How to Uninstall Windows 11 and Back to Windows 10 (3 Ways)

You’ll learn how to uninstall Windows 11 easily with 3 useful methods. You can use method 1 when you are within 10 days validity and use another two methods to uninstall Windows after 10 days.

Clytze

By Clytze Updated on August 8, 2024

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Why Uninstall Windows 11?

As soon as the beta version of Windows 11 was released, many users upgraded and installed it. But recently some users want to uninstall Windows 11 and go back to the Windows 10 version. There are several common reasons below.

Start Menu

  • Windows 11 is still in early beta, so it will inevitably have bugs, missing features and compatibility issues.
  • Some users don't like the new interface.
  • The beta version of the new system lacks stability, and some users want to download and install the official version after it is released.
  • Some users just want to experience the new system for a short time. They are more used to using the old system version.

How to Uninstall Windows 11 Easily

So, how to go back to Windows 10 from Windows 11? Next, I will introduce 3 useful methods for you. You can choose them according to your own needs. If you want to uninstall Windows 11 within 10 days, you can choose method 1. As for how to uninstall Windows 11 after 10 days, method 2 or method 3 are available.

Method 1. Uninstall Windows 11 by Roll Back

The easiest way to uninstall Windows 11 and go back to Windows 10 is to roll back, but it requires you to be within 10 days of installing Windows 11.

Whenever you update your system, there will be a Windows.old file in your files. This contains your previous version of Windows. And Windows will delete older versions within 10 days after the upgrade. That's why you can only roll back to a previous version within 10 days. And you can follow the tutorial below to uninstall Windows 11 and go back to your Windows 10 version.

Step 1. Navigate to Start > Settings > System > Recovery.

Select Recovery

Step 2. Under Recovery options, you will see the Previous version of Windows and click Go back.

Go Back

Step 3. Select a reason and click Next.

Reason Why Go Back

Step 4. Select No, thanks when asked to check for updates.

No Updates

Step 5. Read what you need to know, and click Next.

Read What Need To Know

Step 6. When warned you need to remember your password from Windows 10, click Next.

Don't Get Locked Out

Step 7. Select Go back to earlier build.

Go Back To Earlier Build

Method 2. Uninstall Windows 11 by Clean Install Windows 10

If you have installed Windows 11 for more than ten days, you cannot use the first method to go back to Windows 10. You could choose the second method - clean install windows 10. How to uninstall Windows 11 and install Windows 10? You need to create the installation media for Windows 10 first and then install Windows 10 on your computer. You can follow the graphic tutorial below.

Create Windows 10 Installation Media

Step 1. Download Windows 10 Media Creation Tool and open it.

Step 2. Select Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC. Then click Next.

Create Installation Media

Step 3. Set Language, Windows Edition, and Architecture, then click Next.

Step 4. Choose USB flash drive and click Next.

Choose USB Flash Drive

Step 5. Choose the removable drive from the list, and click Next. Then it will download Windows 10 to the USB drive and make it bootable.

Step 6. When the downloading process has been done, you can click Finish to exit.

Install Windows 10 on Your Computer

Step 1. Insert USB drive into your computer. And restart the computer, pressing F2 or F12 to enter the BIOS. Then, select the USB drive as the first boot drive. Finally, press F10 or Enter to exit and reboot the computer.

Bios

Step 2. Set the language to install, time and currency format, and keyboard or input method. Then click Next.

Choose Preferences

Step 3 . Click Install Now.

Step 4. Input your product key or leave it blank.

Step 5. Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced).

Custom Install

Step 6. Click Delete to delete all partitions on the hard drive which you want to install Windows 11 until the hard drive shows only as Unallocated Space. Then it will install Windows 10 automatically.

Select Drive

Method 3. Uninstall Windows 11 by Restoring Windows 10 System Backup

If you have installed Windows 11 for more than ten days and you don't want to reinstall Windows 10, there is a simpler method you can choose. You can choose to create a system image on another Windows 10 computer and then use this system backup to restore to your current computer. This method is easier than the previous two ways and you don't have to reinstall the system as well as the applications.

You need a professional backup and restore software to help you, such as AOMEI Backupper Professional. It supports different backup solutions, including System BackupDisk BackupPartition Backup and File Backup so you can restore Windows 10 with backup image easily.

The Universal Restore feature of the software allows you to restore system backup to another computer with different hardware. This feature also has the advantages below.

✔ Instant recovery of a crashed system on different hardware.

✔ Migrate system to a computer with dissimilar hardware installed.

✔ Install your system between real and virtual machines.

✔ Install your system directly after replacing your motherboard, CPU and other hardware.

Before you start restoring Windows 10 system backup, you should make sure you have done the preparation work.

1️⃣ Download and install AOMEI Backupper Professional on another computer that has already installed Windows 10.  

Download Free Trial Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

2️⃣ Create a system image using this software.

Now, you can follow the steps below to uninstall Windows 11 by restoring Windows 10 system backup.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Backupper Professional on your current computer that you want to uninstall Windows 11. Insert the disk containing Windows 10 system image and launch the software, then click Restore > Select Task.

Select Task

Step 2. Select the Windows 10 backup image and click Next.

Select Backup Image

Step 3. Choose to restore the entire image and check Restore system to other location. Then click Next.

Restore Entire Backup

Step 4. Select the destination for your Windows 10 system backup.

Select Location

Step 5. If your computer hardware is different from the previous one, this software will recognize and automatically select the Universal Restore function. You just click Start Restore.

Universal Restore Other Location

FAQs about Uninstalling Windows 11

1. What happens to my files when I uninstall Windows 11?

If you use the "Go back" option within 10 days, your files should remain intact. However, it is always a good practice to back up your important files before making any significant changes to your operating system. A clean installation will erase all files, apps, and settings.

2. How long does it take to revert to Windows 10?

Reverting to Windows 10 using the "Go back" option typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your system. A clean installation of Windows 10 can take longer, especially if you need to back up and restore your files.

3. Will my apps and settings be preserved when I revert to Windows 10?

If you use the "Go back" option within 10 days, your apps and settings should be preserved. However, some settings may revert to default, and you may need to reinstall certain apps. A clean installation will remove all apps and settings.

4. What if I encounter issues during the rollback process?

If you encounter issues during the rollback process, you can try using the Advanced Startup Options to uninstall the latest feature update or perform a clean installation of Windows 10. For persistent issues, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft's support or a professional technician.

5. Will my drivers be compatible after reverting to Windows 10?

Most drivers should be compatible after reverting to Windows 10, especially if your device originally came with Windows 10. However, you may need to reinstall some drivers or updates from the manufacturer's website.

Summary

This article shows you 3 easy ways to uninstall Windows 11. If you are within 10 days validity, you can choose to do a rollback to Windows 10. Please remember to backup your important files and data before rolling back.

If you can't uninstall Windows 11 using the first method, you can choose to clean install Windows 10 or use the reliable backup and restore software AOMEI Backupper Professional to help you. Its Universal Restore function will restore your system image to another computer with different hardware so that you can uninstall Windows 11 without reinstalling Windows 10.

If you are a Windows Server user, please try AOMEI Backupper Server. And you can download the software to explore more features!

Clytze
Clytze · Editor
Clytze, an editor at AOMEI Technology, is passionate about safeguarding your digital world. She dedicates her expertise to empower users like you in data security and recovery. She firmly believes that everyone should have the tools and knowledge to protect their digital assets through computer backup, seamless disk cloning, and efficient file synchronization. Clytze is your trusted guide on the journey to data safety.