After rolled back to Win 10 I can't even get to password screen.

Question

After rolled back to Win 10 I can't even get to password screen.

KD 0

I installed Windows 11 and then I could not use some drivers so on the same day I started to roll back to Windows 10. I was not in front of the computer for the entire process. When I returned to the computer I cannot log in. I cannot even get to the password screen. It is just locked on the initial start up screen with the time and date.

I have tried rebooting. I have tried forced shut down. I've tried changing to Legacy boot. Nothing is working. I am still stuck on the start up screen.

Why? and How do I fix this?

5 answers

Your answer

Answer 1

John DeV 159.4K Independent Advisor

The best thing to do in this situation is to perform a Clean Install of Windows 10. However, you will need to find another working Windows computer from a family member or friend near you to create the Windows 10 USB Installation media.

Find another working computer then download the Media Creation tool (Click Download tool now). Use the tool to "Create installation media (USB flash drive at least 8GB in size) to install Windows 10". Instructions inside the link.

Note: Please make sure to uncheck the "Use the recommended options for this PC" box. Please check the link below for more details.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/create-installation-media-for-windows-99a58364-8c02-206f-aa6f-40c3b507420d

If you want to retrieve your important files, Insert the USB Installation media into your computer. Please change the boot order in the Bios Settings. Boot your PC from the Installation Media you created.

Click Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Command prompt

Type: notepad.exe

Press Enter

Click File, then Open

This will open a Mini-Explorer that you can use to find folders or individual files that need to backup, right click the files to Send to USB flash drive.

Kindly refer to the link below on How to Perform a Clean Install for more details.

https://support.microsoft.com/windows/reinstall-windows-with-the-installation-media-d8369486-3e33-7d9c-dccc-859e2b022fc7

KD 0 Reputation points

2026-02-14T23:32:49.3+00:00

Thank you for all of your help and persistence. I'm sorry that I'm not more user friendly.I am in the process of creating a boot USB. When you say change the bios boot order settings, what should I change them to?

Also, when you say "This will open a Mini-Explorer that you can use to find folders or individual files that need to backup, right click the files to Send to USB flash drive." Does this mean that I won't lose all of my files?
John DeV 159.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-02-14T23:40:51.41+00:00

Once you've booted into BIOS, select the Boot tab and make sure to set the USB installation media to first priority.

Press F10 to save changes

Those steps will help you retrieve and recover your important files first before proceeding with performing a Clean Install of Windows 10 which will remove all your data and installed applications.
KD 0 Reputation points

2026-02-15T00:02:35.4966667+00:00

In bios it is not giving me an 'installation media' priority boot option. It gives me Auto, UEFI first, or Legacy first. Lower down on the screen it says that my usb is excluded from boot order. It does not appear to let me change that.
KD 0 Reputation points

2026-02-15T00:07:34.65+00:00

I've managed to get the USB off the exclusion list, but it is still not an option for boot mode or boot priority.

Does it make a difference if CSM is enabled or disabled?
KD 0 Reputation points

2026-02-15T01:29:07.0166667+00:00

Thank you for all of your help and patience. I have given up and taken it to a technician.
John DeV 159.4K Reputation points Independent Advisor

2026-02-15T01:54:35.87+00:00

Thank you so much for your patience as well, and I apologize for stepping away briefly to grab a few things. I completely understand taking it to a technician, and I truly hope they’re able to get everything sorted out quickly for you. I appreciate the opportunity to try and help!

Feel free to reach out to the Forum again for any future concerns. Stay safe and have a great weekend.
KD 0 Reputation points

2026-02-17T22:28:51.6166667+00:00

Hi John,

Just as a follow up about the outcome with the technician. At some point during the rollback to Win 10 it deleted my windows profile, therefore there was only the public profile available. I have no explanation as to why I could not enter Windows Repair from the boot disc. The technician seemed to be able to do this step. Unfortunately due to my lack of profile, there was nothing to 'repair', which is how we ended up with the clean install. A clean install of Window 11 was done and it is of note that there was no issue with the sound driver. That glitch must just have something to do with the update process as opposed to clean installs. Thank you again for your assistance.

Answer 2

John DeV 159.4K Independent Advisor

Restart your computer, just as Windows attempts to load (spinning dots), press and hold the Power Button for 5 - 8 seconds or until it performs a Hard Shut Down

Do this 2 - 3 times until Windows will boot into the Recovery Environment

KD 0 Reputation points

2026-02-14T22:11:45.4233333+00:00

I have tried that several times. When it initially turns on the Lenovo logo appears and I have the option to interrupt the start up process, if I don't interrupt the start up process it then just goes straight to the clock screen.

If I interrupt the start up I can get into the bios screen. When I go into the boot options there is no WinRE option. I can choose uefi or legacy.

Answer 3

John DeV 159.4K Independent Advisor

Please try Option Five in the link below to Boot to Advanced Startup Options from Windows 10 Installation USB.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-boot-advanced-startup-options-windows-10-a.html

Please find another working computer from a family member or friend to Create Bootable USB Flash Drive.

Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

KD 0 Reputation points

2026-02-14T21:57:47.89+00:00

Using another computer, my only option is one with Windows 11. Downloading Windows 10 on that device prompts me to allow the file to make changes to my device. I don't want that device changed to 10. I don't want to end up with no computers??

Answer 4

John DeV 159.4K Independent Advisor

Hi, good day!

Have you tried pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL on your keyboard while on the initial start-up screen with the time and date?

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

KD 0 Reputation points

2026-02-14T21:00:44.22+00:00

Hi John, yes I tried Ctrl+Alt+Del. I also don't seem to be able to get it to go into WinRE.

Answer 5

It sounds like you're experiencing a startup issue after rolling back to Windows 10 from Windows 11. Here are some steps you can try to resolve the issue:

Boot into Safe Mode: Try booting your computer in Safe Mode. You can do this by interrupting the boot process three times (turning the computer off when you see the Windows logo). This should take you to the Windows Recovery Environment, where you can select "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced options" > "Startup Settings" and then restart to enter Safe Mode.
Repair Startup: If you can access the Windows Recovery Environment, you can also try the "Startup Repair" option. This can help fix problems that prevent Windows from loading.
System Restore: If you have a restore point created before the upgrade to Windows 11, you can use the System Restore feature to revert your system back to that state.
Reinstall Windows: As a last resort, if none of the above options work, you may need to perform a clean installation of Windows 10. Make sure to back up any important data if possible before doing this.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.

References:

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After rolled back to Win 10 I can't even get to password screen.

5 answers

Your answer