How to Recover Data After Windows Downgrade (Win 11 Back to 10)?

Why Downgrade Windows 11 to Windows 10?

Although Windows 11 introduces a sleek new interface, advanced features, and enhanced security measures, not every user finds it suitable for their needs. So, a significant number of users decide to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10 for different reasons, including:

• Compatibility Issues: Some older software or hardware may not work properly on Windows 11.
• Familiar Interface: Users comfortable with Windows 10’s interface may prefer its layout and workflow.
• Performance Concerns: On older PCs, Windows 10 may run faster and more efficiently than Windows 11.
• Stability and Reliability: Windows 10 has been widely tested and may have fewer bugs for certain applications.
• Feature Preferences: Certain Windows 11 features may be unnecessary or disruptive to some users.

However, this raises important questions: Does going back to Windows 10 delete personal files? How can you recover data after Windows downgrade if something goes missing? Just keep reading if you share the same concerns.

Does Going Back to Windows 10 Delete Personal Files?

The short answer: it depends on how you revert. Different methods have different effects on your personal files:

🟢Using the "Go Back" Option (Within 10 days)

Files deleted? No — this method is designed to keep your personal files.

How it works: After upgrading to Windows 11, the system temporarily stores your old Windows 10 installation in a folder called C:\Windows.old (usually for 10 days). The "Go Back" option simply restores this previous version.

What you lose: While your personal files remain safe, any apps installed or settings changed during your time on Windows 11 will not be retained.

🟢Performing a "Clean Install" (After 10 days)

Files deleted? Yes — a clean install erases everything on the system partition (usually the C: drive), including personal files, apps, and settings. Data on other partitions (e.g., D:) will remain untouched.

How it works: If more than 10 days have passed since your Windows 11 upgrade, or if the C:\Windows.old folder has been deleted, the "Go Back" option will no longer be available. Your only option to revert to Windows 10 is to perform a clean installation using a Windows 10 installation media (like a USB drive).

Crucial step: You must back up all your important personal files to an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage(with "File History or Backup and Restore"feature) before a clean installation. Afterwards, you can restore your data from the backup.

🟢Making use of "Reset this PC"feature in Windows 11(Anytime)

Files deleted? Flexible: either keep your files or erase everything.

Windows 11's "Reset this PC" feature (found in Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC) aims to help reinstall Windows or restore it to factory settings,offeringtwo sub-options:

Keep my files: Reinstalls Windows while removing apps and settings but keeps your personal files (mainly on the C: drive).

Remove everything: This option deletes all personal files, applications, and settings from the system partition. It's ideal for a fresh start or when you are giving away or selling your PC.

How to Recover Data After Windows Downgrade?

Even if you’re careful, it’s still possible to lose files during the downgrade process. For example, if you accidentally choose the wrong option during installation, or if something goes wrong with the reset. Then how can you recover data after Windows downgrade back to Windows 10? Check the following methods:

Method 1. Restore Files from File History Backup

One of the easiest ways to get your data back after downgrading is by using File History, a built-in Windows feature designed to automatically back up copies of your personal files. If you had File History enabled before moving back to Windows 10, you can recover documents, photos, music, and other files with just a few clicks.

This method is especially useful because it not only restores deleted or missing files but also allows you to access and restore previous versions of files in case they were modified or replaced during the downgrade.

Step 1. Press "Win + S", type "Control Panel", and press "Enter" to open "Control Panel".

Step 2. In Control Panel, click "System and Security" from the left panel, click "Restore your files with File History" under "File History".

Step 3. Browse through all available backups to locate the files or folders you want to recover.

Step 4. Select the items and click the "Restore" button. Right-click the button, you will see another option -"Restore to", allowing you to recover data after Windows downgrade to another different location from the original one.

Method 2. Restore Data from Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Another reliable option to recover data after downgrading Windows 11 to Windows 10 is "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)", a legacy backup tool still available in Windows 10. If you previously created backups using this feature, you can restore personal files, folders, or even a full system image after moving back from Windows 11.

Step 1. In Control Panel, click "System and Security", then choose "Backup and Restore (Windows 7)".

Step 2. Under the "Restore" section, click "Select another backup to restore files from".

Step 3. Follow the wizard to browse backup contents, select the files or folders you want, and click "Next".

Step 4. You can choose to restore them to their original location or to a different folder.

Method 3. Restore Data After Downgrade Windows 11 using MyRecover

The first two methods work only if you had created a backup in advance. But what if you didn’t set up File History or Backup and Restore (Windows 7) before downgradingWindows 11 to Windows 10? In that case, you’ll need a professional data recovery tool to get your files back. This is where MyRecover comes in.

MyRecover is designed to handle data loss scenarios such as accidental deletion, emptied Recycle Bin, system crash, partition loss, drive formatting, disk corruption, virus attack system reset, or OS downgrade. It can scan your hard drive thoroughly and recover documents, photos, videos, emails, and more,even if you performed a clean install or factory reset, as long as the data hasn’t been overwritten.

Step 1. Download and install MyRecover on your Windows 10 computer.

Step 2. Launch the software, select the drive where your files were stored before the downgrade (commonly the C: drive), and click "Scan".

Step 3. The program will perform a "Quick Scan", or a "Deep Scan"to locate as many recoverable files as possible. If the lost files are not found after a "Quick Scan", you can manually switch to a "Deep Scan" to locate more recoverable data.

Step 4. Browse through the results by type or search by name. Preview the files you want to restore, select them, and click "Recover".

Step 5: Choose a safe location (not the same drive where the lost files were) to avoid overwriting.

Be patient while the recovery process runs — the duration depends on the total amount of data being restored. Once the process is complete, a pop-up will appear showing the total number of recovered files and their new location.

Summary

Downgrading from Windows 11 to Windows 10 is a practical solution for users who prefer Windows 10’s interface, need better performance on older hardware, or encounter compatibility issues. However, without proper precautions and knowledge, this process can put your valuable data at risk.

If data loss occurs, the methods outlined above can help you recover your files successfully. For a more reliable solution, MyRecover is highly recommended. Its quick and deep scanning features can locate and restore lost files even after system crash, resets or clean installations, ensuring you can recover documents, photos, videos, and morewith confidence.

FAQs about Windows 11 Downgrade

Q: Will I Lose All My Files If I Downgrade to Windows 10?

A: It depends on the method you use. Using the "Go Back" option or "Reset this PC – Keep my files" preserves personal files, while a clean install deletes files on the system drive.

Q: How To Recover Data From Previous Windows?

A: You can restore files from the C:\Windows.old folder if it’s still available, use File History or Backup and Restore (Windows 7), or turn to a professional tool like MyRecover if no backup exists.

Q: Where Are Previous Windows Files Stored?

A: Previous Windows files are temporarily stored in the C:\Windows.old folder for up to 10 days after an upgrade, which is used by the "Go Back" feature.

Q: How To Recover Files Lost After Windows Update?

A: Check the Recycle Bin first, then try restoring from backups or use a data recovery tool such as MyRecover to scan the drive for lost files.