Windows 11 is the latest and most advanced version of the Windows operating system, featuring many new functions and a significantly updated design. Despite these innovations, not all users welcomed the update. Support for Windows 10 ended in November 2025. However, anticipating that some users might not accept the new version, Microsoft included a feature in Windows 11 that allows a rollback to Windows 10 if no more than 10 days have passed since the upgrade.
Rolling back from Windows 11 to Windows 10
Rolling back from Windows 11 to Windows 10 is possible, but there are certain requirements. The rollback must be performed within 10 days of upgrading to Windows 11, and files from the previous version must be preserved on the system, which are usually stored in the Windows.old folder. This means that rolling back is only possible if Windows 11 was installed as an upgrade from Windows 10, not as a clean install. If these conditions are not met, the built-in rollback feature will not be available, and you will need to reinstall Windows 10.
Before you begin the rollback, it is extremely important to back up all files created or modified after upgrading to Windows 11, as they may be lost in the process. In addition, all applications installed or configured after the upgrade will need to be reinstalled and reconfigured.
If less than 10 days have passed since the update, the process is fairly simple. Open the Settings menu using the Win + I key combination, then go to the System tab and Recovery. There you will find the Go back option. Follow the instructions on the screen, click “Next,” decline the offer to check for updates, and finally confirm your decision twice by clicking “Go back to the previous build.” After that, the system will automatically start the rollback process. During this process, your computer may restart several times, and the entire procedure may take 30 to 40 minutes, depending on your computer’s performance. If more than 10 days have passed since the update, this feature will not be available.
Switching to Windows 10 from Windows 11 after 10 days.
If more than 10 days have passed since the update to Windows 11, it is not possible to roll back the update; you can only reinstall Windows 10.
But in general, this does not make sense. In my personal experience, Windows 11 is a more reliable system with powerful built-in recovery modules in case of a system error. Therefore, if you have already switched to Windows 11, despite the apparent inconvenience of learning a new interface, it is more expedient to stay with it.
