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2 Quick Ways to Recover Data After Windows Downgrade
How to recover data after Windows downgrade? Worry about downgrading Windows 10 and losing data? Here, follow 2 quick ways to solve issues and learn how to downgrade Windows without losing data.
By Lori / Updated on April 3, 2024
“I just got Windows 11, but my old printer isn't working right. Thinking of downgrading to Windows 10. Has anyone done this without losing their files? I've got tons of family photos and work docs, really don't want to mess it up. Any advice or step-by-step guide you could share? How to recover data after Windows downgrade?
Many users have experienced the same issue that some data or files are missing after downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10. So you might want to know:
- Will my files be deleted if I downgrade to Windows 10?
- How do I recover files after downgrading to Windows 10?
- Is it possible to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 without losing data?
If you’re bothered by the above issues, please find answers via the corresponding part below.
Does Downgrading Windows Lose Data?
According to Microsoft, downgrading Windows to a previous version could save your personal files. And only apps, drivers, and settings will be removed. This means your data should not be lost during a downgrade.
However, issues can occur due to various reasons such as errors during the downgrade process, software conflicts, or hardware problems. These issues might lead to missing or corrupted files.
Although Microsoft provides the option to roll back to the previous version of Windows. However, Windows 10/11 rollback is only valid for 10 days. If you miss this period, you will have to reinstall Windows to restore the previous version.
As you can see, Windows downgrade and installation do not guarantee absolute data security. And some users have reported that their files disappeared after the Windows downgrade. Want the most secure solution? Continue reading to get it!
How to Recover Data After Windows Downgrade (2 Ways)
After downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10, lost files can still be recovered using reliable methods.
In this section, you will discover 2 proven and practical methods using reliable data recovery software - MyRecover or Windows File Recovery.
#1. Recover Data after Windows Downgrade via MyRecover (Faster)
Regardless of the data loss situation, restoring lost files from backups is easiest and risk-free. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a system or file backup, how do you restore data after Windows downgrade?
Luckily, you have the chance to recover files after Windows reinstallation or downgrade. The most effective and recommended way is to use powerful data recovery software like MyRecover to get your data back after a Windows downgrade.
MyRecover has won high praise from users for its high success rate, and friendly interface. In addition, it is fully compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7 or Windows Server.
MyRecover- Recover 200+ file types: It is able to recover deleted folders, compressed files (ZIP, RAR, etc.), Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT, PDF, JPG, MP4, MP3, CDA, MSG, and more.
- Advanced scanning method: MyRecover runs Quick Scan & Deep Scan automatically to search all the recoverable files and folders.
- Various data recovery scenarios: accidental deletion, formatting, virus infection, etc.
Steps to recover data after Windows downgrade
Step 1. Download and run MyRecover on your PC. Hover the mouse over the target drive (typically, the Windows system is installed in the C drive). Then, click Scan.
Step 2. The software will scan your drive automatically and thoroughly to locate all recoverable data. During the process, you can directly recover the files it detects, or you can wait for the full scan results.
Step 3. You will see a list of data that MyRecover found. Choose your desired files to recover and click Recover x files.
Step 4. Choose a new location for the recovered data and click Select Folder to confirm. The data recovery process will take a few minutes or longer, depending on the amount of data you're recovering.
#2. Recover Data after Windows Downgrade via Windows File Recovery
Windows File Recovery is a command-line tool provided by Microsoft that can be used to recover lost files after a Windows downgrade. Windows File Recovery is only applicable to Windows 10 and later. You can refer to the steps described in this tutorial: How to use Windows File Recovery in Windows 10 or 11.
However, you need to resemble and enter the corresponding command lines according to the selected mode and switches to recover specific file formats due to a lack of GUI. Additionally, Data recovery effect of Windows File Recovery is not good. Therefore, it is recommended to use MyRecover to recover data after Windows downgrade.
How Do I Downgrade Windows Without Losing Data?
Although there are several ways for you to recover files after Windows downgrade, unexpected things happen all the time. To downgrade Windows without losing data, please follow the 2 parts below.
Part 1. Back up the Data Quickly via AOMEI Backupper
Without a doubt, only regular backups are the best data loss prevention measure to data loss.
So it's crucial to back up all your important files to an external hard drive, USB drive, or cloud storage before Windows downgrades. Even if data loss occurs after downgrading, you can still restore files from prepared backups.
When it comes to data backup, you are advised to choose professional and free data backup software like AOMEI Backupper. It can save users from labor-costing operations and wisely manage backed-up data.
Steps to back up the data via AOMEI Backupper
Step 1. Download and run this software. Go to Backup in the toolbar, and select File Backup.
Step 2. Click Add Folder / Add File or drag the files you need to back up to the panel. Also, you could select the path to save according to your needs.
Step 3. Click Start Backup. It may take a few minutes, please wait patiently.
After that, you could check the backed-up files in the target location.
Part 2. Roll Back Windows OS
After making file backups, you’re ready to roll back Windows from Settings. Windows 11 can roll back to Windows 10 when the computer was upgraded from Windows 10. However, Windows 10/11 rollback is only available in 10 days. After more than 10 days, you can refer to option 1.
Step 1. Press the Win + I keys to open Windows Settings > click Update & Security.
Step 2. Click Recovery. Find the Go back to the previous version of Windows and click Get started.
FAQs
Can I recover files after the 10-day rollback period in Windows 11?
Can you recover files after reinstalling Windows?
Step 1. Press “Windows” and type “Create a restore point”. Then “Open” it.
Step 2. Click “System Restore” > “Next”.
Step 3. Select a system restore point from the list, and click “Scan for affected programs” to reconfirm. Then “Close” it.
Step 4. After confirming your restore point, click “Finish” > “Next”.
Step 5. Click “Yes” to start the restoration process. After that, your PC will be rebooted and you can “Close” the last window to exit it.
If needed, you can learn more about recovering.
Is Windows File Recovery easy to use for beginners?
Wrapping up
Through this practical post, recovering data after Windows downgrade is indeed possible. Not only do you get the 2 quick ways to recover data, you also know the way on how to downgrade Windows without losing data.
In addition, useful data software MyRecover can recover permanently deleted files with a high success rate. Please remember, that timely backups are key to minimizing data loss.
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