If you’ve recently upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 version 23H2, and you’re running it on unsupported hardware, you might have noticed that things aren’t running as smoothly as expected. Whether it’s performance issues or compatibility problems, you’re not alone in wanting to go back to the more stable and familiar environment of Windows 10.
The good news? Microsoft gives you a way to roll back to Windows 10—quickly and easily. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to safely downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10, even if you’re past the default rollback window or using unsupported hardware.
✅ Can You Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?
Yes! Windows 11 includes a “Go Back” option that allows you to revert to your previous Windows 10 installation. However, this option is only available for a limited time—10 days after you upgrade. During this period, Windows keeps a backup of your previous system in a folder called Windows.old.
🧭 Steps to Downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10
1. Check Your Windows Version and Hardware
If you’re running on unsupported hardware (like an Intel i7 6th Gen, which isn’t officially supported by Windows 11), you might experience lag or instability. First, confirm your current Windows version (23H2) by checking your system information.
2. Access the “Go Back” Option
To initiate the downgrade:
- Open Settings
- Go to System > Recovery
- Click on Go Back
You’ll be prompted to select a reason, skip checking for updates, and confirm that you want to go back. This process only takes a few minutes.
3. Don’t Delete the Windows.old Folder
The Windows.old folder on your C:\ drive contains your previous Windows 10 installation. It’s crucial for the downgrade process.
⚠️ Important: This folder is automatically deleted after 10 days. To prevent this:
- Make a backup copy of the
Windows.oldfolder to an external hard drive. - Or, rename it to something like
Windows10.oldto trick Windows 11 into not deleting it.
This simple trick preserves your ability to downgrade even after the 10-day window.
4. Extend the Downgrade Window (Optional)
If you’d like more time to decide whether to stay on Windows 11, it’s possible to extend the rollback period from 10 days to 60 or more. Refer to our detailed guide on extending the downgrade period (linked in the related articles section below).
5. Restore the Folder Later If Needed
If you renamed the folder and want to go back to Windows 10 after 15 or 20 days:
- Rename
Windows10.oldback toWindows.old - Restart your PC
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Go Back
The system should detect the restored files and allow the rollback process to begin.
🔄 What Happens After Downgrading?
Once the downgrade is complete:
- You’ll be returned to Windows 10 version 22H2
- All your files and documents will remain intact
- Any programs you installed after upgrading to Windows 11 will be lost
- Programs installed before the upgrade will still be there
So, if you added new apps in Windows 11, you’ll need to reinstall them manually on Windows 10.
⚙️ Still Experiencing Slowness?
If performance is still an issue after downgrading, check out our Windows optimization guides on how to speed up both Windows 10 and Windows 11. These guides offer simple and effective ways to boost your system’s performance without any technical expertise required.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10 is possible—and fairly straightforward—especially if you take steps to preserve your system’s restore files. Whether you’re on unsupported hardware or simply prefer Windows 10, following this guide will help you transition back smoothly and safely.
Be sure to protect your Windows.old folder and act within the rollback window, or take proactive steps to extend it. And if performance is your main concern, don’t forget to check our other articles on PC optimization.
Tags: Windows 11 downgrade, revert to Windows 10, how to go back to Windows 10, Windows.old folder, unsupported hardware Windows 11, Windows 11 23H2, restore Windows 10, rollback Windows update, speed up Windows 10, PC optimization tips
Hashtags: #Windows11 #Windows10 #DowngradeGuide #TechTips #RollbackWindows11 #UnsupportedHardware #WindowsOld #PCPerformance #WindowsTips #SystemRecovery
