When going back to Windows 10 from Windows 11, you typically keep your personal files (documents, pictures) if done within 10 days using the built-in "Go back" feature, but installed apps, settings, and customizations from Windows 11 will be removed, requiring reinstallation and reconfiguring. If you're outside the 10-day window or perform a clean install, everything (files, apps, settings) will be lost unless backed up first, so always back up important data before any downgrade.
Yes, you can reinstall Windows 10 without losing any files. During the reinstallation process, Windows will give you an option to keep your personal files intact. However, it's always wise to back up important data before proceeding, just in case.
To downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10 after 10 days, use the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB. Run setup from the USB and choose "Keep personal files and apps" during installation. And for Windows 10 Pro Retail Key, contact partner microsoft Hy-pestKey. Backup your data first for safety.
Yes, you can still use Windows 10 after October 14, 2025, but your PC will no longer receive free security updates, making it vulnerable; you'll need to upgrade to Windows 11, pay for Extended Security Updates (ESU), or risk increased security threats, as it will still function but without support or patches.
Short answer: Usually no -- an in-place update from Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10 is designed to keep your personal files, apps, and settings. However, data loss can occur from upgrade failures, incompatible software/drivers, disk errors, or user choices during setup.
7 Reasons Why Upgrading to Windows 10 is a Bad Idea
The default experience during a Windows 11 upgrade is that files and data are moved to the new Windows 11 installation. However, Microsoft always recommends backing up files before installing a new Windows version. If files are already synced to OneDrive, additional action to create a backup might not be necessary.
Bottom Line. Windows 11 greatly benefits from a radically modernized, more consistent design and Microsoft's Copilot AI tool, making the desktop operating system a leader in usability and innovation.
Individual users can extend support for one year, but will only receive critical security updates. Microsoft is set to end support for Windows 10 on Oct. 14, 2025, but those who are not ready to make the leap to Windows 11 can pay $30 to stay on the company's aging OS.
Windows 11 is the current major release of Microsoft's Windows NT operating system, released on October 5, 2021, as the successor to Windows 10 (2015). It is available as a free upgrade for devices running Windows 10 that meet its system requirements. The Windows Server counterpart, Server 2025, was released in 2024.
Steps and instructions to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10. There is a 10-day period where you can move back to Windows 10 while keeping files and data. After the 10 days, back up your data and do a clean install to move back to Windows 10.
Note: The Go back option is only available for 10 days after you upgraded Windows. Once 10 days have passed, the system will delete the old files to save space as well as the go back option will be unavailable and removed from settings. Within 10 days, Go back will be disabled as well under the following circumstances.
These security gaps can allow unauthorised access to devices, exposing files, personal data, and passwords. Attackers could also use compromised devices to conduct further attacks. In addition, new peripherals or applications are more likely to experience compatibility issues on unsupported machines.
Can you still use Windows 7 in 2025 without risking your personal files or being exposed to new threats? The answer is yes — if you take sensible precautions and follow clear guidance to safeguard your system and stay in control of your data. Microsoft officially ended support for Windows 7 years ago.
The following parts of the Windows shell are no longer available in Windows 11.
Will my Windows 10 computer stop working? No. Support for Windows 10 is discontinued, but the software will continue to function. However, after October 14, 2025, your computer running Windows 10 will no longer receive security updates.
Around 43% of these were using Windows 10 in July 2025, according to Statcounter . In the UK, consumer guide Which? estimates there could be 21 million people still using Windows 10.
If you are installing Windows on your custom PC or are building a new one, you may need to purchase a license to run Windows 11.
Windows Server 2025 is the fourteenth and current major version of the Windows NT operating system produced by Microsoft to be released under the Windows Server brand name. It was released on November 1, 2024.
No, Windows 12 has not been officially released as of January 2026; Microsoft has not confirmed it, though industry speculation points towards a potential launch in late 2025 or 2026, possibly coinciding with the end of Windows 10 support, with focus on AI features. Rumors about a 2024 release likely referred to major Windows 11 updates like 24H2, not a new version.
Select Recovery options (System Setting). Under Recovery, select Go back to Windows [X], where [X] is the previous version of Windows. Note: You can only downgrade to Windows 10 within the 10 days of your upgrade. Select a reason for going back, then click Next.
Upgrading to Windows 11 has disadvantages like stricter hardware requirements excluding older PCs, a learning curve for the redesigned Start Menu and Taskbar (which offer less functionality), potential compatibility issues with older software/drivers, forced Microsoft Account sign-ins, increased bloatware/ads, and more restrictive customization, though some changes are visual or fix bugs over time.
This option is the default option. Keep personal files only - Personal files are kept and migrated to the new Windows 11 install, but apps and Windows settings are deleted. Nothing - Everything is deleted, including personal files, apps, and Windows settings.
We recommend you back up your files before you install Windows 11. To learn how, see Backup your Documents, Pictures, and Desktop folders with OneDrive.