Windows 11 Rollback to Windows 10: Best Ways to Downgrade

You can extend the period to 60 days via command line

by Loredana Harsana
Loredana Harsana
Loredana Harsana
Managing Editor
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was... read more
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Affiliate Disclosure
  • After encountering different bugs, a number of errors, and many crashes, users have been searching for a way to rollback from Windows 11.
  • You only have 10 days to go back to Windows 10 but there is a way to extend that period to 60 days.
  • If the trial period has finished, you can just install a fresh copy of the old OS in just a few steps.
rollback windows 11
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Microsoft released Windows 11 a while ago, but not many are happy with it. Many are wondering how to perform a Windows 11 rollback to Windows 10.

While this process is simple, many reported that Go back button isn’t available in Windows 11, but we covered that issue in a separate guide.

If you’re looking to roll back to Windows 10, this guide will provide you with all the information you need.

Can I downgrade from Windows 11 to 10 after 10 days?

No matter what build of Windows 11 you’re using, you can roll back to Windows 10 without any problems.

The only impediment to this idea is that you can only do so in the first 10 days after the installation process of Windows 11.

Source: Microsoft manufacturers FAQ

However, there’s a workaround that will allow you to continue your trial of Windows 11 for more than 10 days, and we’re going to show you how to use it in this guide.

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If the 10-day trial period expires, you’ll have to reinstall Windows 10 to back to it.

Is it possible to uninstall Windows 11?

Yes, you can technically uninstall Windows 11 from your PC and go back to Windows 10. Keep in mind that you need to do this during the first 10 days since the upgrade.

In case you don’t do that, you’ll need to uninstall Windows 11 by performing a clean install of Windows 10.

How can I roll back from Windows 11 to Windows 10?

1. Extend the trial period to 60 days via command line

Note icon NOTE
It is worth mentioning that this method will only work if you perform it before the initial 10 days have passed.
  1. Open Windows Terminal by pressing the Win + X keys on your keyboard and selecting the app from the menu.
  2. Run the following command: DISM /Online /Set-OSUninstallWindow /Value:60
  3. Now run this command: dism.exe /online /Get-OSUninstallWindow
  4. The trial period should now be extended to 60 days.

2. Use the built-in Settings app to rollback to Windows 10

  1. Click on the Start Menu and open Settings.
  2. Choose Windows Update, then click on Advanced options.
  3. Scroll down the list and choose Recovery.
  4. Click on the Go Back button under the Recovery options menu.
  5. Microsoft will ask about the reasons you have to go back to Windows 10. Choose an answer and then click Next.
  6. Select the No, thanks button.
  7. Click Next to confirm.
  8. Make sure you don’t forget your PIN and password because you’ll need it later. Click Next.
  9. Click the Go back to earlier build button.

We also recommend you back up your files. While downgrading does not delete your personal data from your PC, it’s better to be safe than sorry if something goes wrong and you have to format your drives.

Is it possible to perform Windows 11 rollback to Windows 10 using the command line?

Many users, especially advanced ones, prefer using the command line for various tasks, simply because it’s faster and involves less clicking. However, if you want to downgrade to Windows 10 with the command line, we have some bad news.

There’s no command available that will downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10. If you wish to downgrade, you’ll need to use the Settings app.

How to go back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 after 10 days without losing data?

To downgrade to Windows 10 after 10 days, first, you need to use the command line as we showed you in the earlier section.

The downgrade process explained above won’t cause you to lose any data. However, since unplanned issues can occur, we always suggest backing up your data, just in case.

What to do if Windows 11’s installation automatically starts after the rollback?

1. Delete the update downloaded files

  1. Do not restart when the pop-up appears.
  2. Press the Windows key + E to start File Explorer and navigate to the following path: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
  3. After that press Ctrl + A to select all the files at that location.
  4. Press Shift + Delete to completely remove the files and click Yes to confirm.
  5. Click the Start button and choose Update and Restart.

After these steps are completed, your OS will try to install Windows 11, but the needed files were removed, so the process will not go through.

2. Use Disk Cleanup

  1. Click the Search button in your taskbar, type disk cleanup, and click on the app from the results.
  2. Click the Clean up system files button.
  3. Wait for the process to complete, then restart your PC.

How can I check how long ago I installed Windows 11?

  1. Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  2. In the System section, scroll all the way down and select About in the right pane.
  3. Scroll down to Windows specifications and check the Installed on date.

What can I do if the 10-day trial has passed?

If the rollback period has passed, the only method to go back to Windows 10 is to install a fresh copy of the OS. Fortunately, that is a straightforward process:

  1. Head over to the Microsoft download page. While here, download the Media Creation Tool.
  2. Run the downloaded file and accept the terms of service.
  3. Click on the Upgrade this PC now option, then hit the Next button.
  4. Media Creation Tool will start downloading Windows 10. This might take a few hours depending on your Internet speed.
  5. Click Accept to agree to terms of service.
  6. Click Next. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to keep any of your personal files.
  7. Click the Yes button to confirm the option.
  8. Wait while the tool inspects your system.
  9. The last step is to click the Install button.

If this solution was hard to follow, we also have a complete guide on how to reinstall Windows 10 that will help you.

Although installing a Windows 10 fresh copy is a longer process than a rollback, you will know that it will work and everything will return to normal.

Rolling back from Windows 11 to Windows 10 is pretty simple, and the best way to do it is from the Settings app. The process is fully automated so that anyone can perform it.

If you want to know more about Windows 11 and how it compares to Windows 10, we’ve covered all the elements worth considering, with features and even update tips.

Do you think you’ll upgrade to Windows 11 again? Tell us in the comments section below, and let’s start a discussion.

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