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Revert to previous Windows version easily windows

Revert to Previous Windows Version Easily in Windows

Upgrading to a new Windows version, like moving from Windows 10 to Windows 11, or installing a major feature update, usually brings new features and improvements. However, sometimes the new version might not work as expected, causing compatibility issues, performance problems, or you might simply prefer the older version. Fortunately, Windows provides a built-in way to revert to previous Windows version easily in Windows, provided you act within a specific timeframe.

Understanding the “Go Back” Feature

Windows includes a recovery option that allows you to “Go back” to your previous version of Windows. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Time Limit: Typically, you have 10 days after an upgrade to use this feature. After this period, Windows may delete the necessary files (stored in the C:\Windows.old folder) to free up disk space, making this option unavailable.
  • What’s Kept: When you revert, your personal files should generally be safe.
  • What’s Lost: Applications installed and settings changed after the upgrade to the newer version will likely be removed. You’ll need to reinstall them.
  • Original Password: You’ll need the password you used for your previous Windows version if you had one.

Before You Revert to a Previous Windows Version

Taking a few preparatory steps is highly recommended:

Backup Your Data

This is the most crucial step. Although the “Go back” feature is designed to keep your personal files, unexpected issues can always occur. Back up all your important documents, photos, videos, and other data to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

Ensure Power Supply

If you’re using a laptop, make sure it’s plugged into a power source during the entire rollback process. Losing power midway could lead to system corruption.

Know Your Old Password

If you used a password to sign in to your previous version of Windows, you’ll need it after reverting.

How to Revert to Previous Windows Version Easily in Windows

The primary method to go back is through the Settings app.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

This is the most straightforward way if your system is bootable and you’re within the 10-day window.

For Windows 11 (Reverting to Windows 10 or a previous Windows 11 build):
  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I or right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Settings.”
  2. In the System tab, scroll down and click on Recovery.
  3. Under “Recovery options,” look for the Go back option. If it’s available, click the “Go back” button.
    • If the option is grayed out or missing, it likely means the 10-day window has passed or the Windows.old folder has been removed.

     

  4. Windows will ask why you’re going back. Select a reason and click Next.
  5. You might be prompted to check for updates first. You can choose No, thanks.
  6. Read the “What you need to know” screen carefully, which explains that you’ll need to reinstall some apps and settings and that you’ll need your old password. Click Next.
  7. You’ll be warned not to get locked out. Ensure you know your old password. Click Next.
  8. Finally, click Go back to earlier build (or similar wording). Your PC will restart and begin the process.
For Windows 10 (Reverting to a previous Windows 10 build or an earlier OS if upgraded):
  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Click on Update & Security.
  3. Select Recovery from the left-hand sidebar.
  4. Under “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10” (or similar, e.g., “Go back to Windows 7/8.1” if you upgraded from there within the timeframe), click Get started.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts, which are similar to the Windows 11 process described above (providing a reason, warnings about apps and passwords, etc.).

The rollback process can take some time, and your PC will restart several times.

Method 2: Using Advanced Startup Options (Windows Recovery Environment – WinRE)

If Windows isn’t booting correctly after an upgrade, you might still be able to revert using WinRE, provided the Windows.old folder is intact and you’re within the rollback period.

  1. Access Advanced Startup Options:
    • Force shut down your PC three times in a row (hold the power button until it turns off, then turn it on again; repeat) to trigger automatic entry into WinRE.
    • Alternatively, if you can reach the login screen, hold the Shift key while clicking Power > Restart.
    • From within Windows (if it boots):
      • Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.
      • Windows 11: Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now.
  2. Once in WinRE, select Troubleshoot.
  3. Choose Advanced options.
  4. Look for an option like “Go back to the previous build” or “Uninstall Updates”. If “Go back to the previous build” is present, choose it. If not, “Uninstall Updates” might offer to “Uninstall latest feature update” which effectively does the same thing if you’re within the rollback window for a feature update.
  5. Select your user account and enter the password if prompted.
  6. Click the “Go back to previous build” or “Uninstall feature update” button and follow the instructions.

What if the “Go Back” Option is Not Available?

If more than 10 days have passed, or if you’ve run Disk Cleanup and removed “Previous Windows installation(s)” (the Windows.old folder), the “Go back” option will disappear. In this scenario:

Clean Install of the Previous Version

This is the most definitive way to return to an older version if the rollback option is gone.

  • You will need installation media (USB or DVD) for the desired Windows version. You can create this using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool for Windows 10, or by downloading an ISO for older versions if you have a valid license.
  • You’ll also need a valid product key for that Windows version.
  • This process will erase everything on your primary drive, so a full backup is absolutely essential.
  • Boot from the installation media and follow the prompts to perform a custom (clean) installation.

System Restore (Limited Use Case)

System Restore points are usually created before installing drivers or software, not typically for major OS upgrades. While it might be listed as an option in WinRE, it’s unlikely to revert a full Windows version upgrade successfully and is more suited for undoing smaller system changes.

After Reverting to a Previous Windows Version

Once you’ve successfully rolled back:

  • Check Drivers: Ensure all your hardware drivers are working correctly. You might need to reinstall some.
  • Reinstall Apps: You’ll likely need to reinstall any applications that were installed on the newer version or removed during the rollback.
  • Restore Files (if needed): If any personal files are missing (which shouldn’t happen with the “Go back” feature but is a risk), restore them from your backup.
  • Pause Updates (Temporarily): If you reverted because the new version was problematic, you might want to temporarily pause Windows Update to prevent it from reinstalling immediately.
    • Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Pause updates.
    • Windows 11: Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates.

Conclusion

The ability to revert to previous Windows version easily in Windows is a valuable recovery option, especially within the initial 10-day period after an upgrade. By using the “Go back” feature in Settings or via Advanced Startup, you can often resolve issues caused by a new version. However, always prioritize backing up your data before any major system change, as it’s your ultimate safety net if the built-in options are unavailable or encounter problems.