Restoring Windows 10 to your small business computer can be necessary for various reasons, such as incompatibility issues with newer versions or a preference for the older operating system. Here’s a general guide to help you restore or reinstall Windows 10:
If You’ve Recently Upgraded to a New Version (e.g., Windows 11):
If you’ve upgraded to a new version of Windows and want to revert to Windows 10, you might be able to use the built-in rollback feature, provided it’s within 10 days of the upgrade.
- Open Settings: Go to the Start menu, select Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Find the Rollback Option: Under “Go back to the previous version of Windows 10,” click “Get started.”
- Follow the Prompts: Answer the questions and follow the instructions to start the rollback process.
If You Need to Perform a Fresh Installation of Windows 10:
If the rollback option is not available, or if you need to perform a fresh installation of Windows 10, follow these steps:
- Backup Your Data: Ensure that all essential data, files, and settings are backed up, as a fresh installation can wipe your existing data.
- Create a Windows 10 Installation Media:
- Visit the Windows 10 download page and download the Media Creation Tool.
- Run the tool and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB drive or DVD with the Windows 10 installation files.
- Boot from the Installation Media:
- Insert the USB drive or DVD into the computer.
- Restart the computer and press the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, ESC, or DEL) to access the boot menu.
- Select the USB drive or DVD as the boot device.
- Install Windows 10:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10, including selecting your language, time, keyboard input, etc.
- When prompted, enter your Windows 10 product key, if required.
- Choose the “Custom” installation option and select the partition where you want to install Windows 10. (Note: This will erase the existing data on the selected partition.)
- Follow the prompts to complete the installation.
- Restore Your Data and Applications:
- Once Windows 10 is installed, you’ll need to reinstall your applications and restore your files from the backup.
- Update Windows and Drivers:
- Check for Windows updates and install the latest drivers for your hardware to ensure optimal performance.
Please note that the steps may vary slightly depending on your computer’s make and model and the specific circumstances of your situation. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, consulting with an IT professional or the support team of your computer’s manufacturer is advisable.