How to uninstall Windows 10 and go back to Windows 7 or 8.1
If Windows 10 isn't for you, there are a few options you can use to uninstall the it and go back to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, and here we show you how.

While Windows 10 is widely considered Microsoft's best OS ever, a lot of users have their reasons for disliking it. If you used the free upgrade offer and realized that it's not for you, or you installed Windows 10 by mistake, there are a few ways you can uninstall the operating system, and return to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the different ways you can uninstall Windows 10 from your computer and go back to your previous version.
Important: Before modifying your installation, make sure to understand that you'll be doing significant changes to your system, and there is always a chance that things can go wrong. It's recommended that you do a full backup of your system before proceeding. You've been warned!
The Easy Way
How to uninstall Windows 10 using the recovery option
When you upgrade to Windows 10 through the free upgrade offer or manual upgrade process, you're technically installing a trial version of the operating system. This means that after the upgrade, a copy of the previous version will stay on your computer for 30 days in case you want to rollback.
After the month ends, Windows 10 assumes that you have decided to keep the new version, as such it'll proceed to delete the previous version to free up storage space on your hard drive.
During the upgrade process, everything you need to revert to the previous version is located in the Windows.old and $WINDOWS.~BT folders. These folders are located on the main installation drive (usually the C: drive).
Before you can uninstall the operating system, you want to verify that the two folders exist. On File Explorer, inside the C: drive, you'll find the Windows.old folder, but you'll need to click the View tab, and check the Hidden items option to see the $WINDOWS.~BT folder.
Once you know you have the necessary files to uninstall Windows 10, do the following:
- Use the Windows key + I keyboard shortcut to open the Settings app.
- Click Update & security.
- Click Recovery.
- If you're still within the first month since you upgraded to Windows 10, you'll see the "Go back to Windows 7" or "Go to back to Windows 8" section. If you do, click the Get started button.
- Answer the question why you're going back and click Next.
- Before you go back, you'll get the choice to install updates (if available) to try to fix any issues. However, if you're ready to go back, click No, thanks to continue.
- Carefully read what will happen with your apps and settings during this process and click Next.
- If you used a different password to sign in to your account on the previous installation, you will need that password to sign in after you go back. Make sure you have the required password, and click Next.
- Click the Go back to Windows 7 or Go back to Windows 8.1 button to complete the process.
Keep in mind that uninstalling Windows 10 from your computer will remove apps and settings configured after the upgrade. If you need those settings or apps back, you'll have to go install them again.
If you don't see the option on the Settings app to go back to the previous version, you're either trying to uninstall Windows 10 after the first month you performed the upgrade or there is something else wrong with your computer. In that case, you still have some choices: You can go back using a previous backup, or you can do a clean install of the operating system.
The Slightly Less Easy Way
How to uninstall Windows 10 using the full backup option
There are no excuses: No matter what, you should periodically make a full backup of your computer -- you never know when it will come in handy. If you have previously created a full backup, you can now use it to go back to the previous version of the operating system.
You'll need a repair disc to boot your computer into the Windows Recovery Environment to restore the previous version. If you didn't create one during backup, follow these instructions:
- Right-click the Start menu and select Control Panel.
- Click System and Security.
- Click Backup and Restore (Windows 7).
- On the left pane, click Create a system repair disc.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to create the repair disc.
Once you have the repair disc created use the following steps to go back:
- Connect the drive that contains the backup with your previous installation to your computer.
- Reboot your computer with the repair disc.
- On the Setup screen, click Next.
- Click the Repair your computer link.
- Click Troubleshoot.
- Click Advanced options.
- Click System Image Recovery.
- Sign-in with your user account.
- Select the backup you want to recover, and click Next.
- If applicable, follow the on-screen instructions, and click Finish to complete the process.
After the recovery process completes, you'll be back in your previous version of Windows. Remember to reinstall any applications you installed when you upgraded to Windows 10 and do not forget to restore any new files from backup as well.
It's worth mentioning that if your PC manufacturer included a recovery option, you might be able to use it to restore your computer using the factory settings.
The Hard Way
How to uninstall Windows 10 using the clean installation option
If the option to go back to the previous version of Windows isn't available in the Settings app, and you don't have a full backup that you can use to revert, you can use the third option.
