How to go back to Windows 10 if you regret installing Windows 11

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Photo: sdx15 (Shutterstock)

Windows 11 beta recently got its first big release update, but it made a big change that some users didn’t like: you can no longer go back to the classic Windows start menu layout. Instead, Windows 11 users are now forced to use the redesigned Start menu and taskbar, which is located in the middle at the bottom of the screen. The update even corrects the registry editing trick that restores the old layout. The new start menu doesn’t look bad per se, but many users are not satisfied with the change.

Now, it’s possible that this is just a temporary change and the old Start Menu will return in a future update – but it’s not the only problem Windows Insiders encountered. Windows 11 is still in the initial testing phase, so bugs, missing features, and compatibility issues are common. While the final look of Windows 11 may be worth upgrading, some users may regret upgrading to the trial version.

If that’s the case, don’t worry, you can go back to Windows 10 (and your Start Menu layout). There are two ways to undo:

Go back to an old version of Window from the Windows 11 settings menu, and reinstall a clean copy of Windows 10 using an installation disc or USB drive.

Going back to Windows 10 from Windows 11 Settings is the quickest and easiest option, as it leaves your personal files as they are. However, it is only available for 10 days after installing Windows 11, after which the old system files are permanently deleted and cannot be restored, so it will not be available to beta testers using Windows 11 for a few weeks.

Fortunately, you can still reinstall Windows 10 using installation media, but doing so returns your computer to its factory settings, so your files and apps will be deleted.

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In either option, you should backup your files before proceeding. Even though the return method preserves your files, it is always possible that something will go wrong. We cover several ways to back up your Windows PC here, but the best way is to copy whatever you want to save to an external hard drive.

How to go back to Windows 10 From the Windows 11 Settings menu, go to Settings > System > Recovery. Go to Recovery Options > Previous version of Windows, and select “Back” if available. If not, move down to Method 2 below. You will be asked to provide a reason for uninstalling Windows 11, and then if you want to check for updates instead of uninstalling Windows 11. Click No, thanks to continue rolling back. Follow the remaining on-screen prompts and then select “Go back to the previous version” to finally start the process. Let the undo process complete. This may take a while, but once it’s done, you’ll be back safely back to Windows 10 keeping your files intact.

Reinstalling Windows 10 requires some form of physical installation media. If you own a Windows 10 installation disc (and your computer has a flash drive), insert that sucker and follow the onscreen installation instructions.

If you don’t have an installation disc – and I assume most people don’t – you can create your own installation disk or USB drive. You’ll need to download the Windows 10 installation media creation tool (available here), a blank disc, or at least an 8GB micro USB drive.

Run the program and then follow the onscreen instructions to create your installation media and run the Windows 10 installation process. This will take some time. You’ll also have to install Windows updates, reinstall your apps, and restore backup files, so put in a good chunk of time before you update.

[Windows Central]

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