How to Downgrade Windows 10

Don’t panic if you have upgraded to Windows 10 but don’t like it. You can always go back to an earlier version of Windows.

You might want to downgrade Windows 10 to an older version of Windows. You might not be able to use certain apps on Windows 10, or simply prefer Windows 8 or Windows 7. We can help you downgrade, no matter the reason.

Notification: Make sure you back up your computer data before you downgrade to Windows 10. Programs, documents, photos, and videos as well as music and other data should all be backed up. We recommend that you connect your device to a power source when downgrading Windows 10 to Windows 7 or 8 to ensure safety.

How to downgrade Windows 10 from an older Windows version

Only if Windows 10 was installed from an older version, this method will work. If your computer has never had Windows 10 installed, you will not be allowed to downgrade it.

Microsoft allows you to upgrade and you can downgrade to the original version within 10 days. However, some users may not be an able to downgrade in less than 30 days. These are the steps you need to follow to downgrade Windows 10 in the 30-day rollback window.

1. Click the Start button to open Settings. The Windows start menu is located in the lower-left corner of your screen. Settings can be found under it. You will find the Settings button, which looks like a gear icon, just above it.
2. Select Update & Security in Settings.
3. Choose Recovery from the left sidebar.
4. Click “Get Started” and then “Go back to Windows 7 (or Windows 8).
5. Choose a reason for you to downgrade. The next panel will list several reasons. Choose the appropriate box. You can also tell us your reasons in the “tell me more” box.
6. Be aware of the reminders in each panel. Click Next to continue.
7. After the process is completed, your computer will restart multiple times. This is normal.
8. After the process is completed, you will be asked to log in to an old Windows account. Login to recover your files and install your favorite apps on your new Windows 10 laptop.

How to downgrade Windows 10 after the Rollback Period is over

Follow these steps if you have upgraded to Windows 10 after 30 days.

Notable: A licensed copy of the Windows OS version to which you wish to downgrade will be required.

Warning: You will need to enter the BIOS settings on your computer. If you don’t understand what you are doing, this can cause serious problems for your computer. HelloTech has real people who can help you with the steps.

1. Place the Windows 8 CD on your hard drive. If you’re booting from an OS stored on a USB flash drive make sure it is fully charged before you start.
2. Hold the Shift key while you click on Restart in your start menu. Click the Windows logo at the bottom left corner of the screen. This will open the Start Menu. While holding down the Shift key, click the restart option. This will reboot your device from the Advanced Startup Menu.
3. Select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > UEFI Firmware Settings and then choose restart. This will reboot your computer in BIOS Setup Utility.
   
   There are many ways to access the BIOS Setup Utility. You can also quickly press the BIOS key while your computer is being restarted. The BIOS key is usually one of the function keys F1 or F2, the ESC or DEL keys.
   If you don’t know what your BIOS key means, you can look for it by restarting your computer frequently. When your computer restarts, look out for text such as “Press DEL to run Setup.” You can also find the BIOS key in your user’s manual.
   Notice: If the computer displays the startup screen because you are not fast enough, you may need to restart it again.
4. Go to Boot in the BIOS Setup Utility and then move your CD-ROM Drive up to the top. . The BIOS screen should display a list with instructions that will help you navigate. These instructions will guide you through moving an item up or down the order of the items when you reach the Boot tab. Windows will start from the CD-ROM drive if it is moved to the top of this list.
   
   Select Removable Devices if you are installing from a USB stick. Follow these steps to start your Windows 8 clean installation. The prompt will ask you to choose the time, language, and keyboard settings. Click Next after.
5. Save your BIOS settings and exit it to reboot the device.
6. Enter your Windows product code when your computer reboots. This key is what came with your Windows CD. It may also be in your email.
7. Click Next to agree to the license terms
8. Next, select Custom: “Install Windows Only” in the menu.
9. Click Next to select the primary drive. Most likely, your primary drive will be the largest. This window shows the sizes of all drives. Be sure to install Windows on the right drive. Message – DANGER (inside lists)
   Warning: Although you can delete smaller partitions, be aware that you could lose your data or cause damage to Windows.
   
   This will start the Windows 8 installation process. Do not wait until the process is completed. The computer will restart several times.
10. Wait until you see Windows 8 Basics Wizard screen. You have the option to customize Windows 8 or use Microsoft’s express settings.
11. Log in to your computer after being prompted. Wait until Windows 8 finishes setting up your preferences and prepares the start screen. This will complete your Windows 10 upgrade to Windows 8.

Be sure to read our article on Microsoft ending support for Windows 7 before you downgrade to Windows 10.