Windows 12 brought some exciting new features, but you may find yourself wanting to return to the familiar Windows 11 interface. Whether it’s for compatibility reasons or personal preference, downgrading your operating system is possible with the right approach. This guide will walk you through the process of reverting from Windows 12 to Windows 11, ensuring you can make the switch smoothly and safely.
Method 1: Use the Built-in Rollback Feature
The simplest way to downgrade is using Windows’ built-in rollback feature, available for 10 days after upgrading.
Step 1: Open the Start menu and click on “Settings”.
Step 2: Navigate to “System” > “Recovery”.
Step 3: Look for the “Go back” option. If it’s available, click “Get started”.
Step 4: Choose a reason for downgrading when prompted.
Step 5: Click “No, thanks” when asked to check for updates.
Step 6: Read the warnings about losing recently installed apps and settings changes, then click “Next”.
Step 7: Click “Go back to Windows 11” to begin the rollback process.
Your PC will restart several times during this process. Once complete, you’ll be back on Windows 11 with your files intact.
Method 2: Clean Install of Windows 11
If more than 10 days have passed since upgrading, you’ll need to perform a clean install of Windows 11.
Step 1: Back up all important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
Step 2: Visit the official Microsoft website to download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool.
Step 3: Run the tool and select “Create installation media for another PC”.
Step 4: Choose your language, edition, and architecture preferences.
Step 5: Select “USB flash drive” as the media type and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive.
Step 6: Restart your PC and boot from the USB drive (you may need to change boot order in BIOS).
Step 7: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 11, selecting “Custom: Install Windows only” when prompted.
Step 8: Choose the drive partition where you want to install Windows 11.
Step 9: Complete the installation process and restore your backed-up files.
Method 3: Use System Restore (If Available)
If you created a system restore point before upgrading to Windows 12, you might be able to use it to revert to Windows 11.
Step 1: Open the Start menu and type “Create a restore point”. Click on the matching result.
Step 2: In the System Properties window, click the “System Restore” button.
Step 3: Click “Next” and select a restore point from before the Windows 12 upgrade.
Step 4: Follow the prompts to complete the system restore process.
Note that this method may not always work perfectly and could lead to some instability. It’s generally better to use one of the previous methods if possible.
Important Considerations
- Always back up your important files before attempting any OS downgrade.
- Some applications installed after upgrading to Windows 12 may need to be reinstalled.
- Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11.
- If you use BitLocker encryption, make sure you have your recovery key before downgrading.
Returning to a previous version of Windows can seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right approach, you can successfully downgrade from Windows 12 to Windows 11. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of downgrading, as future updates and security patches for Windows 11 may become limited over time.