Revert back to factory setting Window 10 after upgrade to Windows 11

WindChaser

Hi there!  I upgraded to Windows 11 but there are simply too many issues with applications, printing, ... a lot of stuff.  I would like to revert back to the factory set Windows 10 using ALT + F10.  However, I wonder if the upgrade to Windows 11 has affected the recovery partition.  Intuitively, I would say no but I'd rather make sure before proceeding.  If anyone can provide guidance, it would be much appreciated.  Thanks!

AnhEZ28

@WindChaser if you just updated to Windows 11 within 10 days, it can still let you revert back to Windows 10 in the setting.

WindChaser

I know.  However, it's already been 3 months or so.  

AnhEZ28

@WindChaser ok so you can try using that recovery option, but I think it will just factory reset the Windows 11.

billsey

The factory image should still be the original one, although it is possible Microsoft overwrote it when doing the W11 upgrade. The only real way to tell is to try it. Make sure you've done a backup first, just to be safe.

WindChaser

I tried it and Windows 11 was restored.  And if I try the other option of downloading files from the web instead of using local files, it tells me that it can't be done.  So, in essence, it means that I cannot restore the system back to its original settings using usual Acer methods.  Isn't that just great.  Any advice would be appreciated.

WindChaser

Maybe I can download the Windows 10 installation media creation tool and proceed that way.  But I would need the original W10 license provided by Acer.  However, there is no Microsoft Windows sticker on the back of the laptop.  I bought the laptop directly from Acer so where would I find the license?

Callistemon

WindChaser said:

Maybe I can download the Windows 10 installation media creation tool and proceed that way.  But I would need the original W10 license provided by Acer.  However, there is no Microsoft Windows sticker on the back of the laptop.  I bought the laptop directly from Acer so where would I find the license?

The license will not be an issue, the same way the license was not an issue when upgrading. However, since it has been more than 10 days, the tool will only provide options to delete files, settings, and apps.

WindChaser

So I successfully reinstalled W10 without the need for the license which was already preconfigured in the PC.  I discovered however that it is important to download the very latest version of the Windows 10 installation media creation tool for a downgrade from W11.  Thanks to all of you for your time!