How to perform a system rollback on Windows 10. Creating an OS restore point

If you have problems with the operation of your computer, or for some other reason it does not suit you, it is better to return to the previous version of the operating system.

Important! The user can rollback to previous version OS for 30 days from the date of update, during which you cannot delete the saved windows.old and $windows.~bt files.

If you install incompatible software, roll back to a restore point. In this case, you will not remove Windows 10 from your computer.

To previous version

Microsoft developers have provided the ability to return from Windows 10 to the previous version if the user is not satisfied with the new OS. To do this, go to the Settings application.

Settings –> Update & Security –> Recovery –> Return to Windows 8.1 or 7

Healthy! You can click on the notification icon on the taskbar and select “All settings” -> “Update and security”.

After this, indicate why you refuse to use the new “OS”. The rollback will occur with the complete removal of the new OS, but installed programs and the user's saved files will remain on the computer. Only new settings and applications will disappear.

Important! This method will not be available to those who performed a clean installation.

Video instructions

You can learn more about how to return to the previous build or version of the operating system in the video.

To the restore point

This rollback will allow you to return to the previous computer settings without uninstalling the new OS. Use this method if you installed programs or drivers that affected the performance of your computer, although it was functioning stably before.

Creation

The OS automatically creates restore points on a schedule, or does it when changes are made (installing new software, drivers). If necessary, you can make the point yourself.

Control Panel –> System and Security –> System –> System Protection (on the left in the menu) –> Create

Important! This feature should be enabled by default for the drive with the OS installed. If not, then you need to activate it by clicking the “Configure” button.

Recovery

Control Panel –> System and Security –> System –> System Protection (on the left in the menu) –> Restore

In the window that opens, select the appropriate point and click “Next”.

See what date the rollback will occur by and click “Done.”

Video instructions

You can watch the video to see more clearly how to independently create and roll back the OS to a restore point.

To a restore point if the system does not boot

If after installing drivers or programs the operating system does not want to start, but you do not want to reinstall the OS or go back to the previous version, use the installation disk.

Healthy! You can use the installation disk with both the latest version of the OS and Windows 8.1, or even the test edition of Insider Preview.

Insert the disk into the drive and start the computer from it, setting in the parameters BIOS loading from the desired media. In the Windows Setup window that opens, click System Restore. After this, a blue screen will appear with options to continue working:

Select action –> Diagnostics –> Additional options–> System Restore

Conclusion

Use a rollback to a previous version if you are absolutely unhappy Windows operation 10 or it affects the stability of the computer. In other cases, if after installing programs or drivers the OS stops working normally, roll back to a suitable restore point.

For many years, System Restore has been successfully used to resolve crashes and problems in Windows. You will find it in Windows 10; The use of the Recovery function is described in detail in the article “Restoring Windows 10”.

But you'll soon learn that Windows 10 includes many other useful tools designed to keep your computer functioning at the proper level and troubleshoot problems that arise during its operation.

In the following sections, you'll learn about many of the new operating system tools, how and when to use them, and which ones are best for troubleshooting your specific problem.

How to roll back the Windows 10 system. Reset the operating system.

The rollback or reset tool, described below, allows the system recovery process - should the need arise - to delete all user data, including account settings, personal settings and files. In such a case, after reinstalling Windows 10, you will receive completely new computer, in which it was not preserved important information its previous owners, and you don't have to worry about its safety. To reset your operating system, follow these steps:

1. Click the button Start and run the command Options. The Settings application window will appear on the screen.
2. In the Settings window, click the Update and Security. On the next settings page, go to the left panel and click on the section Recovery. In the right pane, find the Reset your computer subsection and click the Start button.

If you continue the operation, a window will appear on the screen asking you to choose one of two ways to restore the computer to its original state.

3. Select one of the options and click the button Next.

You are asked to choose one of two methods to reset systems

• Save my files. This is the most common method of reinstalling Windows 10, ensuring the safety of accounts and user data. IN in this case you will need to reinstall all separately installed programs (but not applications from Windows Store). Having chosen this option, proceed to step 5 of the instructions.
• Delete everything. In this case, all user files and account data are deleted from the computer, after which a complete reinstalling Windows 10. You can start working on your computer from scratch. If you choose this method, proceed to step 4 of the instructions.

4. If you decide to completely delete user data, then indicate whether you need to clear the entire disk. As before, you are asked to choose from two options.

