If Windows still offers the rollback, open Settings > System > Recovery, select Go back, and follow the prompts. Microsoft says the option is available for a limited time—usually 10 days after the upgrade. It keeps personal files, but removes apps and drivers installed since the upgrade and reverses settings changes made since then. Back up important files first.
Windows 11 version 26H2 reached general availability on September 29, 2026, with a phased rollout to eligible Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices. Availability on a particular PC depends on the rollout and whether the device has received the upgrade.
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Before you start: check that Go back is still available
Microsoft’s Go back guidance says, “In most cases, you have 10 days to go back.” That is not a guarantee for every device. The option depends on the upgrade’s timing and on the previous-installation files still being present.
Before starting, save open work and back up important files. The rollback is not a full backup restore: personal files are kept, but apps and drivers installed after the upgrade are removed, and settings changed since the upgrade are reverted. Make a note of programs or configuration changes you may need to restore.
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How to roll back from 26H2 in Settings
- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Recovery options, select Go back if it appears.
- Answer the on-screen questions and follow the prompts to return to the previous Windows version.
- Let Windows complete the process and restart. Do not interrupt the rollback.
Microsoft says the previous-installation folders windows.old and $windows.~bt must remain available. It also lists removing user accounts added after the upgrade as a prerequisite. If you upgraded using a USB drive, keep that drive available. The exact screens can vary by device and Windows build.
What happens to files, apps, and settings
- Personal files: Microsoft says Go back keeps them, but you should still back up important data before recovery.
- Apps and drivers: Those installed after the upgrade are removed.
- Settings: Changes made since the upgrade are undone.
Plan to reinstall affected apps or drivers and redo any settings you changed after moving to 26H2.
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Why Go back may be missing
The rollback window is limited, and the prior-installation files can be removed. Windows normally deletes the previous installation automatically 10 days after upgrading. You can also remove it sooner through Storage cleanup by deleting the Previous version of Windows files, including Windows.old. Microsoft warns that this deletion cannot be undone and prevents using Go back. See Microsoft’s instructions on deleting the previous Windows version.
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If Go back is absent, do not try to recreate the rollback folders or assume a reset will return the PC to its earlier feature version. Choose another recovery option based on what caused the problem and whether Windows starts.
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Choose the right alternative if Go back is unavailable
| What happened | Option to consider | Important distinction |
|---|---|---|
| The issue began after a recent Windows update, rather than after moving to 26H2. | Uninstall an update | This removes a recent update; Microsoft notes that some updates cannot be uninstalled. |
| A later system change caused the problem and a suitable restore point exists. | System Restore | This returns system state to a restore point; changes made after that point are lost. It does not roll back the Windows feature version. Microsoft says restore points are retained for up to 72 hours, with defaults depending on device configuration and management. |
| Windows needs broader repair or a fresh setup. | Reset this PC, recovery drive, or Windows installation media | These are distinct recovery or reinstall routes with different effects. Read Microsoft’s instructions for the specific option before proceeding. |
Microsoft explains the differences in its Windows recovery options guide. If Windows will not start, use that guide to choose an option available from the Windows Recovery Environment. If BitLocker is enabled, Microsoft says the BitLocker recovery key is needed for most recovery options there.
When manufacturer recovery media may help
A PC maker’s recovery media can include hardware-specific drivers and factory apps that generic Microsoft installation media may not include. Check the manufacturer’s support site for your exact PC model before reinstalling. A USB flash drive is needed only if you create or use recovery or installation media; it is not required for the normal Settings-based Go back process.
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For current rollout information, see Microsoft’s Windows 11, version 26H2 release-health page.
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