Applying a major Windows update can sometimes cause some incompatibility issues with your hardware or software. Here’s how to go back.
With each release of a major Windows update, two categories of users are opposed. First of all, there are those who dread problems and delay installing the update as much as possible until they have enough user feedback. And there are the more daring ones who can’t stand not having the latest update.
If the first fear nothing, the second on the other hand often wipe the plasters for the others. During the October Update, Microsoft had to withdraw its update several times, after some users lost important files or were victims of software or hardware incompatibility.
After installing a major update on your PC, Windows 10 gives you ten days to roll back if you encounter a problem. In case of incompatibility with your software or some of your peripherals, you can indeed downgrade your system in order to return to a previous version of Windows.
1. Go to Settings
To do this, click on the Start menu, then on the Settings button.
Then enter the Update and security menu, then access the Recovery module.
2. Start the downshift
In the center of the window, you’ll see Downgrade to the previous version of Windows 10.
Click the Start button to start the rollback process.
In the window that opens, select one or more reasons why you want to go back and click Next.
3. Check for updates or not
The Windows wizard then asks you whether or not you want to check for updates. If you want to try again one last time, click Check for updates. Windows Update should then open to find the latest updates to download, before installing them on your machine.
If you don’t want to check for more updates (or if no more updates are available), click No, thanks.
4. Back up your important files
Windows will then display an alert window explaining that you will probably have to reinstall some of your applications and that the changes made to the settings since the installation of the last update will be lost.
Also, be sure to back up your important files. While reverting to a previous version of Windows shouldn’t affect them, it’s best to take charge and keep a copy of your most valuable documents. Then click on Next.
5. Reconfigure Windows
In another alert window, Windows asks you to make sure you know the login password for your session. Without this precious sesame, you will not be able to log in again. Click on Next.
In the next window, validate the return to the previous version of Windows 10 by clicking on Return to a previous version.
Your PC should then restart before displaying the various Windows configuration screens.