The third option is uninstalling Windows 10 by doing a clean install of Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. This process will require you to supply the product key for your copy of the operating system. It'll erase everything on your computer, including settings, apps, and data. And you'll have to reinstall all your apps and recover your personal files from backup.
This option requires more time and more steps, but it's the best choice that will get you back to your previous version with the least number of issues.
Acquiring the Windows installation files
You'll need the installation files to go through this process. Thankfully, Microsoft now makes it easier for anyone to download the installation files for any major version of the operating system.
If you need to reinstall Windows 7, you can head over to the Microsoft support website to download the Windows 7 ISO file (opens in new tab). Then you can use the Windows USB/DVD Download Tool (opens in new tab) to create a bootable media.
While you can download the install files for free, Microsoft will ask you to verify your genuine product key before you can proceed with the download.
If you're trying to go back to Windows 8.1, you can head over to the Microsoft support website to download the Media Creation Tool (opens in new tab) to create a bootable media.
Configuring the Boot order on your PC
You need to make sure your computer can boot from a USB flash drive or DVD drive. This process typically requires hitting one of the function keys (F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12), the ESC, or Delete key.
Once you're in the BIOS find the Boot options and change it to the Windows installation media.
On Windows 8.1 computer and newer, you're likely to have a UEFI BIOS, which are not as easy to access as the traditional BIOS. If this is your case, go to PC Settings > Update and recovery > Recovery > Advanced Startup and click Restart now.
The operating system will load the boot menu, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings > Restart. Windows 8.1 will then boot into the BIOS, which will give you access to change the boot order of the system.
Finding your product key
Unlike Windows 10 that uses a digital license to reinstall the operating system without the need for entering a product key, you'll need the original product key to reinstall Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 on your PC.
If you own a Windows 7 computer, you'll find the product key on the "Proof of License Certificate of Authenticity" sticker. Often times, the sticker is attached to the back of your computer.
On laptops, you may be able to find the sticker underneath the device, inside the replaceable battery slot, on the power supply brick, or in a compartment also located underneath the device.
If it's an older computer, sometimes the product key can be found in the recovery discs package or on the actual disc.
On newer Windows 8.1 devices, you may not be able to find it, because the product key may be embedded on the device BIOS chip, which the operating system can retrieve automatically during installation.
You could try using a product key finder software, but they may only retrieve a generic product key, which won't work to reinstall Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. The reason is that Microsoft is moving away from the product key to a product key-less model.
Doing a clean install of Windows
Once you have the installation files, follow these steps to do a clean install:
- Restart your computer using either the Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 installation media.
- On the Setup screen, click Next.
- Click Install now.
- Accept the licensing agreement, and click Next.
- Click the Custom: Install Windows only (Advanced) option.
- Select and delete the system partitions. Generally you want to delete: Drive 0 Partition 1 and Drive 0 Partition 2.
- Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
After the installation completes and you go through the out-of-box experience, remember to use Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update to download the latest patches for your version of the operating system. Then reinstall all your applications, and restore your files from backup.
Wrapping things up
Even though Windows 10 is a great operating system with a lot of new changes, improvements, and features, it may still not be good enough for many people. Reasons can include problems with device drivers, to features not working correctly, compatibility issues, or the simple fact that a lot of people just don't like the new operating system.
There is no doubt that Microsoft wants customers to upgrade, but it also understands that Windows 10 may not be for everyone, and for this reason the company offers a number of supported ways to revert to the previous version.
Did you upgrade to Windows 10 and reverted to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1? Tell us your story in the comments below.
More Windows 10 resources
For more help articles, coverage, and answers on Windows 10, you can visit the following resources:
- Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
- Windows 10 Anniversary Update coverage
- Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
- Windows 10 forums on Windows Central
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Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.
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Why would anyone do this?
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Cos they want to?
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Okay then, why would anyone want to? Please don't say "because they can."
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As the article says: App compatibility issues, performance, stability, and most of all, familiarity. Think about why XP lasted as long as it has. It's not because it's like a fine wine...
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Read the "Wrapping Up" section at the end of the article. Mauro gives some specific reasons.
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For whatever reason they choose. Cant be that hard to comprehend.
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I went from nearly zero crashes on a dell venue tablet to crashes becoming frequent(2 or three times each week). On something relied upon for work on a daily basis, and little need on this device for the new features, reliability wins the day. I have used developer preview versions along with the official version. Currently the device has the latest preview. I've been using a second device to load all the versions while leaving 8.1 on my primary device as a side by side comparison.
