How to downgrade new Windows 11 PC to 10

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If you have a new laptop or desktop computer that came pre-installed with Windows 11, you can downgrade it to Windows 10.

Windows 11 is now available and computer manufacturers are now starting to ship their devices with the new version. However, while the new version of Windows introduces a new interface and packs a slew of new features and improvements, it’s still not an OS that everyone wants. Also, the original release includes many known and unknown issues that can negatively affect the user experience.

In the case that you are among those who are still not ready to upgrade, you can remove Windows 11 and downgrade to Windows 10. This is possible since Windows 11 is based on Windows 10, which means that the product key works to activate either version. You only need to go through some extra steps. (If you recently upgraded to Windows 11, you can roll back to Windows 10 with these instructions.)

In this guide, you will learn the easy steps to downgrade from Windows 11 to 10 the easy way for free.

Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10

Before proceeding, it’s important to create a temporary backup of your computer in case something goes wrong and you need to roll back. It’s also recommended to create a file backup to OneDrive or another cloud storage or external drive since this process will delete everything on the main drive.

To downgrade from Windows 11 to 10, use these steps:

1. Open Microsoft support website.

2. Under the “Create Windows 10 installation media” section, click the Download tool now button.

3. Save the installer to the device.

4. Double-click the MediaCreationToolXXXX.exe file to launch the tool.

5. Click the Accept button.

6. Select the Upgrade this PC now option.

   

7. Click the Accept button again.

8. Click the Change what to keep option.

   

9. Select the Nothing option.

   

10. Click the Next button.

11. Click the Install button.

    

12. Select your region setting after the installation on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE).

    

13. Click the Yes button.

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14. Select your keyboard layout setting.

    

15. Click the Yes button.

16. Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.

17. If the computer is using an Ethernet connection, it will connect to the network automatically. If you have a wireless connection, you will need to set up the connection manually (a security key may be required).

18. Select the Set up for personal use option if you are setting Windows 10 Pro. (The “Home” edition does not have this option.)

    

19. Click the Next button.

20. Confirm your Microsoft account email, phone number, or Skype identification to create an account.

    

21. Click the Next button.

22. Confirm your Microsoft account password.

23. Click the Next button.

24. Click the Create a PIN button.

25. Create a new PIN password.

    

26. Click the OK button.

27. Confirm your privacy settings that best suits your needs by turning on or off the toggle switch for each setting.

28. Click the Accept button.

    

29. (Optional) On the “Customize your device” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the setup to suggest tools and services customization during this experience.

    

30. Click the Accept button to continue. (Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.)

31. Click the “Skip for now” button to skip linking your phone to your PC. (You can always do this from the Settings app.)

    

32. Click the Next button to allow OneDrive to automatically backup your Desktop, Pictures, and Documents folders to the cloud. (Or click the “Only save file to this PC” option to skip this step.)

    

33. Click the No, thanks button to skip the Microsoft 365 setup.

    

34. Click the Not now button to disable Cortana.

    

Once you complete the steps, the setup will continue with the downgrade to Windows 10.

In addition to using the Media Creation Tool to proceed with the downgrade using the upgrade option, you can also perform a clean installation to switch OSes using a bootable USB flash drive or ISO file.

If it comes the time when you are ready for Windows 11 or Windows 10 is nearing the end of service, you can upgrade your computer using Windows Update, Installation Assistant, or ISO file.