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HP PCs - Go back to a previous version of Windows

Go Back is a feature that returns your computer to the operating system that was installed before you upgraded.

For business computers, operating system installation might be managed at the IT level and might not be available in Windows to roll back to a previous version. To verify, contact your company's IT department or your local IT service.

Go back to a previous version of Windows from Windows 11

Use the Go Back feature in Windows 11 to restore Windows 10 on your computer.

Note:

The Go Back option is only available for ten days after the installation of Windows 11. If you perform a disc cleanup, refresh, or reset in Windows 11, you do not have the option to go back. If you have deleted the windows.old file from your computer, you do not have the option to go back. If your installation required an external USB flash drive, you must use the same drive to go back.

  1. Before you go back to a previous version of Windows, do the following:

    • Although your personal files should not be affected by going back, HP recommends that you back up all important data (personal files, photos, videos, documents, applications, software, and so on) prior to going back. This helps avoid any possibility of losing your important data.

    • If you used a different password with the previous Windows version on your computer, you might need your old password.

    • Keep your PC turned on and connected to AC power for the duration of the go back process.

    • After going back, you might need to reinstall some apps and programs, and reset any settings changes that were lost.

  2. In Windows, click Search, search for go back, and then click Go back to Windows 10.

    Search screen

  3. The Recovery window opens. Click Go back.

    Go back screen

  4. On the Why are you going back? screen, select an answer, type any additional details into the Tell us more field (optional), and then click Next.

    Why are you going back screen

  5. On the Check for updates? screen, click No, thanks.

  6. Read the What you need to know screen, and then click Next.

    What you need to know screen

  7. Windows reminds you that you need your old password, if applicable. Click Next.

    Don't get locked out screen

  8. Click Go back to an earlier build.

  9. Wait while your system is restored to the previous version of Windows. Do not turn off or unplug the computer.

    When Go Back is complete, log in with the user account name and password from your previous version of Windows.

Go back to a previous version of Windows from Windows 10

Use the Go Back feature in Windows 10 to restore Windows 8 or Windows 7 on your computer.

Note:

The Go Back option is available only for ten days after the installation of Windows 10. If you perform a disc cleanup, refresh, or reset in Windows 10, you do not have the option to go back. If you have deleted the windows.old file from your computer, you do not have the option to go back. If your installation required an external USB flash drive, you must use the same drive to go back.

  1. Before you go back to a previous version of Windows, do the following:

    • Although your personal files should not be affected by going back, HP recommends that you back up all important data (personal files, photos, videos, documents, applications, software, and so on) prior to going back. This helps avoid any possibility of losing your important data. See HP PCs - Back up your files (Windows 11, 10) for more information.

    • If you used a different password with the previous Windows version on your computer, you might need your old password.

    • Keep your PC turned on and connected to AC power for the duration of the go back process.

    • After going back, you might need to reinstall some apps and programs, and reset any settings changes that were lost.

  2. In Windows, search for go back, and then click Go back to an earlier build.

    Go back setting screen

  3. The Recovery window opens in Settings. In the Go back to an earlier build section, select Get started.

    Get started option

  4. On the Why are you going back? screen, select an answer, type more details into the Tell us more field (optional), and then select Next.

    Why are you going back screen

  5. Read the What you need to know screen, and then select Next.

    What you need to know screen

  6. Windows reminds you that you need your old password, if applicable. Select Next.

    Don't get locked out screen

  7. Select Go back to an earlier build.

  8. Wait while your system is restored to the previous version of Windows. Do not turn off or unplug the computer.

    When Go Back is complete, log in with the user account and password from your previous version of Windows.

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