• Just delete my files. If the computer will continue to be used in your home, then you can safely choose this option. Despite complete removal personal data by attackers equipped with special hardware and software, will be able to easily recover previously deleted user data and use it to obtain important information about the previous owners of the computer.
• Deleting Files and Disk Cleanup. By choosing this option, you can safely sell your computer to others, even strangers. It is guaranteed not to contain personal data available for recovery. And all because after deleting user files, the disk is additionally cleared of all information stored on it.

5. After selecting one of the options above, click on the button Reset. The operating system will begin the procedure of deleting data on the system hard drive and then reinstalling it. After its completion, you will receive a computer in the same condition in which it was purchased - with completely “reset” Windows 10 settings. You can safely start working on the computer.

Reinstalling Windows 10 takes from 15 minutes to an hour. After resetting the operating system, your computer gets a new life, which involves fully or partially configuring it.

Return to a previous version of Windows

It was previously discussed that Windows users 7 and 8.1 get the unprecedented opportunity to upgrade their operating system to Windows 10 for free, but only during the first year of its sale. The question immediately arises: will it be possible, after switching to Windows 10, to change your mind and return to the previous one? operating system?

To restore a previous (original) version of the Windows operating system on your computer, you will need to go to the Update and Security category of the Settings application (as described in paragraphs 1 and 2 of the instructions above). But now, instead of going to the Restore section, in the left pane, click on the title Reset your computer to its original state. Next, click on the Start button to initiate the transition to more old version Windows that was already installed on your computer at some point. All programs installed on it are restored along with the operating system, and files associated with Windows 10 are permanently deleted.

After installing Windows 10 on top of already installed system(this can only be Windows 7 or Windows 8.1), the user can return the previous version of the OS without reinstallation if the new OS is unstable or simply does not like it. In this article we will show you how to rollback Windows installation 10, we will consider the features and limitations of the process of such a downgrade.

Rolling back Windows 10 after upgrading from a previous version of Windows

To roll back to an older version of the OS, in Windows 10, open the menu Start and go to the section -> Settings -> Update and Security -> Recovery(in the Russian version Start -> Settings -> Update and Security -> Recovery). IN Recovery section in section Go back to Windows 8.1/ Return to Windows 8.1 (or Windows 7 depending on the version of the previously installed OS) you need to click the button Get started/ Begin.

In the window that opens, you will need to indicate the reason why Windows 10 does not suit you, and then follow simple instructions masters After rebooting, the computer will boot into a special mode in which Windows removal 10 and restoring the previous system. At this time, the inscription “” will be displayed on the screen.

After another reboot, the desktop will load earlier installed version Windows.

Folders Windows.old and $WINDOWS.~BT and 30 day period

The ability to restore the previous OS is available only during 30 days after upgrading to Windows 10. After 30 days, the task Windows maintenance will automatically delete the hidden Windows.old and $WINDOWS.~BT directories (in some cases there is also a $Windows.~WS directory) in the root of the system drive. It is in these directories that the data and files of the previous version of Windows necessary for performing a rollback are stored. Therefore, if you plan to retain the ability to roll back Windows 10, under no circumstances should you use $WINDOWS.~BT using the Disk Cleanup wizard or manually.

To be able to downgrade the OS even after 30 days, you need to rename these three directories, for example, to BAK-Windows.old, BAK-$WINDOWS.~BT and BAK-$Windows.~WS. In this case, Windows 10 will not delete these directories, because their names have changed.

In the future, when performing a rollback, you need to return the original names to the directories.

Starting to downgrade Windows 10 through recovery mode

If you cannot access the worker Windows desktop(the system does not boot or there are other errors), then to start the aging procedure to the previous version, you need to load Windows 10 in a special recovery mode. To start this mode, you can use the instructions, boot from the installation Windows disk 10 (described) or interrupt the normal booting of the computer three times in a row. In the window that appears Advanced Recovery Options need to choose Troubleshoot -> Advanced options and press the button.

Restoring Windows.old and $WINDOWS.~BT directories after deletion

In the event that after upgrading to Windows 10, more than a month, you will not be able to roll back to a previous version of Windows, because the Windows.old and $WINDOWS.~BT directories were automatically deleted. Therefore, to return to a previous version of Windows, you will first have to try to restore the data in these directories. The success of this procedure depends on how actively your disk is used, how much free space how long ago the deletion was performed and the quality of the utility for recovering deleted files.

