How to Uninstall Windows 11 and Install Windows 10

If you’re wondering how to uninstall Windows 11 and install Windows 10, this guide breaks it down in easy, step-by-step instructions. Whether you’re still within the rollback period or need a full clean install, we’ve got you covered.

Below, we list the simplest to the most advanced methods to downgrade your PC from Windows 11 back to Windows 10.

Step-by-Step: Uninstall Windows 11 and Go Back to Windows 10

1. Roll Back to Windows 10 (Within 10 Days of Upgrade)

This is the easiest method and only works if you upgraded recently.

• Open Settings > System > Recovery
  
• Under Recovery options, click Go back
  
• Follow the prompts to complete the rollback
  

⚠️ Note: This only works if the Windows.old folder is still present and you haven’t run Disk Cleanup.

If you’re unsure whether the upgrade to Windows 11 was worth it in the first place, you can compare the key differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10 to better evaluate the switch.

2. Back Up Your Files (Before a Clean Install)

If rollback is no longer available, you’ll need to do a clean install.

• Save documents, photos, and important files to an external drive
  
• You can also use cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive
  

This ensures your personal data is safe during the process.

3. Create a Windows 10 Installation USB

You’ll need a USB drive with at least 8GB of space.

• Visit the Windows 10 download page
  
• Click Download tool now
  
• Open the tool and select Create installation media for another PC
  
• Choose USB flash drive and follow the prompts
  

This will create a bootable USB that lets you install Windows 10 from scratch.

While creating the bootable drive, it’s helpful to understand how the system requirements for Windows 11 differ from Windows 10, especially if hardware compatibility was part of your decision to downgrade.

4. Boot from the USB Drive

Now that your USB drive is ready, here’s how to boot from it:

• Plug the USB into your computer
  
• Restart your PC
  
• During startup, press F12, F2, or Esc (varies by device) to open the boot menu
  
• Select your USB drive from the list
  

This tells your computer to load the Windows 10 installer.

5. Perform a Clean Install of Windows 10

• After booting, follow the setup steps
  
• When you reach Where do you want to install Windows?, select each partition and click Delete
  
• Choose the Unallocated space, then click Next
  
• Let the installation complete
  

⚠️ Warning: Deleting partitions erases everything. Make sure your files are backed up first.

Microsoft encourages users to stick with the newer version by listing reasons to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, but if the OS doesn’t suit your workflow, a clean downgrade is a valid option.

6. Post-Installation Setup

Once Windows 10 is installed:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to install drivers
  
• Visit your PC manufacturer’s site to download additional drivers if needed
  
• Restore your personal files from your backup
  
• Activate Windows using your digital license or product key
  

You’re now back on Windows 10 with a clean slate.

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