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Then their stupid!
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Then they're stupid. You really shouldn't call someone stupid while making third-grade-level grammatical mistakes.
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Most probably is the lack of stable drivers for that hardware..
The thing is, most of the pc vendors are not even bother to update they're drivers.. They want to sell you a new pc, not support your 5y old machine.. -
Tablet mode.
Windows Media Center
Old control panel
Limited data plan
Older hardware optimised
File history just works
Charms bar
No 7 start menu -
Ohh I see, an W8.1 user like me huh?
Just the old Control panel worth it -
Lol, use 8.1 and 10 for different form factors.
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I've not installed win 8/8.x PC YET.
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@Hiswona If I could give your comment 1000 X 10 up-votes I would! :)
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FYI it's shorter to just type 10000 ;)
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Better start screen Better all apps list Horizontal scrolling
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Swipe up or mouse wheel to access that better all apps list.
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Just for kicks
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I feel bad for anyone who even wants to do this because they "dislike" Windows 10. Shows major ignorance and I'm glad I don't know anyone in this kind of denial.
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If your machine is 5 years old and you don't get any more support from the manufacturer driverwise, windows 10 decides to install older display drivers than the one you just installed and you get to do one hour of problemsolving each day before your machine runs as it should (freezing up, bsod's) then the choice is easy. 10 ran fine upon installing at first but as soon as the first batch of updates was installed trouble returned. Back to 7 now and happy. No more problems. I decide which update or driver to install.
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no matter how good one thing could be,there are always people who don't like it. Anything,! that is how politics and wars exist
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I helped my father upgraded to windows 10 when his new laptop arrived...a week later he asked me to roll back to 7 because 10 can't run his Autocad and the start screen is kinda confusing to him. Too bad though.
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W10 insider and auto cad operator.. AutoCAD works seamlessly with W10 as long as you have discreet gpu..
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He's using a ThinkPad t460, and btw it can't run because it's an older version
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I see.. He should buy new one with discreet gpu.. Intel HD gpu alone is not enough to run AutoCAD..
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Yea..but sadly his company bought that ThinkPad for him..ans I don't think they gonna exchange it
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I see.. Good luck..
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Autodesk update their software every year.
Upgrade to 2017
Otherwise, just repair an old installation in control panel. -
I run Autocad flawlessly with intel Iris onboard graphics. The op is probably runing and old version of Autocad.
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Too bad if he uses AutoCAD 2008.
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AutoCAD 2015 runs perfectly on Windows 10, so let's just be honest and say that your father currently doesn't want to upgrade or purchase a newer version of autocad or autocad wants it's customers to purchase a new instance instead of updating the version your father has.
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How can W10 not run AutoCAD? Is he using like AutoCAD 2004 or something? Time to upgrade if that's the case. I have W10 PC with 2012 -2016 all running completely fine
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he's still using version 1997, its dinasour old and he's still using it everyday. I think he spent quite some fortune for that 97 AutoCAD and prepared to use that for his lifetime
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Went back to win7 and got bored. Came back to windows 10. Only thing i miss is photo viewer which was super fast compared to Photos app on Win10. But finally found a hack to bring it back. :)
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A hack? Photo viewer is normally available in W10 without a hack, Well it was one year ago when I did the upgrade and I couldn't stand the photo app( I said on year ago because I came back to 8.1 since then)
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Formatting removed it from my PC. Had to use a registry hack to get it back.
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Weird! It's the first time I have heard that but you will have photo viewer when you do a normal upgrade , won't you?
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Yeah
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I personally believe Windows 10 is the best PC and Tablet OS of all time, but I understand that everyone may not feel that way. It's all about respecting other peoples opinion. Microsoft will still keep a customer if they're using 7, 8.1, or 10.
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I have a 2012 HP laptop that runs Windows 10 fine, I find that it is faster on Windows 10, can you show some examples of what you mean please. All up I have 4 computers, an xbox one and 2 phones all running windows 10. I have updated all the computers at work to Windows 10 and have had no driver problems.
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Agreed, I've upgrade all 300 of ours at work to Windows 10 without issue either outside of having to update the version of Auto we use in the organization.