I used an already well-proven program Hetman Partition Recovery(https://hetmanrecovery.com/ru/hard_drive_recovery/software-3.htm).

Windows 10 Anniversary Update and 10 day period

In the event that you installed Windows 10 from the official ISO image systems released after August 2, 2016, keep in mind: starting with Windows 10 Version 1607 (the so-called Anniversary Update), Microsoft has reduced the time during which you can roll back the system from 30 to 10 days! Apparently, according to MS, the system is already good enough to understand within 10 days whether the user liked it or not.

No matter how perfect the next build of Windows 10 may seem, new problems continue to emerge.

To reset or Windows rollback 10 are due to shortcomings in the latest updates or the system being cluttered with software garbage that slows down the PC and makes it difficult for it to operate quickly and smoothly.

Why reset Windows 10 to factory settings

The reasons for resetting Windows 10 are as follows:

1. Installation too large quantity programs that were subsequently removed as unnecessary, but Windows began to work noticeably worse.
2. Poor PC performance. You did a good job for the first six months - then Windows 10 began to slow down. This is a rare case.
3. You don't want to bother yourself with copying/transferring personal files from drive C and intend to leave everything as it was for an indefinite period.
4. You have incorrectly configured some components and built-in applications, services, drivers and libraries that already came with Windows 10, but you don’t want to spend a lot of time understanding them, remembering how it was before.
5. Work has slowed down significantly due to Windows “brakes”, and time is precious: it’s easier for you to reset the OS to initial settings to quickly return to interrupted work.

Practical ways to roll back and reset Windows 10

Each subsequent build of Windows 10 can be “rolled back” to the previous one. So, you can roll back from Windows 10 Update 1703 to Windows 10 Update 1607.

How to roll back to a previous build of Windows 10 within 30 days

Take these steps:

The OS update will be rolled back. After a restart, the old assembly will start with the same components.

How to undo the latest Windows 10 update

This reset helps when Windows errors 10 accumulated in an amount at which normal operation in the top ten became impossible.

Windows 10 will begin to reset.

Video: how to reset Windows 10 with a running OS

How to Restore Windows 10 to Factory Settings Using Refresh Tool

To do this you need:

Windows application 10 Refresh Tool resembles the interface of Windows 10 Media Creation Tool - for convenience, it is made in the form of a wizard with tips. Like the Media Creation Tool, the Refresh Tool allows you to save your personal data. It seems to perform the opposite function of the Media Creation Tool - not an update, but Windows reset 10.

During the reset process, the PC will restart several times. After this, you will start working with Windows 10 as if you had just reinstalled it - without applications and incorrect OS settings.

There is no rollback from version 1703 to 1607/1511 yet - this is a task for future updates Windows utilities 10 Refresh Tool.

Video: Refresh Tool shortcomings

How to reset Windows 10 if it has startup problems

The operation is performed in two stages: checking startup from a flash drive in the BIOS and selecting options to reset the OS itself.

Checking the PC boot from a flash drive in BIOS

As an example, here is the BIOS version of AMI, which is most often found in laptops. Paste bootable USB flash drive and restart (or turn on) your PC before proceeding further.

Now the PC will boot from the USB flash drive.

The BIOS version indicated on the manufacturer's logo screen can be any (Award, AMI, Phoenix). On some laptops BIOS version is not indicated at all - only the key for entering BIOS firmware Setup.

Running a Windows 10 reset from installation media

Wait for the PC to start booting from Windows flash drives 10 and do the following:

Once the reset is complete, Windows 10 will start with default settings.

Resetting from a Windows 10 installation flash drive is, in essence, restoring lost or damaged files due to which the OS could not start. Options Windows recovery have been around since Windows 95 (fixing startup problems) - the steps to follow have become clearer over 20 years, without typing fancy commands.

Problems with resetting Windows 10 to previous settings

No matter how clear and no matter how easy the process of resetting Windows 10 may seem, there are also difficulties here.

