Restore previous OS

mark goldin 691 Reputation points
2021-11-06T20:29:36.3+00:00

I accidentally installed W2022 Server over my W11. Is it possible to go back? Or at least recover files?

Thanks

Windows 11
Windows 11
A Microsoft operating system designed for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.
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  1. Limitless Technology 39,336 Reputation points
    2021-11-09T09:57:39.797+00:00

    Hi there,

    If you have clean installed the PC with deleting all the partitions then recovering your files might be a lost dream. You can use any third party recovery tool and check if you can pull out your files.

    If you have updated by other means then in the PC if the server OS is working fine then try checking your Windows.old folder . If you see your files there try copying them to an USB and then either clean install the PC to your previous version or check in recovery section that if it is possible to go back to your older state of PC.

    --If the reply is helpful, please Upvote and Accept it as an answer--

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  1. mark goldin 691 Reputation points
    2021-11-06T23:16:17.937+00:00

    I ran setup.exe from ISO files.
    I dont want to delete partitions, I want to go back to prev.OS.

  2. mark goldin 691 Reputation points
    2021-11-06T23:24:28.517+00:00

    So, the only way go back is to reinstall the OS and get files from Windows.old?

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  3. Andreas Baumgarten 95,411 Reputation points MVP
    2021-11-06T23:32:16.01+00:00

    Windows Server 2022 is installed successfully?
    If so:

    1. Login to Windows Server 2022 and copy all your data files on an USB drive (stick or hd).
      Or use OneDrive any other cloud storage to backup your files. 2. Create a List of all installed applications and verify you got the installation media of the applications (including licenses/keys) 3. Install a "fresh" Windows 11 and install your applications again. 4. Restore your backup data

    (If the reply was helpful please don't forget to upvote and/or accept as answer, thank you)

    Regards
    Andreas Baumgarten

  4. MotoX80 31,561 Reputation points
    2021-11-07T00:19:26.383+00:00

    If you have a Windows.old folder, see if the info in this site works for you. It might not be available since you installed a Server OS.

    https://www.ubackup.com/windows-10/restore-from-windows.old.html