Windows 11 · Windows 11

Go Back from Windows 11 to Windows 10

Source-checked 2 September 2026About 30 minutes

Answer

Back up your files, then open Settings > System > Recovery. Use Go back only if Windows still offers it, usually within 10 days of the upgrade. It keeps personal files but removes apps, drivers, and settings added after the upgrade. Windows 10 support ended on 14 October 2025, so staying on it carries a security risk.

Before you continue

Back up firstRollback changes system files and installed software.
Check for Go backThe option normally expires after a limited time.
Understand Windows 10Free security support has ended for most users.

Read Microsoft's rollback instructions Compare Windows recovery options

Back up important files

Copy irreplaceable files to a separate drive or cloud location and verify that you can open a few of them.

Check the time and power

Connect a laptop to power, allow enough time, and disconnect unnecessary USB devices.

Open Recovery settings

Press Windows + I, select System > Recovery, and find Go back under Recovery options.

Read what will be removed

Select Go back and review the listed apps, drivers, and settings that were added after upgrading. Save any license details you may need.

Complete the rollback

Follow the questions, keep the computer powered, and do not interrupt restarts.

Verify Windows 10

Sign in, open your important files, reconnect needed devices, and reinstall only trusted software that the rollback removed.

If Go back is unavailable

Use Microsoft's recovery comparison before considering installation media. A clean installation removes apps and can remove files.

Compare recovery options

If it does not work

If BitLocker asks for a recovery key, stop and retrieve the correct key before continuing.
If the computer is managed by work or school, contact its administrator before changing the operating system.
Because Windows 10 support ended in 2025, plan a supported Windows 11 device or another supported operating system rather than treating rollback as permanent.

Sources and verification

Checked against official documentation on 2 September 2026. Scope: Windows 11.

The written instructions were checked against the current official pages linked below. The older video is kept for reference and may show different menus.