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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If you upgraded Windows recently, first check Settings > System > Recovery > Go back. That recovery option can return the PC to its previous Windows version, usually within 10 days of the upgrade, if the required rollback files are still present. If you need a clean installation instead, Microsoft’s public Windows 10 download page currently describes version 22H2; it does not document a way to select any historic Windows 10 release.
Choose the right way to return to an older version
“Go back” and installing Windows from media are different processes. The first reverses a recent upgrade using files retained on the PC. The second installs Windows from a USB drive or other installation media and can erase data, particularly when you choose a clean installation.
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| What matters | Go back after an upgrade | Install from media |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Usually available for 10 days after upgrading, provided the rollback files and other conditions remain. Microsoft’s rollback guidance | Requires installation media. Microsoft’s public Windows 10 instructions describe version 22H2. Windows 10 download page |
| Files and apps | Personal files are kept; apps and drivers added after the upgrade may be removed, and settings changes reversed. Microsoft’s rollback guidance | A clean installation can remove files. Back up before proceeding. Microsoft’s installation instructions and backup guidance |
| Which version you get | Returns to the previous installed version if the recovery option is available. Microsoft’s rollback guidance | The public download instructions do not establish access to arbitrary historic feature releases. Microsoft’s download page |
| Activation | Confirm the Windows edition remains the one licensed for the PC. | For a reinstall on the same PC that previously activated Windows 10, Microsoft says setup can skip the product key and activate later using the digital license. Microsoft’s download instructions |
| Support | Windows 10 general support has ended, regardless of the rollback path. Microsoft’s support notice | Installing Windows 10 from media does not restore general support. Microsoft’s support notice |
Use Go back if you upgraded recently
Microsoft says the option is generally available for 10 days after an upgrade. It may be unavailable sooner if the required rollback files have been removed or another condition is not met.
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- Open Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under recovery options, select Go back if it appears, then follow the prompts.
The windows.old and $windows.~bt folders must still be present. Microsoft also notes that accounts added after the upgrade may need to be removed, and that you may need the USB drive used to perform the upgrade. The rollback keeps personal files, but removes apps and drivers installed after the upgrade and reverses settings changes.
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Install Windows 10 from media when rollback is unavailable
Microsoft’s public Windows 10 download page describes the Windows 10 2022 Update, version 22H2. It provides instructions for creating installation media with the Media Creation Tool and using a USB drive or ISO for a new copy, clean installation, or reinstall. Follow the page’s current instructions, check the PC’s system requirements, and use the matching Windows language and edition. Enterprise editions use a separate Microsoft 365 admin center route.
Create USB installation media
- Back up files you need to keep to a separate location before starting.
- Use Microsoft’s download page to get the Media Creation Tool and follow its prompts to create installation media.
- For a USB drive, use a blank drive with at least 8 GB of space. Creating the media erases its contents, so copy anything important off it first.
Having installation media does not guarantee that you can choose any older Windows 10 feature release. The current public page describes version 22H2 and does not document a selector for arbitrary historic releases. If you need a particular old build for legacy software or hardware, access may depend on licensed organizational media or a subscription portal available to you; availability is not established for every user.
Choose between a reinstall and a clean installation
Microsoft’s media instructions cover several scenarios, including reinstalling and performing a clean installation. A clean install can remove files and applications, so do not assume that data will be retained. Back up important files before choosing an installation path, and follow Microsoft’s on-screen instructions for the scenario you intend to use.
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- Comprehensive Solution: This Windows 10 reinstall DVD provides a complete solution for resolving various system issues, including crashes, malware infections, boot failures, and performance slowdowns. Repair, Recover, Restore, and Reinstall any version of Windows.
- USB will work on any type of computer (make or model). Creates a new copy of Windows! DOES NOT INCLUDE product key.
- Windows not starting up? NT Loader missing? Repair Windows Boot Manager (BOOTMGR), NTLDR, and so much more with this DVD. Clean Installation: Allows you to perform a fresh installation of Windows 11 64-bit, effectively wiping the system and starting from a clean slate.
- Step by Step instructions on how to fix Windows 10 issues. Whether it be broken, viruses, running slow, or corrupted our disc will serve you well
- Please remember that this DVD does not come with a KEY CODE. You will need to obtain a Windows Key Code in order to use the reinstall option
Prepare your backup and activation
Make a separate copy of important files before changing Windows installations. Microsoft recommends backing up when preparing to move between Windows versions; a separate external storage drive is one possible backup destination, but it is not required to create installation media. Microsoft’s transition guidance
If you are reinstalling Windows 10 on the same PC that previously activated Windows 10, Microsoft says you can skip entering a product key during setup; activation can occur later through the device’s digital license. Install the same Windows edition. This guidance does not establish activation rights for a different PC, edition, or license.
Know what Windows 10 support status means
Windows 10 general support ended on October 14, 2025. The operating system continues to run, but general free updates, technical assistance, and security fixes have ended. Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11 or enrolling an eligible consumer device in Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU). Microsoft says consumer ESU can provide protection until October 12, 2027; eligibility and enrollment details are on its support guidance. Installing an older Windows 10 release does not change the end-of-support date.
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