Regret installing Windows 11? You can roll back to Windows 10, but you'd better be quick - CNET

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windows-11-1 Microsoft/Screenshot by CNET

The latest version of Windows, Windows 11[1], is on its way, rolling out right now[2]. Note that it won't be available to everyone at once, so even if your computer is compatible you may need to wait a few days or months before it shows up for you -- or you can download the new OS now with this workaround[3]. You don't have to install Windows 11[4] right away if you're unsure. In fact, you have until 2025 before Microsoft says it'll stop supporting Windows 10[5]. Read our Windows 11 review[6] and about the biggest differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11[7] and all of Windows 11's best features[8] before making your decision.

If you make the leap and download Windows 11 -- and then regret it -- there's an easy way out. That is, as long as you act quickly. You'll be able to revert your system back to Windows 10 within a 10-day window (no pun intended) after downloading and installing Windows 11[9]. All the information stored on your computer will automatically repopulate on Windows 10, so you won't have to worry about any files or (most) apps disappearing. 

Read more: Here's how to tell if your PC is compatible with Windows 11[10] in the first place, and what to do if you get an installation error[11].

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Here's how to do it: Start menu > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Recovery > Previous version of Windows (you may see "Go back" instead). That's it! 

Once 10 days have passed, you can still go back to Windows 10, but it'll be a little trickier: You'll need to back up your data and perform what Microsoft calls a "clean install"[12] of Windows 10 on your PC. Or, if you're smart, you will have backed up your system[13] before installing Windows 11 in the first place and can restore from that. 

Now playing: Watch this: How to go back to Windows 10 from Windows 11

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Should you choose, you can stick with Windows 10 for four more years[14] until Microsoft stops supporting it in October 2025. If the 10-day countdown sounds new, that's because Windows 10 initially launched with a 30-day window[15] for easy rollbacks.