Roll Back to your Previous Version of Windows with Ease
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Microsoft introduced Windows 10 by combining the best features of its previous versions such as Windows 7 and 8.1. If you have opted for free upgrade to Windows 10 thinking that this will make your work easy and later found, it is not so, then you are allowed to get back to previous versions of Windows without any problem. This option gives the users an opportunity to go back to older versions if they are not comfortable with latest version of Windows 10. But before you continue with downgrading, you must do certain precautions to avoid future contingencies.
Have Back-Up of Everything
Having back-up is really important when you are about to make a crucial change to your system. Even though the steps that are explained below promises to keep your data without any damage, it is always better to have a precaution to face anything. So it is advisable to have back-up of your credential data before you continue with your update. Here I recommend for you to have the assistance of CrashPlan, where your system will be have a full back-up of entire data from time to time, periodically. This is really a nice option, where your system will automatically have a back-up. One thing you must have to care is that never have the back-up on the same drive where Operating System has been installed. This inturn means that you must have an external storage device to have the back-up of your data. It is always better not to have back-up of data on the same place where original data are being stored.
In-Built Downgrade Option
When you normally upgrade your system to the latest version of Windows 10, your old OS files will be saved to folder named Windows .old. Sometimes some users may have removed it to gain space. But if it is still there, then it means that going back to previous version of Windows is quite easy. Windows 10 is designed with an in-built method to roll back to old operating system. The problem with this is that this option will be live only for one month from the date of update to Windows 10. If this one month has passed, then you can try for some of the below given options.
To initiate the steps, you must click on Windows + I. This will display the Settings Menu. Then tap on Update & Security and select Recovery from the left hand navigation there. Here you will be able to notice a header that says Go Back to Windows X, which will vary according to the previous version of Windows that you were using. Then you have to select the option of Get Started, inorder to initiate the process. A window will be opened at the same time of going through the process. You are required to fill those and then tap on Next, noting certain informations like not to disconnect your PC while continuing the process. This will initiate the rollback and during this time you will not be able to use the PC. Sometimes you may require re-installing certain programs or changing the settings of some to make it work as in old version.
Re-Installing Previous Version of Windows
This is the second option of getting back to old version of Windows System. Here you are required to install the older version in fresh. This method will definitely erase the complete personal data of yours from the system. So taking back-up of those is a must, provided you want them for future use. For this you should have a Windows loaded disc or USB drive, which you are required to put into your system. If you don’t have it in the above said forms then you have to make one with the help of Windows 7 Software Recovery or Windows 8.1 Installation Media.
After finishing with the process, you are required to restart your system. Then a message will be seen, which will be, Press F12 to choose boot service. Sometimes this might be a different one asking you to press F10+ESC. Press these combinations of keys as much as times till you confirm that it got registered. Now you will be able to see those lists of bootable devices. You may have to choose the appropriate one with the help of Arrow Keys and then hit the Enter Key. Then you have to follow installation wizard, making sure to opt a custom install. This means that you have to perform a fresh installation process. Here you will asked to enter Product License Key, which you can find on the installation media or normally on the sticker on such devices or with system documentation.
From a Drive Image
This option will be operative only if you have prepared a drive image in advance before proceeding with Windows 10 upgrade. This means that if you have an image of drive, then you are able to restore your Windows. An image means a total replica of what you have on the drive, which includes your personal data and OS files and so on. This drive image can be made in either Windows 7 or 8.1 by utilizing System Image Utility and can be saved to an external drive. To run this on Windows 10 you have to click on Windows Key + I,then select Update & Security. From there you have to select Recovery. Below Advanced Start-Up, you have to tap on Restart Now and from there you have to follow the steps to roll back to previous version from the drive image.
Roll Back Immediately
Microsoft always wants their users to love their new version of Windows 10. But it is not always possible. There are some users who do not want to adapt to the latest version and want to stick with their older version. For those who just upgraded to latest version of Windows 10 and wanted to go back, then they are allowed to go back to previous version within 30 days of such upgradation. But remember this option is available only for 30days, after that if they prefer to roll back, then they have to follow either of the above steps or procedures.
