I want to return to windows 10 from 11

Rodney Ingrouille 0 Reputation points
2026-10-22T13:39:03.78+00:00

I have tried to follow the instructions on the video etc offered by Kapil Arya. However, at 'reset this PC' and the following window I get ' the files we need were removed from this pc'.

Help. Does this mean I cannot return to Windows 10? I inadvertently clicked on the update to Windows 11 more than 10 days ago, did not notice as I was away from home, and now seem unable to return to windows 10

Advice please.

Rev Rod

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Recovery and backup
0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest

  1. AI answer

    2026-10-22T13:39:21.85+00:00

    Yes. If it has been more than 10 days since the upgrade, the normal Go back rollback is usually no longer available because the files needed for it have been removed. The message “the files we need were removed from this PC” matches that situation.

    What is still possible:

    1. Check whether Go back is still available:
      • Open Settings > System > Recovery.
      • If Go back is available, use that option.
      • If it is missing or fails, the rollback files are no longer available.
    2. If the rollback files are gone, returning to Windows 10 requires a reinstall/clean install of Windows 10.
      • Back up important files first.
      • A reinstall can remove apps, settings, and possibly personal files depending on the method used.
    3. If the PC is currently having problems but still starts, less disruptive options can be tried first:
      • Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • If the issue started after a recent Windows update, try uninstalling that update.
    4. If the PC will not start, recovery options are available in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE):
      • Troubleshoot > Uninstall updates if the problem started after an update.
      • Troubleshoot > Reset this PC if Windows needs to be reinstalled.
      • Reinstall Windows from recovery media is another option, but this removes everything from the device.

    Important notes:

    • The Go back option is generally available only for 10 days after upgrading.
    • Going back removes apps and drivers installed after the upgrade and any settings changes made after it.
    • If using Reset this PC, back up files first. During reset, the screen can stay black for a long time and the device may restart itself; manually restarting it can cause the reset to fail.
    • If the device is encrypted, the BitLocker recovery key may be required.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

    Was this answer helpful?

Your answer

Answers can be marked as 'Accepted' by the question author and 'Recommended' by moderators, which helps users know the answer solved the author's problem.