How to Roll Back Windows 11 to Windows 10 Within 10 Days
Use Windows Recovery’s Go back option, prepare for removed apps and know your options if the rollback button is unavailable.
After an upgrade, Windows normally keeps the previous installation temporarily. During that period, the built-in Go back option can restore the earlier Windows version. It keeps personal files, but apps and drivers installed after the upgrade—and settings changed after it—may be removed or reversed.
Important: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Rolling back can return the PC to an operating system that no longer receives standard security updates. First consider fixing the Windows 11 problem or using a supported Windows 11 release.
Check whether Go back is available
Open Settings → System → Recovery. Under Recovery options, look for Go back. The option is commonly available for 10 days after upgrading, but it can disappear sooner if Windows.old or other required previous-installation files were deleted by Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup or manual cleanup.
“Reset this PC” is not the same process and does not take you back to Windows 10. Do not choose it as a substitute.
Prepare before rollback
- Back up documents, photos, project folders and other irreplaceable files to another device or service.
- Save your BitLocker or device-encryption recovery key away from the PC.
- Connect a laptop to AC power and allow enough uninterrupted time.
- Know the password used for the previous Windows installation; a PIN created after upgrading may not work.
- Record recently installed apps, drivers and important settings so you can restore them later.
- Disconnect nonessential external drives and accessories.
Install pending application updates only after deciding whether to roll back. A rollback is a major system change, not a routine restart.
Roll back Windows 11 step by step
- Open Settings → System → Recovery.
- Next to Go back, select Go back.
- Choose the closest reason and continue.
- If Windows offers to check for updates, decide whether an update could fix the specific problem. Select No, thanks to continue the rollback.
- Read the warnings about applications, drivers, settings and passwords.
- Select Go back to Windows 10 only after confirming the backup and power connection.
The PC will restart several times. Do not force it off. The duration depends on the device, storage speed and installation.
Check the PC after returning to Windows 10
- Sign in and open several important personal files.
- Open Device Manager and check for devices with warning icons.
- Test Wi-Fi, audio, Bluetooth, graphics, the webcam and any essential peripheral.
- Reinstall apps and drivers that the rollback removed, using official sources.
- Open Windows Update and review the device’s update and support status.
Keep the backup until you have tested the computer thoroughly. If the original issue was caused by firmware or hardware, changing Windows versions may not solve it.
If Go back is unavailable
The recovery files may have expired or been removed, or the PC may have arrived with Windows 11 rather than being upgraded. Returning to Windows 10 would then usually require a clean installation from official installation media. A clean installation can erase apps, settings and files, and Windows 10 drivers may not exist for newer hardware.
Before considering that route, check the PC manufacturer’s support page for Windows 10 drivers and support policy. Because Windows 10 is out of standard support, installing it is rarely the best long-term fix. Microsoft’s supported recovery options or a clean Windows 11 installation are generally safer choices.
Frequently asked questions
Will rolling back delete my personal files?
The built-in Go back option is designed to keep personal files, but major system operations can fail. Make a separate backup first.
Why is the Go back button disabled?
The usual window may have expired, required previous-version files may be missing, or the device may not have been upgraded from Windows 10.
Can I return to Windows 11 later?
A compatible PC can generally upgrade again, but confirm current system requirements, backup status and support information before doing so.
References and further reading
Recovery screens can vary by Windows release and device. Use Microsoft’s current instructions and your PC maker’s support information.