How to Downgrade to Windows 10 After Rollback Period Without Losing Data

As the end of support for Windows 10 approaches, many users may have hastily transitioned to Windows 11, only to find themselves wishing they hadn’t. If you missed the initial 10-day window for rollback, you’re likely feeling trapped on Windows 11, with limited options: either continue using the new operating system while keeping your files or undertake a clean installation of Windows 10 at the risk of losing your data. Fortunately, there’s a practical way to revert back to Windows 10 without sacrificing your data.

Downgrading After the Rollback Period

Once the rollback period has passed, reverting to Windows 10 becomes increasingly challenging. Windows 11 helps facilitate this by eliminating the Windows.old folder, which contains necessary files for reversion. Consequently, users are often left with a difficult choice: either endure the learning curve of Windows 11 with their files intact or opt for a full wipe with a clean Windows 10 install.

Thankfully, a solution has emerged: the UpDownTool. This innovative tool enables users to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 LTSC (Long Term Servicing Channel) while safeguarding personal data. It’s important to note that this option does not revert to the original Home or Pro editions of Windows 10, but it ensures that critical files, preferences, and drivers remain untouched.

However, it’s worth noting that UpDownTool does not facilitate transitions back to Windows Home or Pro editions, as these versions are continuously updated and may introduce additional complexities or errors during the downgrade process. By using a clean, single-index WIM (Windows Imaging Format) such as Windows LTSC, the chances of data loss or corruption are significantly reduced.

The Value of Switching to Windows 10 LTSC

Windows LTSC is designed with businesses in mind, offering a stable environment that prioritizes security over frequent updates. This edition only receives security updates, and crucially, it does not include any of the pre-installed Microsoft UWP applications—such as Photos, Calendar, or Copilot—found in standard editions.

Notably, the Windows Store is also absent from LTSC, which means that any apps linked to the store will not function post-reversion. While side-loading applications is a possibility, it isn’t officially supported, so users should proceed with caution.

Windows 10 LTSC version information in Windows 10 — Image source: Internet Archive

Another benefit of using Windows LTSC is the reduction of ads and the disabling of most telemetry, apart from essential security-related diagnostics. The user experience remains largely consistent with that of the regular Windows 10, ensuring compatibility with most standard applications, often with improved performance.

However, activating Windows LTSC poses its own challenges, as its licenses are available only in bulk, with a minimum purchase of five. Users can enjoy a 90-day free trial, which can be extended three additional times using the slmgr /rearm command, effectively providing up to one year of usage before encountering regular activation watermarks and restrictions on personalization.

If Microsoft applications are not crucial to your workflow, downgrading to Windows 10 LTSC can enhance your user experience.

Steps for Downgrading Windows 11 to Windows 10 Using UpDownTool

The process of downgrading to Windows 10 via UpDownTool is relatively straightforward. Nevertheless, it’s advisable to back up important files beforehand to mitigate risks.

First, download the UpDownTool, which is packaged as an ISO file that contains the Windows 10 installation files. You will need to mount this ISO file by right-clicking it and selecting ‘Mount.’ Once the mounting process completes, choose the ‘Open’ option to access the ISO contents.

In the opened ISO, locate and run the downgrade.bat file instead of the typical setup.exe.

When prompted, click on Run to initiate the downgrade process. After this point, the tool takes over the selections necessary to facilitate the downgrade seamlessly. Although users can cancel the process initially, be aware that once the installation begins, it cannot be interrupted.

Upon completing the downgrade, you will go through a streamlined Windows 10 setup process. You’ll be pleased to find that all your data remains intact and where you left it.

For individuals eager to reclaim Windows 10 without sacrificing data, UpDownTool is a valuable solution. This tool serves as an interim fix, especially for those who may eventually upgrade to Windows 11. Notably, while regular Windows 10 support can extend for another year, Windows 10 LTSC is supported until 2027 by default.

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