How to Uninstall Windows 11

If you don’t like Windows 11, you can revert to Windows 10

What to Know

  • To revert to Windows 10, go to Settings > Recovery > Go Back.
  • Or, go to Settings > Recovery > Advanced Startup > Restart Now and install a new operating system.
  • Back up your personal data and third-party applications before uninstalling Windows 11.

This article explains how to uninstall Windows 11 and revert back to an earlier version of Windows.

Back Up Your Data

Before you start, it's recommended you back up everything on your Windows 11 PC. During the reverting process, data from your Windows 11 computer may or may not be restored on your computer.

You can back up your files by manually copying them onto your PC’s OneDrive, an external hard drive, or a USB thumb drive. Third-party applications will not be reinstalled when you revert, so you will have to install them again.

How Do I Revert to Windows 10?

If you previously had Windows 10 installed on your computer and you want to go back, follow these steps:

  1. Locate the Search feature as identified by the magnifying glass icon on the bottom bar and type in Settings in the search bar.

  2. Open the Settings menu and scroll down until you see the Recovery bar on the right. Click Recovery.

    Windows 11 System Menu with Recovery highlighted
  3. Once the Recovery menu opens, you will be given a list of System Settings to choose from.

  4. Locate and select Go Back under Recovery to revert the operating system back to Windows 10.

    Settings Menu in the Recovery section with Go Back highlighted
  5. Follow the prompts to complete the restoration.

    Settings Menu with Go Back to Earlier Build highlighted

Uninstalling Windows 11 and Installing Another OS

If Go Back isn’t available as an option or you want to install another operating system, then Advanced Startup will help you. Advanced Startup will uninstall Windows 11 and allow you to change the system’s setting as well as install another operating system.

It’s recommended you back up any data, personal files, or third-party apps you have on your Windows 11 computer as installing a new OS will revert everything back to its factory settings.

  1. Go back to the Settings menu and return to the Recovery section.

  2. Locate Advanced Startup which is below the Go Back button and select Restart Now.

    Settings Menu Advanced Startup with Restart Now highlighted
  3. A notice will appear telling you to save your work. Do so if you haven’t already. It’s recommended you back up your data as well. Select Restart Now once you’re done.

    Settings Menu Recovery Notice with Restart Now highlighted
  4. After your computer reboots, Choose an Option will appear, where you will have to select how you want to install your other operating system as well as change its settings.

    For this guide, Use a Device will be chosen.

    Choose an Option screen with Use a Device highlighted
  5. You will be given the choice of which method you want to use to install your new operating system. In this example, CD-ROM Drive was selected to install the new operating system.

    Use a device screen with CD-ROM highlighted
  6. The computer will take a few seconds to reboot. Once it does, follow the on-screen prompts of your new OS to complete the installation.

How Do I Reinstall Windows 10?

Since your computer won't work without an operating system, you will likely want to reinstall Windows 10. Create a Windows 10 DVD or a USB drive before you uninstall Windows 11 or use another computer to make one.

FAQ
  • How do I uninstall apps on Windows 10?

    To uninstall apps from Windows 10, go to the Start menu and find the program you want to uninstall from the All Apps list. Right-click the program or app and click Uninstall.

  • How do I uninstall Windows 10?

    To uninstall Windows 10, navigate to Settings > Update & Security and select Recovery. Select either Go Back to Windows 7 or Go Back to Windows 8.1, as applicable, and follow the prompts to complete the process.

  • How do I uninstall a Windows 10 update?

    Open the Start menu and navigate to Settings > Update & Security, then select View Update History. Click Uninstall Updates, then find the update you want to uninstall. Right-click the update and select Uninstall.

  • How do I uninstall Avast on Windows 10?

    To uninstall Avast Free Antivirus, download the Avast uninstall utility and save it to your PC. Right-click the setup file and select Run as Administrator, then follow the prompts to restart into Safe Mode. When restarted, navigate to your Avast program files, then select Avast Free Antivirus > Uninstall. Wait for the process to finish, then reboot your computer.

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