back’ button in Settings stops working because the old Windows 10 files (in the Windows.old folder) are deleted to free up disk space. At this point, downgrading requires a clean installation of Windows 10.

A clean install typically wipes everything on the system drive, but with some preparation, you can keep your personal files safe. However, all installed applications and system settings will be lost, so be ready to reinstall your programs and drivers. Understanding these limitations helps set clear expectations before you proceed.

Backup Your Data the Right Way

Before downgrading, you must back up all important files. This includes documents, photos, music, and other personal data stored on the C: drive. While some folders like Downloads, Desktop, and Documents are obvious, don’t forget browser bookmarks, saved email files, and app-specific data.

Use an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or a reliable cloud storage service to copy your data. For safety, double-check that everything you need is backed up. Consider exporting browser settings and bookmarks, and saving license keys or activation codes for purchased software. If you have large game libraries, back up save files and screenshots separately, as reinstalling games will not restore these automatically.

Create a List of Installed Programs and Drivers

After downgrading, you’ll need to reinstall your programs. Make a list of all the software you use, including utilities, productivity tools, and games. You can quickly view installed programs by running the command wmic product get name in Command Prompt, though this may miss some Microsoft Store apps.

Check which drivers are essential, especially if you use specialty hardware like printers, gaming peripherals, or custom networking cards. Download Windows 10 versions of these drivers from the manufacturers’ websites and save them to your backup drive. This step will save you time and frustration after reinstalling Windows 10.

Download Windows 10 Installation Media

You’ll need a bootable Windows 10 USB drive to install the OS. Visit Microsoft’s official Windows 10 download page and use the Media Creation Tool. Plug in a USB drive with at least 8 GB of space, run the tool, and follow the prompts to create installation media.

Make sure you are downloading the correct edition of Windows 10 (Home or Pro) to match your device’s existing license. If you aren’t sure which edition you need, check your current Windows 11 license in Settings under System > About. Keep the USB drive safe - you’ll need it to start the downgrade process.

Prepare for Reinstallation: BIOS/UEFI Settings

To boot from the Windows 10 USB drive, you may need to adjust your computer’s BIOS or UEFI settings. Restart your PC and press the key for BIOS setup (usually F2, F10, DEL, or ESC). Look for the Boot menu and set the USB drive as the first boot device.

On newer PCs with Secure Boot enabled and TPM requirements for Windows 11, you might need to disable Secure Boot temporarily to install Windows 10. Don’t make unnecessary changes to other settings. Save your changes and exit the BIOS. Make sure the USB drive is plugged in before you restart.

Install Windows 10 Without Deleting Your Files

Boot from your Windows 10 USB drive. On the Windows Setup screen, select your language and region, then choose Install Now. When prompted, select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). On the partition selection screen, pick your main system partition (usually labeled as ‘Primary’ with your current Windows installation).

To avoid losing your files, don’t format or delete partitions. Instead, select the partition and continue. Windows will install itself and move the old Windows 11 files into a folder called Windows.old. This keeps your personal data (Documents, Pictures, etc.) safe, but remember that installed apps and system settings will not be preserved.

Restore Your Files and Reinstall Applications

Once Windows 10 is installed, complete the setup process. Your files from before the downgrade will be in the C:\Windows.old\Users\YourUsername folder. Transfer your documents, pictures, music, and other needed files to the appropriate folders in your new Windows 10 user profile.

Now, reinstall your applications using your backup list. Use your saved license keys and downloaded drivers to get things running smoothly again. If you use software with cloud sync (such as OneDrive or Chrome), sign in and let it restore your data. Don’t forget to check Windows Update for the latest security patches and drivers as well.

Check Activation and Windows Updates

After installing Windows 10, check the activation status. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. If your device was previously running Windows 10 and activated, it should reactivate automatically using your device’s digital license.

If you see an activation error, you may need to troubleshoot manually. Have your original Windows 10 product key ready if needed. Also, run Windows Update several times to get all necessary system updates and security patches. This will help restore stability and performance after the downgrade process.

Frequently asked questions