For a limited time after upgrading to Windows 11, you’ll be able to go back to your previous version of Windows by selecting Start > Settings > System > Recovery, and then selecting Go back next to Go back. This will keep your personal files, but it'll remove apps and drivers installed after the upgrade, as well as any changes you made to settings. In most cases, you'll have 10 days to go back.
To go back, you'll need to:
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Keep everything in the windows.old and $windows.~bt folders after the upgrade.
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Remove any user accounts you added after the upgrade.
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Have the USB drive you used to upgrade to Windows 11 (if you used one).
Note: The option in Settings to go back to your previous version of Windows is only available for a limited time after upgrading.
Info for Windows Insiders
If you’re an Insider and the current preview build isn’t working for you, select Start > Settings > System > Recovery. Next to Go back, select Go back. This won’t remove your personal files, but it’ll remove recently installed apps and drivers, and change settings back to their defaults.
Going back to an earlier build won’t remove you from the Insider Program. When the next preview build is ready, it'll be installed on your PC.
