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You might have already heard about the latest version of Windows. As a computer user, you should be aware of this. Anyway, Windows 10 is the latest version of the widely used Operating System. Microsoft is keen in releasing updates from time to time.
As we all know, newer is better. Latest version includes innovative features and technology. Windows 10 too is not an exception. It has got many unique features.
The very first thing, I want to specify is nothing but the origin of a new web browser called Edge. Hey, do you actually know? There was a default browser in the earlier versions of Windows. It was Internet Explorer aka IE. Most probably it is the widely unused browser every Windows user has.
Cortana is another significant feature we can find on Windows 10. It is a voice-activated personal assistant. You can simply launch it by saying ‘Hey, Cortana’ (But before that, you should activate ‘Hey, Cortana’ in settings.
Anyway, we can’t really say that Windows 10 is a perfect OS. As it is the new one, some software will not work. There may arise some compatibility issues. Everyone’s likes are different. So there are chances for it to be disliked by you.
That’s why I came with this post. In this article, you will be reading the step- by- step process to downgrade/ uninstall Windows 10.
How To Downgrade/ Uninstall Windows 10
It is not a walk in the park like uninstalling an application. You should give proper care while performing the action to resist the loss of data.
Before you take action, I recommend opening C drive. Just check that windows old folder is present there. Without that, you can’t downgrade. It is the collection of your old documents and settings. If you want to get the PC to the earlier state with the former OS, windows, an old folder is mandatory.
Scroll to the end of this article if you see that folder is missing. Or else follow the steps given below.
1. Take Backups
Downgrading is a sensitive process. You may experience data loss. So, don’t take the risk if you have any important file on your computer.
Many cloud storage services are available like Google Drive, One Drive, Drop Box etc. They give a decent amount of space for free (Google drive has 15 GB free space for you). Sign up to one of them or many of them (if you have a number of large files). Then, upload that files to it. It will be safe unless and until you delete.
If you have external storage drives (hard drive or flash drive), transfer the files into it. Follow this method if your Internet connection is not speedy because uploading large files would take hell lots of time. Don’t forget to place the drive in a safe place.
2. Go to Update& Security Settings
As you are using Windows 10 for a while, you are already familiar with some of the settings. Anyway, here we need to go to Update& Security Settings.
For that, click on start menu first. Locate Settings from the next menu. Select it. Now you will be brought to a new window. Click on the last one (Update& Security Settings) from it.
3. Recovery Option
You will get a new window again. You can see almost six tabs on the left pane. Choose ‘Recovery’ among them. This is the option that must be selected to recover the old Windows version and its settings from ‘windows.old’ folder.
After clicking on ‘Recovery’, you can see three options on the right which are ‘Reset this PC, Go Back to Windows X, Advanced Startup’ (X may change according to which Windows version you were using).
4. It’s Time to get Started
The second option is that we need for this purpose. Under Go Back to Windows X (here, Windows 8.1), a button is seen named Get Started. Click on it.
5. Give a Feedback
Everything is set now. But Microsoft wants to know why you are downgrading. Four possible reasons will be given. If you can’t find your own reason select ‘For another reason’ and type briefly about it in the field given below.
After that, click on Next
6. Final Step
A notice will be displayed you in this step. Read it carefully. Then click on Next. That’s all. Installing an operating system takes a while, you know. Downgrading also is a type of installation. The only difference is that all your settings are preserved.
So, wait patiently to complete the process. Usually, it will take maximum 15 minutes. Grab your phone to kill the boredom. Come back after 15 minutes. You can see your PC in the earlier state.
Also Read: How to Dual Boot Windows 10 alongside Windows 8?
What if You have Deleted windows.old Folder?
Just take the backups. You can’t get your PC back in the former state. If you are a person who cares a lot about the free space on C drive, chances are great you deleted the folder.
Windows is not a magician to recreate something from nothing. The only method to go back to the earlier OS is installing it right away. Use your bootable USB drive or OS CD. Then, copy your files into the hard disk. (Haven’t you upgraded to Windows 10 yet? Then, don’t forget to preserve the windows.old folder if you have a plan to upgrade).
Downgrading to Windows 10 is Easy, Right?
Yup, it is not at all a tough task. You don’t have to insert a lot of codes or commands. It’s just the matter of few clicks. But remember the fact that you need windows.old folder. Also, you can’t get this feature after 30 days of Windows 10 usage. Explore all the features of this latest Windows within one month. It is the period to decide whether to go with it or not.
Some PCs and Laptops are completely compatible with Windows 10. So, downgrading is not recommended for those. Do only if you don’t like the interface, settings, performance or anything.
That’s all about how to downgrade/ uninstall Windows 10. Share this post with your friends. Feel free to ask any related queries via comments.