1. Windows 10 rollback does not run on an already running system. You have exceeded the month allotted for recovery or did not stop counting these days in the manner described above. Only reinstalling the OS will help.
2. Windows 10 reset options are not displayed when a flash drive or DVD is inserted. Check the boot order of your PC from BIOS. Check if the DVD drive or USB ports are working or readable DVD disc or flash drive. If hardware faults are detected, replace the installation DVD or flash drive, and service your PC or laptop. If we are talking about a tablet, check whether the OTG adapter, microUSB port, USB hub (if using a USB-DVD drive) are working, and whether the tablet “sees” the flash drive.
3. Reset/restore Windows 10 does not start due to an incorrectly burned (multi)bootable flash drive or DVD. Rewrite your installation media again - you may have written it in such a way that it turned out just copy of Windows 10, not the boot drive. Use rewritable (DVD-RW) discs - this will allow you to correct the error without sacrificing the disc itself.
4. Resetting Windows to factory settings does not work due to a stripped-down version of Windows 10. This is a very rare case when Windows builds recovery and update options are excluded - only reinstallation “from scratch” works. Usually, many other “unnecessary” components and applications are cut out from such an assembly, the Windows graphical shell and other “chips” are cut off in order to reduce the space occupied on the C drive after installing such an assembly. Use full builds of Windows that allow you to rollback or reset without resorting to new installation with the removal of all data.

Rolling back or resetting Windows 10 to factory settings is a simple matter. In any case, you will eliminate errors without losing important documents, and your system will again work like a clock. Good luck!

Windows 10 takes the best of Microsoft's previous operating systems and combines them into a single, definitive version. If you change your mind after a few days, you'll be glad to know that the updates can be easily reversed. I, in turn, will show you how to roll back Windows 10 to Windows 7 or 8.1.

Don't worry if you didn't take this into account before upgrading. Microsoft has provided the ability to easily revert to a previous version of the operating system for a limited period. However, there are other methods to roll back to your previous OS, so if you really don't like Windows 10, you can always uninstall it and restore Windows 8.1 or 7.

Built-in rollback option

After upgrading the system to Windows 10, old system files will be stored in a folder called , to free up space. But its presence will provide the ability to easily return to the previous version.

Windows 10 has a built-in feature that allows you to revert to your old operating system. The caveat is that this option is only available for one month after you upgrade. If this time has passed, try the other methods below.

To start the process, click Windows + I to bring up the settings screen. Click the Update & Security button and then select Recovery from the left-hand drop-down navigation. Here you will see the title Return to Windows X(depending on which version you had before). Click the START button.

A window will open confirming your desire to return to the old version. Confirm and then follow the on-screen instructions, paying attention to warnings and other information (for example, do not turn off the system during the process).

You may have to reinstall some programs or change a couple of settings after the rollback, but overall you'll find the rollback process to be fairly quick and easy.

Reinstalling Windows

You can choose another method - clean install your previous version of Windows. This procedure will erase all information on the disk, which means backup personal data is a mandatory step before starting this process.

If you have previous versions of Windows on physical installation media, e.g. bootable DVD or USB flash drive, insert it into your computer. If you don't have a physical version, you can create one directly from Microsoft, thanks to Windows 7 Software Recovery and Windows 8.1 Installation Media.

After that, reboot the system and wait for a screen with a message like “press F12” to select the boot device. The text of the message may vary - F10 and the ESC key are a common combination. You can press the key several times and check whether it works or not.

Then you will see a menu that will contain a list of all boot devices, from which to choose. Use the arrow keys to select the device you just inserted and then press Enter. Follow the installation wizard's instructions, confirming your choice to install the operating system again. You will be asked to enter license key product, which can be found on the installation media (if Windows was purchased separately), or on a label on the device or accompanying documentation (if Windows was purchased with the computer).

Disk image

This method is only possible if you prepared it before you updated your system to Windows 10. That is, if you have an image of your disk, you can simply restore it. The image is full copy what is on the disk, including personal data, as well as other files.

A disk image can be created in Windows 7 and 8.1 using the System Image utility, which can then be stored on external media. To restore it in Windows 10, press the key Windows + I, then press the button Update and Security, then select Recovery. After that, click the button Reboot now and follow the instructions to restore the system from the disk image.

Again, this will only work if you made a disk image before upgrading your system to Windows 10.

Conclusion

Microsoft hopes everyone will like Windows 10, especially since it's the latest Windows version, but who knows. Luckily, it's very easy to go back to a previous version you love, even if you've already updated your system.

Remember, the Microsoft-provided option in Windows 10 to roll back the system to a previous version will only be available for 30 days after the update, so do it as soon as possible because this method is the easiest and safest way to revert to a previous version.

Do you want to go back to a previous version (instead of staying with Windows 10) or have you already downgraded? If so, what didn't you like about Microsoft's new operating system?