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It sounds like I've been lucky then, I just cant imagine going back. I love Windows 10
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Which is ok because you're allowed to like whatever Windows version you like me who still prefer W 8.1 to W10 or many W7 user who still prefer it to any other and so on
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Or just back up, put in original CD/DVD (or usb key with iso on it), and do a full/clean install. That what I would. :)
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What we know just feels safe to us people. Some take it further than others. The once sole provider of land and mobile lines in Denmark TDC still had Nokia 2110's on their grid in 2011. A phone that was published in 1995.
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How do you go back to DOS ? Posted via the Windows Central App for Android.. But waiting for the HP Elite so I can get rid of this junkie Galaxy S5...
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Easy.
Delete c:\Windows, c:\Program Files and c:\ users.
What's left become DOS -
Type cmd in Run from pc
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The first option will only applicable if you installed Windows 10 within 30 days after installation. After 30 days, you can't do that. (no signature)
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I can't see progressive people making this trek back to W8/7.
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i will NEVER switch to windows 10. WIndows 7 is on most of my computers, and one with windows xp. I have windows 8.1 on my surface tablet, and thats it. All my programs work fine now. I have been testing windows 10 and all the updates since it came out. THERE IS NOTHING NEW that i use or need from it. Also my games, and applications don't all work in windows 10, so there is no reason for me to upgrade. Nice try microsoft. I'm not switching, and neither is anybody I know.. I don't care if some games or applications only work in windows 10. I am perfectly happy with 7 and windows 8.1
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you have to update your app. Windows 10 is Amazing.... let it do it's best one more time.
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And Windows Phone 7 as per your profile apparently
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You've to upgrade win xp to 7.
Otherwise 10. -
Are you kidding? move From Great Windows 10 OS to .....?????????
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Never going back to Windows 7 or 8.1. Windows 10 FTW
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There's another option too.......just throw out the windows 10 computer and go buy a computer windows 7. That's the easiest thing I think....
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Windows 7 is an old looking computer i feel like I'm a man from 1960s.
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Windows 7 yuck old ugly computers icons not modern... Control panel design is 1970s
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they called metro style tiles modern UI for a reason
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W7 is still alive.
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As far as I'm concerned, you have 2 options for PC (or 3 maybe w Steam?) Windows 10 or Linux, otherwise its Apple's platform. This is the age we live in and going back is not an option...your world online or offline.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you opt into the Insider program, it nukes the files needed to perform the simple Win10 to previous version rollback. I opted-in to the Insider Fast Ring because I read that some users were having better experience with a particular issue was experiencing (oddness with a VPN client and Softphone) and the Insider update apparently strips all of the folders mentioned in this article. I'll have to clean reinstall Windows 8.1 now because the VPN and Softphone client are still acting strange. Really frustrated because I tested this before upgrading. The issue occurs after a few hours of use. -
I thought Windows 8.1 was brilliant. (And I still use my Nokia 2520 RT Tablet). But for whatever reasons, marketing, adoption, familiarity, customers would not make the switch and it became polarizing. Windows 10 has features under the hood that make it groundbreaking. While the UI is not as distinct as 8.1, it makes compromises in the UI, while driving change underneath.
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I updated to win 10 from 7 on day one on my laptop, and at 10581 on my phone. And I could never use any other OS ever anymore :D I just love it.
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I wonder if anyone will be going from Windows 10 back to Windows Vista
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I actually didn't know that the system automatically removes the option to go back to 7 or 8.x. I've always just done it through Disk Cleanup when I upgraded my new Surface 3 LTE to Windows 10. Still, Windows 10 just makes more sense to me as an operating system. Windows 7 and 8.x just don't have the look and feel that 10 does, and it's easier to work seamlessly between devices on one OS. Definitely worth the upgrade, if nothing else to try it and get it for free. :)
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If i go back to win 7 , then will i upgrade my PC to w10 for free in August?
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yes, since your computer has regiestered to windows 10, so even if you go back to 7 or 8.x, you can still have your windows 10 back from your "back from" and that is what i have been told everyone, do the upgrade, regiester the free, and if you don't like go back, and you can still have it free even after the free offer.
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Thanks
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Damn hipsters
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Windows 10 is a stupidly frustrating experience in my Surface Pro 2, and Microsoft is being a slot when it comes to fixing the loads of issues. Might as well ditch the stupid OS that brings nothing but spyware and headaches...