Windows 11 has brought a wealth of new features and improvements, including a redesigned Start menu, enhanced performance, and improved gaming capabilities. Nonetheless, some users may find that the new operating system does not meet their expectations or that their devices do not meet the system requirements. In such cases, reverting back to a previous version of Windows may be necessary. This article will guide you through the process of uninstalling Windows 11 and reclaiming your previous operating system.
Why Uninstall Windows 11?
There are numerous reasons why you may want to go back to a previous version of Windows:
Compatibility Issues
: Certain applications or hardware may not be compatible with Windows 11, impacting your productivity and experience.
Performance Concerns
: Users may experience sluggish performance or increased resource consumption on older hardware.
User Preference
: You may prefer the familiarity and interface of your previous Windows version.
Bugs and Glitches
: Windows 11, like any new operating system, may have bugs that affect usability.
Hardware Limitations
: Some older devices might struggle to run Windows 11 effectively due to its system requirements.
Preparing to Uninstall Windows 11
Before you begin the uninstall process, it’s important to prepare adequately to ensure a smooth transition back to your previous operating system.
Backup Important Data
- Documents
- Photos and videos
- Work-related files
- Application settings
Gather Necessary Tools
Make sure you have the following at hand:
- A USB flash drive (if you’re reinstalling an older Windows version).
- Windows installation media (USB or DVD) of the previous version.
- A product key for your earlier Windows version (if required for installation).
Uninstalling Windows 11: The Methods Available
Method 1: Using the Built-in Rollback Feature
If you upgraded to Windows 11 within the last ten days, you may use the built-in rollback feature to revert to your previous version of Windows.
Open Settings
: Click the Start menu, and select the
Settings
app (you can also press Win + I).
Navigate to Recovery
: Go to the
System
tab, and then click on
Recovery
.
Choose ‘Go back’
: In the Recovery section, look for the option that says
Go back to the previous version of Windows
.
Follow the Prompts
: Click
Get Started
, and follow the on-screen instructions. Microsoft will ask you about your reasons for going back, and it may provide tips on troubleshooting issues to encourage you to stay on Windows 11.
Wait for the Process to Complete
: Depending on your hardware, returning to Windows 10 (or the previous version) can take some time. Your computer will restart several times during this process.
Sign In
: Once the rollback is complete, sign in, and you should be back in your previous Windows version.
Method 2: Uninstalling Windows 11 After Ten Days
If it’s been more than ten days since you upgraded to Windows 11, you won’t find the rollback feature available anymore. While the built-in rollback process will not work, you can uninstall Windows 11 by doing a fresh installation of your previous version of Windows.
Create Installation Media
: Use the
Windows Media Creation Tool
to download and create a bootable USB flash drive:
-
Visit the
Microsoft Download Page
for Windows 10 or your previous Windows version.
- Download the Media Creation Tool and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive.
Backup Data
: Make sure you back up all your essential data before proceeding, as a fresh install may erase everything on your drive.
Insert Installation Media
: Plug the bootable USB drive into your computer.
Restart Your Computer
: When your computer restarts, boot from the USB. You may need to enter the BIOS or Boot Menu (by pressing F2, F12, ESC, or DEL) during startup to select the USB drive.
Install Windows
:
-
Select your language, time, and keyboard preferences, then click
Next
. -
Choose
Install Now
. - If prompted, enter your Windows product key. If you don’t have one, you might still be able to install Windows without a key by selecting “I don’t have a product key,” but you’ll need to activate it later.
Choose Custom Installation
: When prompted whether to upgrade or perform a custom installation, choose
Custom
to perform a complete fresh install.
Select the Drive
: Choose the partition where Windows 11 is installed (usually C:) and format it. Be aware this will erase all data on the partition.
Follow the On-Screen Instructions
: Complete the installation by following the prompts onscreen. Your computer will restart multiple times during this process.
Method 3: Using Windows Recovery Environment
If your Windows 11 installation is corrupted or not functioning correctly, the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) might offer a solution to reset your PC or go back to a previous version.
Access WinRE
: Restart your computer and interrupt the boot process three times (power off as soon as you see the Windows logo) to initiate automatic repair. Once in the
Recovery Environment
, choose:
-
Troubleshoot
-
Advanced options
-
Startup Settings
- Restart the computer and select an advanced start option.
Choose to Reset or Restore
: Depending on your situation, you may select:
-
Reset this PC
: This allows you to keep your files or remove everything and install your old Windows version. -
System Restore
: If you’ve previously created a restore point, you can revert to that state.
Follow the Prompts
: Follow through with the on-screen instructions to finish the reset or restore process to revert back to your previous version.
Post-Uninstallation Cleanup
Update Driver Software
After you successfully uninstall Windows 11 and install the previous version, check to ensure that all your device drivers are up to date. To update your drivers:
Install Required Software
You may also need to reinstall software that became incompatible or was removed during the uninstallation. Make sure to install:
- Antimalware software
- Other critical applications for productivity
Restore Data from Backup
After a successful installation of your previous version of Windows:
Restore Important Files
: Reintrodce your files and data from the backup you created earlier.
Settings and Preferences
: Reconfigure your system settings to your liking.
Conclusion
Reverting from Windows 11 back to your previous version can be a straightforward process if approached systematically. Whether you’re rolling back within the initial ten days, reinstalling through bootable media, or leveraging the Recovery Environment, always ensure that your data is backed up and that you proceed with care.
While Windows 11 offers exciting features, it may not be suitable for every user. By following the steps and methods outlined above, you can successfully return to the version of Windows that works best for you and your device. If issues persist or you encounter challenges, consider seeking professional advice or reaching out to Microsoft Support for assistance.