Windows 11 update

Question

You updated my pc to windows 11 and I didn't not want to update to windows 11. None of my tabs, favorites moved over and I want windows 10 restored but it won't let me go back. I need to know what I can do.

Answer 1

Hi,

First check Edge >> Settings >> Profiles >> Sync and make sure Favorites sync is enabled with the same Microsoft account.

If you want to return to Windows 10, go to Settings >> System >> Recovery >> Go back. This is usually only available for 10 days after upgrading.

If Go back is no longer available, you’ll need to back up your files and reinstall Windows 10.

Answer 2

If Go back is unavailable, preserve your files and browser data first; returning to Windows 10 now requires a clean installation, which removes personal files, applications, and settings.

Recover favorites and other browser data first

Do this before reinstalling Windows:

1. Check the browser and profile previously used.
   • Open Microsoft Edge.
   • Select the profile icon at the upper-right.
   • Sign in with the same Microsoft account previously used.
   • Open Settings and more (…) → Settings → Profiles → Sync.
   • Turn on the relevant sync categories, especially Favorites, and allow time for them to appear. Edge can synchronize favorites, passwords, history, extensions, and other data when the original profile had sync enabled.^1^
2. If the favorites were in another browser or browser profile:
   • In Edge, open Settings and more (…) → Settings → Profiles → Import browser data.
   • Select the original browser or profile and choose Import.^2^
3. Save anything still accessible.
   • Copy documents, pictures, downloads, and other personal folders to an external drive or cloud storage.
   • Export browser favorites if they reappear.
   • Save any currently open pages needed later as favorites. Open tabs that were never synchronized or saved might not be recoverable.

Why the normal rollback is unavailable

Windows retains the files needed for Go back for only 10 days after upgrading to Windows 11. When the option is no longer available, Microsoft’s supported route back is to back up the data manually and clean-install Windows 10.^3^

A system restore point is not a substitute for this rollback. If a complete Windows 10 system image backup was created before the upgrade, however, it can be restored through Windows Recovery Environment → Troubleshoot → Advanced options → System Image Recovery.^4^

Clean-install Windows 10

Warning: This process erases files, installed programs, manufacturer customizations, and Windows settings. Do not continue until the backup has been checked from another device or from the external drive.

1. Open Settings → System → About and note the current Windows edition, such as Home or Pro. Reinstall the matching Windows 10 edition so it matches the device’s digital license.^5^
2. Obtain a blank USB flash drive with at least 8 GB. Its existing contents will be deleted.
3. On a working computer, go to the Download Windows 10 site and select Download Now under Create Windows 10 Installation Media. Run MediaCreationTool.exe and use it to create the USB installation media.^6^
4. Connect that USB drive to the affected PC and start the PC from it. The key or menu used to boot from USB varies by computer manufacturer.
5. In Windows Setup:
   • Select the appropriate language and keyboard.
   • Choose to install Windows.
   • If asked for a product key, select I don’t have a product key only if the PC has a digital license or firmware-embedded key.
   • Select the same edition noted earlier.
   • Continue with the clean installation.
6. After installation, connect to the internet and sign in with the Microsoft account associated with the PC. Reinstall applications and restore the backed-up files.

Important Windows 10 limitation

Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. It still operates, but Microsoft no longer supplies free security updates, feature updates, or technical assistance. Microsoft recommends Windows 11; if Windows 10 must be retained, consider the Consumer Extended Security Updates program.^7^

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References

1. Change and customize sync settings in Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Support
2. Update to the new Microsoft Edge | Microsoft Support
3. Upgrade to Windows 11: FAQ | Microsoft Support
4. Windows recovery environment | Microsoft Support
5. Reinstall Windows with the installation media | Microsoft Support
6. [Windows 10](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/create-installation-media-for-windows)
7. Windows 10 support has ended on October 14, 2025 | Microsoft Support