Tutorials

Uninstall Windows 10 if you don’t like it

Got a problem with Windows 10, here's how to go back a version or two!

9 Oct 2015

Windows recovery options

The simplest way to fix problems in Windows is to reinstall the operating system. This isn't always necessary, and it's a drastic step, but it's an easy solution because you don't have to search the web for solutions and apply complicated fixes. It has become so common for people to opt to reinstall Windows that Microsoft added it as a built-in tool in Windows 8, and this continues to be an option in 8.1 and 10. The menu options have changed from version to version, but they all work in the same way.

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Reset the computer using one f these three options, but only as a last resort

In Windows 10, go to Start, Settings, and select Update & security'. Select Recovery on the left and, under Reset this PC', click Get started'. Three options are displayed; the first, Keep my files', removes apps and settings, but keeps your documents, photos, videos and music files. Try this option first and see if it solves whatever problems you are experiencing.

The Remove everything' option is like a complete reset of Windows 10, where everything is cleared out, including apps you have installed and any files such as documents, music, photos and videos. This option can solve more troublesome problems, but you must copy any files you want to keep to an external hard drive or save them online in OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox or similar.

The third option is Restore factory settings', which removes everything and restores the original version of Windows that came with the PC. This might downgrade your PC to an old version of Windows without the most recent updates or software, so it should be used only as a last resort after all other options have been tried. Copy any files you want to keep to an external drive or store them online before starting.

Windows 8 and 8.1 have similar features. In 8.1, go to the Charms bar on the right (press Windows+C) and select Settings, then Change PC settings'. Select Update and recovery' followed by Recovery. There are options to Refresh your PC without affecting your files' and Remove everything and reinstall Windows'. These are like the first two options in Windows 10.