400 million people have Windows 10 installed on their computers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re excited about it. Ever since the free Windows 10 Upgrade offer started in 2015, there have been those who weren’t happy with it. That’s to say nothing of people who have only recently paid to update their computers.
Don’t worry or panic. If you’ve only recently upgraded from Windows 7, Windows 8 to Windows, you can go back. You can also revert to previous versions of Windows 10 after installing a major update.
Here’s how to revert to early versions of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 after you upgrade.
The Easy Way to Revert to Windows 7 or Windows 8
Before we begin, make sure you’re prepared to give up on Windows 10 and go back to your previous operating system, whatever it is.
Earlier versions of Windows forced your PC or tablet to restore from an external backup you created. Windows 10 is a little smarter at letting you go back. Upgrade saves a copy of your old operating system when you install it so you can revert to it if needed. To be clear, this only applies to users who upgraded their Windows 7 and Windows 8 computers to Windows 10 in the last month. Users performing a clean install of Windows 10 will still need to use the backup they created.
You can also revert to previous versions of Windows 10.
Turn on your laptop, desktop computer or tablet. Then press the button in the lower left corner of your screen.
Tap or click . It’s in the start menu, just above the power button.
Note that if you are in Tablet Mode, your Start Menu will look like the one below. Touch users should tap the menu icon in the top left corner of their screen and select Settings from the left floating menu.
Tap or click the icon in the Settings app.
Now tap or click the option in the menu on the far left of your screen. It’s just below the Backup menu item.
Now tap or click the button below labeled Whatever previous version of Windows you have installed. This option is completely exclusive to what was previously installed on your PC. For example, you might see the option Go Back to Windows 7 instead of what’s in this screenshot. Regardless, tap or click Get Started. Your device must be plugged in.
Follow the onscreen prompts and you’ll be back in Windows 7 and Windows 8 in the next few hours.
Note that users who perform clean installs of Windows 10, not upgrades, do not get this option. They are forced to completely restore their computers from any backup they may have created. If you haven’t created any backups before starting the Windows 10 installation process, it’s time to order restore media from your device manufacturer.
Reverting to Windows 7 or Windows 8 the Hard Way
For some of you, it will be over a month since you used the Free Windows 10 Upgrade Offer to update your machine. In this case, the button to restore your device to the old operating system will be missing. Windows 10 only keeps the files needed to revert to Windows 7 and Windows 8 for a month. After that month, Windows 10 will clean up the device’s storage and delete the necessary files, assuming you have some time to get used to it and you’ll want your extra storage back.
To revert to a previous version of Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows 10, you will need to restore your computer from a backup. If your device came with a restore DVD, now is the time to use it. Dell, HP, Lenovo and others provide ways to obtain restore media for machines purchased from them. Some device manufacturers make restore media available for download online. If you do not have any media, contact your computer manufacturer’s support to order restore media.
If you like Windows 10 and don’t plan to return, go to the Storage tool in the System area and clean up your temporary files. This will free up storage space but also get you stuck in Windows 10.
You can learn more about Windows 10 and the features it includes. Must Be Mobile inclusive Windows 10 review.
