Windows 10 has proven to be one of the best operating systems from Microsoft, and there is no doubt about that.
Meanwhile, users feel that Windows 7 is a simpler, cool, and easier-to-use operating system than Windows 10.
That is true to some extent because Windows 10 comes with some unwanted baggage.
However, if you don’t want to roll back to Windows 7, the latest updates from Windows 10 can break your PC, giving you a reason to roll back to previous versions for smooth use.
This article will discuss three simple ways to downgrade your Windows 10 to previous versions. These processes are easy to follow. Let’s get to it.
How to Downgrade Windows 10?
As I said above, you will learn how to downgrade your Windows 10.
You can either downgrade to Windows 7/8, or you might prefer to downgrade to Windows 10 working build.
We will provide three ways to achieve this task and walk you through these steps.
Downgrade Windows 10 from Settings
Have you recently upgraded your PC to Windows 10? Then, this is a straightforward process for you.
While you are downgrading, your data will not be deleted, but it is recommended that you back up your valuable data.
Below are the steps you will need to follow to downgrade. Note that you cannot use these steps to downgrade from Windows 10 if you have spent more than 10 days on it.
So make sure it’s less than ten days, else this method will downgrade your Windows 10 to its latest version.
Press the Windows and “I” keys simultaneously to open the Windows Settings. Then click on Update and Security.
Now, go to the Recovery tab, and you will see the Go back to the previous version section. Click on the Get Started button just below the section.
- When it’s done, Windows will present you with different options. It will ask you if you would like to keep your files, programs, etc. Select your option carefully and proceed.
- Finally, you can click on Go back to earlier build button to restart your computer, and the downgrade process will commence.
After a while, depending on your PC, your computer will boot back to the previous operating system.
You can now enjoy your PC with its previous Windows operating system.
How to Downgrade Windows 10 using the Reset Tool?
If you have exceeded the 10-day limit, you can downgrade your Windows 10 using the Reset Tool.
This option allows you to return to the operating system shipped with the PC (sort of factory reset).
Remember that this method will wipe all the data from your PC, so it’s advisable to back up important files before downgrade.
However, if your PC was shipped with Windows 10, it will fall back to Windows 10 after the downgrade. Having all that in mind, follow the steps below to proceed.
Follow similar steps in the previous method to the recovery tab (Windows Settings > Update and Security > Switch to Recovery tab).
When you get there, click Get Started, which is under Reset this PC section.
A mini window will pop up. Then click on Keep my files to protect your data from deletion. It’s recommended that you back up your data to be on the safe side.
Another mini window will appear. Click on the Only the drive where Windows is installed option.
This will allow you to reset only your C drive or whichever drive your Windows is installed on.
The PC will reboot, and the reset process will commence. After a while, depending on your PC, your computer will boot into the default (factory) version of Windows.
How to Downgrade Windows 10 to its Previous Build?
If you encounter issues after upgrading that prevent your PC from performing perfectly, this method will help you downgrade your Windows 10 to its previous working build.
Note: create a backup of your important data before proceeding to downgrade.
Windows Settings > Update and Security > switch to the Recovery tab to open the Recovery window. Once there, click on Restart Now under the Advanced Startup section. Your PC will boot into an Advanced Startup screen, as seen in the images below.
In case your PC refuses to boot, try turning it off and on three times. That will trigger an Automatic Repair screen.
Click on Advanced Options, and then you should be taken to the Advanced Startup screen.
On the screen, click on Troubleshoot.
On the next screen, click on Advanced Options. You will find the Go back to the previous builds option.
Click on it to initiate the downgrade process.
Once it’s all done, your PC will boot back to the last working build. Those are the three easy methods to downgrade Windows 10.
You can review each of them to see which suits your current situation.
