How to Go Back to Windows 8 From Windows 10

This easy to follow guide will take you step by step through the process of reverting back to Windows 8.1 from Windows 10, for whatever reason you’ve decided 10 isn’t for you.

Here’s what you should know up front:

1. For this to work, you’ll need to have upgraded to Windows 10 in the last 30 days. If you’ve been using Windows 10 for longer than 30 days, you can no longer “downgrade” to Windows 8.1 using this method.
2. Any and all software that you installed while using Windows 10 will be gone. You’ll need to re-install it when you go back to Windows 8.1. Programs that were installed in Windows 8 before you tried Windows 10 will remain intact.
3. None of your files (photos, MP3s, documents etc) should be deleted, but back them up first just in case!
4. You may find yourself having to re-enter some passwords and change some settings back once you’ve returned to 8.1. For some reason, when I ‘downgraded’ back to Windows 8, I had to re-enter the WiFi password for my Home Network (but not all others!).
5. You’ll always be able to go back to Windows 10 at any point in time. It may not remain free forever, but I’m quite certain Microsoft will “let you know” by way of a notification if that were to happen.
6. Do you remember the password you used when you signed in to Windows 8? You’ll need it!

With that out of the way, let’s go!

1. Click the Start button and select Settings
2. From the Settings menu, select Update & security
3. Then select Recovery
4. Locate the section titled Go back to Windows 8.1 and then click (or tap) the Get started button.
5. If you care to let Microsoft know why you’re going back, place a check in the appropriate box – otherwise just click Next
6. Review the information on the What you need to know screen, but it’s all stuff we covered at the start of this guide. Click Next.


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7. Remember, you’ll need to know the password you used to sign in to your Windows 8 PC/laptop/tablet. Click Next
8. Finally! Click the Go back to Windows 8.1
9. Your device will reboot.
10. Now the process of reverting to Windows 8.1 really begins. You won’t need to do anything or interact with your computer while this automated process takes place.
11. When it’s done, you’ll find yourself at the familiar Windows 8 login screen. Welcome back!