Uninstall Windows 10: Downgrade to Windows 7 or 8.1
Downgrading from Windows 10: A Guide
If you are dissatisfied with Windows 10, reverting to your previous operating system is often possible. Specifically, if the upgrade occurred within the past month, a straightforward uninstall process is available.
This allows you to downgrade your computer back to its originally installed version of either Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. The option to upgrade to Windows 10 remains open for future consideration.
What if the Month Has Passed?
Even after a month has elapsed since the Windows 10 upgrade, a return to your prior Windows version is still achievable. This requires a clean installation of the original operating system.
To accomplish this, you will need fresh installation media and the corresponding product key for the version of Windows that initially came with your PC.
A clean install ensures a fresh start, removing all traces of Windows 10 and restoring your system to its previous state.
Reverting to Windows 7 or 8.1
If a PC was upgraded to Windows 10—rather than undergoing a clean installation—a straightforward option exists for returning to the previously installed Windows version. Access this feature by pressing the Windows key + I to launch the Settings application.
Subsequently, select the "Update & security" icon and navigate to the "Recovery" tab. A section labeled "Go back to Windows 7" or "Go back to Windows 8.1" should be visible.
Initiating the Downgrade
Clicking the "Get Started" button within this section will initiate the process of removing the Windows 10 installation and restoring the prior Windows version.
The system will initially inquire about the reason for wanting to revert. Any selection is acceptable; simply proceed by clicking the "Next" button.
Important Considerations
Following this, a series of screens will appear. These screens will suggest attempting an update to Windows 10 to resolve potential issues, and will also remind users to recall or disable their password if applicable.
Upon reaching the final screen, select the "Go back to Windows 7 (or 8.1)" button to begin the downgrade process.
Completion of the Process
The system will then commence restoring the previous Windows version, requiring several restarts of the computer during the operation. This process ensures a complete return to the earlier operating system.
Utilizing the Windows.old Folder for Downgrading
Related: A Guide to Recovering Files From the Windows.old Folder Following an Upgrade
The possibility of reverting to a prior version of Windows exists due to the fact that Windows 10 retains your previous installation within a directory named "C:\Windows.old" on your computer. This folder is accessible through File Explorer, however, direct deletion from within the explorer is not recommended.
Related: Methods for Optimizing Disk Space on Windows
Maintaining a complete copy of your former Windows installation naturally requires significant storage capacity. The amount of disk space utilized can be determined by launching the Disk Cleanup utility. Initiate the application by pressing the Start button, typing "Disk cleanup" into the search field, and selecting the corresponding result.
Within the Disk Cleanup interface, select the option labeled "Clean up system files".
From the presented list of removable files, locate the entry "Previous Windows installation(s)". This will display the volume of space currently occupied by the older Windows version on your storage drive. Should you be certain that a return to the previous Windows iteration is not desired, the Disk Cleanup tool can be employed to eliminate these files and reclaim valuable disk space.
Addressing the Lack of Downgrade Option in Windows 10
For users who upgraded an older computer to Windows 10, it’s likely that the system previously operated on either Windows 7 or 8.1. This indicates the computer is associated with a valid product key for one of those earlier operating systems.
When Direct Downgrade Fails
Should the standard downgrade process prove unsuccessful – perhaps due to time constraints or complications during the attempt – a clean install of the previous Windows version becomes necessary. This is a common practice among computer enthusiasts even with new systems.
Related: Where to Download Windows 10, 8.1, and 7 ISOs Legally
Performing a Clean Install
Microsoft conveniently provides readily available downloads for both Windows 7 and 8.1 ISO files. Obtain the appropriate installation media and either burn the ISO file to a disc or create a bootable USB drive utilizing Microsoft’s Windows USB/DVD download tool.
Booting from this media allows for a fresh installation of Windows 7 or 8.1, overwriting the existing Windows 10 installation on your hard drive. Prior to this process, ensure you have created backup copies of all crucial data from your Windows 10 PC.
Related: How to Find Your PC’s Windows Product Key So You Can Reinstall Windows
Locating Your Product Key
A successful clean install requires locating your PC’s product key. For Windows 7 systems, inspect the computer for a “certificate of authenticity” sticker containing the key. This sticker is typically found on the rear of a desktop case, the underside (or within the battery compartment) of a laptop, or included as a separate card with the original PC documentation.
Windows 8 PCs may not require this step, as the key is often embedded directly within the computer’s firmware. In such cases, Windows 8.1 should automatically detect the key during reinstallation, eliminating the need for manual entry.
New PC Downgrade Considerations
Downgrading a new PC that originally shipped with Windows 10 presents a greater challenge. A legitimate downgrade necessitates the purchase of a Windows 7 or 8.1 license and subsequent installation, requiring the input of the purchased product key during the setup process.
Reasons to Downgrade
If essential software or hardware components are incompatible with Windows 10, a downgrade becomes a viable solution. Similarly, if Windows 10 exhibits instability, reverting to a previous version and delaying future upgrades may be prudent.
Alternatively, users who simply prefer to continue using Windows 7 can opt to downgrade. It’s important to note that once a PC has been upgraded to Windows 10, the option to revert remains available for future consideration.
