Windows 10 is an overall great operating system, there is no doubt about that. However, users across the spectrum feel that Windows 7 was much simpler, easy to use and provided better performance. Well, to be frank, that is true to some extent as Windows 10 is shipped with lots of bloatware and unnecessary features and apps. Recently, we did an article on how to speed up Windows 10 to make it bloat-free. Even if you don’t want to roll back to Windows 7, sometimes the new Windows 10 updates break your PC and it’s wiser to rollback to previous versions of Windows 10 to use it smoothly. In this article, I have shared three simple ways to downgrade Windows 10 to the previous OS or build in easy steps.
Downgrade Windows 10
Here, we will learn about all the methods to downgrade Windows 10. You can either downgrade to Windows 7/8/8.1 or the previous Windows 10 working build. There are three ways to achieve this task and we will take you through all of them. So having said that, let us begin with the easiest method.
1. Downgrade Windows 10 from Settings
If you have recently upgraded your PC to Windows 10 from Windows 7/8/8.1 then this is the sure-shot method to downgrade to the earlier OS. The process is pretty simple and straightforward. While your data will not be deleted in the process. It’s still recommended to back up your valuable files and folders. Now, let’s begin with the steps.
Note: You can’t downgrade Windows 10 using this method if you are past 10 days of Windows 10 upgrade. So make sure the 10 days limit has not reached before you attempt to downgrade your PC. If you are past 10 days, this method will only downgrade your PC to the last updated version of Windows 10.
1. Press “Windows” and “I” keys at once to open Windows Settings. Here, click on “Update and Security”.
2. Switch to the “Recovery” tab and you will find “Go back to previous version” section. Click on the “Get Started” button just below the section.
3. Now Windows will take you through many options. It will ask you if you want to keep your files, programs, drivers, etc. Choose accordingly and proceed ahead. Finally, click on “Go back to earlier build” button and your computer will restart and initiate the downgrade process.
4. After a few hours, your computer will boot back to the previous operating system. Now, you can enjoy your PC with earlier Windows OS in full glory.
2. Downgrade Windows 10 with Reset Tool
If you are past the 10 days limit then you can downgrade Windows 10 using the Reset tool. It allows you to go back to the first operating system that your PC shipped with. However, this process also wipes the data so make sure to back up everything essential from your PC. Keep in mind, resetting the PC to factory default settings will reset your computer to the first installed OS i.e. when you bought your PC. For example, if your PC had Windows 7 when you had bought it then it would reset to Windows 7. However, if your PC had Windows 10 initially then it would fall back to Windows 10 only. So keep that in mind and proceed ahead.
1. Similar to the steps mentioned above, navigate to Windows Settings -> Update and Security -> switch to Recovery tab. Here, click on “Get Started” under “Reset this PC” section.
2. Now, a mini window will open. Here, click on “Keep my files” to keep your data intact. Nevertheless, it is advised to back up your data as a precautionary measure.
3. On the next screen, click on “Only the drive where Windows is installed” option. It will only reset your C drive or whichever drive you have installed Windows on.
4. The PC will reboot and start the reset process. After a few hours, your PC will boot with the factory-default version of Windows.
Note: I have written an extensive guide on how to reset Windows 10. You can check my tutorial for detailed instructions, in case you want to dig deeper.
3. Downgrade Windows 10 to the Previous Build
If your Windows 10 PC was working fine, but due to some recent Windows 10 update, your PC is not booting up or having performance issues, then this method will help you downgrade your PC to the previous working build. Here are the steps to follow. Reminding again, make sure to back up important files and folders before attempting to downgrade Windows 10.
1. Open the Recovery window by navigating to Windows Settings -> Update and Security -> switch to Recovery tab. Here, click on “Restart Now” under the “Advanced Startup” section. Your PC will boot to an Advanced Startup screen.
2. In case your PC is not booting at all, then try turning on and off your PC 3 times in a row. An “Automatic Repair” screen should appear. Here, click on “Advanced Options” and it should take you to the Advanced Startup screen.
3. On the Advanced Startup screen, click on “Troubleshoot”.
4. On the next screen, click on “Advanced Options”.
5. Finally, you will find the “Go back to the previous build” option. Click on it and your PC will start the downgrade process. After a while, your computer will boot back to the last working build. Enjoy!
SEE ALSO: How to Create a Full Windows 10 Backup in 2019
Downgrade Windows 10 Any Way You Want
So that was our easy guide on how to downgrade Windows 10 to the previous OS or build. There are three different ways to downgrade Windows 10 and you can go through any of them based on what problems you are facing. Overall, the first method should be enough for you. However, if you are past the 10-days rollback period, then move to the second method. And in case, you are having issues with the current build of Windows 10, you can rollback by following the third method. So that will be all from us. If you are still facing issues with Windows 10, do let us know in the comment section below. We will try to help you out.
