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Thaddeus's avatar
Thaddeus
Iron Contributor
Jun 05, 2025

How can I uninstall Windows 11 24H2 and roll back to an old version?

Windows 11 24H2 causes a lot of issues after system upgrade from Windows 10. However, the legit period was expired and the roll back feature from settings is no longer available. How can I uninstall Windows 11 version 24H2 so I can install an old version of Windows 11 or Windows 10?

It could be great to let me have the current apps and don't delete user data from current disk. 

6 Replies

  • Tracecea's avatar
    Tracecea
    Iron Contributor

    Uninstalling Windows 24H2 can be tricky if you’re not careful. From my experience, here are some common errors to dodge:
    Always, always make a full backup of your important files and system. If something goes sideways, you don’t wanna lose your stuff or be stuck without a way to recover. Some apps or drivers might not play nice after the uninstall. Double-check that your essential software will still work or have updates ready.

    If your PC is acting weird or crashing, it’s better to fix those issues first before attempting to roll back. Otherwise, you risk making things worse. If the uninstall isn’t straightforward, tools like System Restore or Windows Recovery options can save you a headache. Don’t skip these; they can be lifesavers. Uninstalling updates might need some room to work. Make sure you have enough free space on your drive to avoid errors during the process.

    Windows usually allows you to revert within a certain period (like 10 days). After that, the old files are cleaned up, and you might need a fresh install, which is more involved. Just jumping into advanced commands or deleting system files manually is a bad idea. Stick to the official options: Settings > Windows Update > Recovery, or the Advanced Startup options.

    Uninstalling Windows 11 24H2 or rolling back can take some time. Interrupting the process (like shutting down during uninstall) can brick your system. Let it do its thing.

  • If you recently upgraded to Windows 11 24H2 and are facing issues or just prefer the previous version, you can roll back—but only within 10 days of the update (unless you extended it manually). Here’s how to revert safely without uninstalling Windows 11 version 24H2 as it takes time and cause data loss.

    Method 1: Roll Back via Settings (Within 10 Days)

    1. Open Settings > System > Recovery.
    2. Under Recovery options, click Go back.
    3. Follow the prompts and choose a reason for the rollback.
    4. Let the process complete (your files stay intact, but newly installed apps may be removed).

     

    Method 2: Roll Back Using a System Image (After 10 Days)

    If the Go back option is grayed out:

    Use a backup if you created a system image using tools like Windows Backup.

    Boot from recovery media and restore your previous version.

    Method 3: Uninstall Windows 24H2 to an Older Version

    If no backup exists:

    1. Download the ISO for your preferred Windows 11 version (e.g., 23H2) from Microsoft’s official site.
    2. Create a bootable USB using Rufus.
    3. Back up your data.
    4. Boot from the USB and perform a clean install.

    📝 Tip: Always backup your files before downgrading. If you're rolling back due to bugs in 24H2, it might be worth reporting them to Microsoft as well.

  • LennoxFord's avatar
    LennoxFord
    Iron Contributor

    You're thinking about uninstalling Windows 11 24H2, huh? If you're planning to just wipe out that update or revert to an earlier version, make sure you’ve backed up all your important stuff. Sometimes, during uninstallation or rollback, files can get lost or corrupted — not often, but it’s better to be safe.

    Also, check if your system is compatible with whatever you're planning to do next. If you’re switching to a different OS or rolling back to an earlier Windows version, make sure you have the necessary drivers and setup ready.

    And if you’re using some apps that rely on specific Windows features, uninstalling the update might cause hiccups with those apps temporarily.

    In my experience, if you follow the proper steps to uninstall Windows 11 24H2—like using Windows’ built-in recovery options or the "Go back to previous version" feature within the rollback window (usually within 10 days of an update)—things tend to go smoothly. But if you’re manually deleting files or messing with system files, that’s when you could run into trouble.

  • Harlan's avatar
    Harlan
    Iron Contributor

    The Windows 11 24H2 update brings performance enhancements, AI features, and broader hardware support, but like most major updates, it’s not without hiccups. Many users are reporting issues post-update, ranging from installation failures to driver incompatibilities and broken features. Whether you're installing 24H2 on supported or unsupported hardware, being aware of these common problems and their solutions can save you a lot of time.

    Common Issues in Windows 11 24H2:

    Installation Fails or Stalls – Often caused by outdated drivers, insufficient space, or incompatible antivirus software.

    Taskbar/Start Menu Freezing – Possibly caused by buggy ShellExperienceHost updates or corrupted UI cache.

    Driver Compatibility Problems – Especially for graphics, network, or audio drivers that haven't been updated for 24H2.

    Wi-Fi or Bluetooth Connectivity Issues – Can occur after upgrade resets certain settings or uses older drivers.

    Sluggish Performance or Overheating – Background indexing and Windows Defender scans may spike CPU usage temporarily.

    Fixes and Workarounds:

    Before uninstalling Windows 11 24h2, please give a try on the following tips.

    Use Windows Update Troubleshooter: Navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

    Update Drivers: Use Device Manager or your device manufacturer's website to manually update drivers.

    Repair System Files: Use sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in Command Prompt as admin.

    Install on Unsupported PCs: Tools like Rufus or WinBoootMate can create modified ISOs that bypass TPM/RAM/CPU checks.

    If the workaround did not work, then you should uninstall Windows 11 version 24H2 with a clean install. You should make a bootable USB first!

  • You wanna uninstall Windows 11 24H2 and go back to a clean slate? Here’s how I’d do it:
    1. Create a Bootable Windows 11 Installer: Grab a USB stick (at least 8GB). Head over to Microsoft’s site and download the Media Creation Tool. Follow the steps to make a bootable Windows installer. It’s pretty straightforward.

    2. Boot from USB:
    - Restart your PC and get into the BIOS/UEFI setup (usually by pressing F2, F12, Del, or Esc right after turning on).
    - Change the boot order to prioritize your USB stick.
    - Save and restart. Your PC should boot into the Windows installer.

    3. Start Fresh Install:
    - Follow the prompts until you get to the “Where do you want to install Windows?” screen.
    Here, you’ll see your current partitions. Be careful — select the partition where Windows 11 is installed (probably C:).
    - You can delete that partition (click “Delete”), which wipes everything. If you want to be super safe, format it instead.

    4. Install Windows:
    - After deleting/formatting, select the unallocated space and hit “Next.”
    - The setup will do its thing, and you’ll end up with a clean Windows install.

    5. Post-Install Stuff:
    - Go through the initial setup.
    - Install the drivers and apps you need.
    - And boom — you’re back to a fresh Windows 11, no 24H2 clutter.

    A couple tips from my “experience”:  

    • If you’re just trying to get rid of the update because it’s causing issues, sometimes a simple system restore or uninstall Windows 11 24H2 via settings can do the trick without a full wipe. But if you want to start fresh, this clean install is the way to go.
    • Keep your drivers handy, just in case Windows doesn’t get them right away

     

    And just a heads up: Doing a clean install erases everything on the drive, so double-check you’ve got backups. Also, make sure your Windows license key (if needed) is linked to your Microsoft account or saved somewhere.

     

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