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Not a fan of Windows 10? Here is how you can go back

Many Windows users will have been blindsided by the recent Windows 10 release. Microsoft rolled out their latest operating system freely to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users – often without their consultation. 

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You may be someone who saw their computer upgrade itself to Windows 10, or maybe you took the upgrade and now want to switch back. Fortunately, Microsoft did provide some hidden options which will allow you to return your computer to normal.

Now, this particular method will only work if you have upgraded to Windows 10 in the last 10 days OR it has been fewer than 30 days if you upgraded before July 29th 2016. If you are in that category, then this is how you can return to Windows 8.1 or Windows 7.

All you need to do is go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery and then, by selecting either Go back to Windows 7 or Go back to Windows 8.1, your operating system should return to how it was prior to the upgrade. Taking this option will not affect your files or personal data, but it will remove any apps you have installed since the upgrade. It is important to remember that some apps that come with Windows, for example Mail and People, might not work after the downgrade – but a simple reinstall should fix any problems.

If you fall in the category of over 10 days or more than 30 days since July 29th 2016, all is not lost. However, you will have to use a different recovery method which also requires backing up your files. If you miss out on the above then you will have to completely factory reset your Windows laptop or computer.

By completing a factory reset, the version of Windows that came with the device when you originally purchased it will be reinstated. Before performing a factory reset, make sure you back up all your files to an external hard drive. Then you need to go to Settings > Update & security > Recovery Reset this PC > Get started and look for Restore factory settings. Choose restore factory settings and this will start the reset, along with resetting your apps, files and drivers. To get it back to how it used to be, reinstall the apps you want and drop over your files from your hard drive.

The final way to go back to Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 is if you have a product key for the previous versions of Windows. If you can locate the product key, then you can create an installation disc for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 using the media creation tool and go back to a clean install. This again will remove any apps that you have downloaded since the upgrade.

Before you do any downgrading back to an old edition it is important that you back up all of your files, even if the instructions claim that your files will be protected. This is so that, in the event of an error during the installation, you will not lose your files or any information. If you have any queries or need some extra support on an enterprise level to help your business stay working at full speed. While many IT support specialists will explain that Windows 10 is a more advanced and user-friendly operating system that simply requires a little time and training to get familiar with, there are those businesses that may prefer to stick with what they know.

Whatever your requirements, if you are a business based in London, there are a number of IT support specialists equipped to assist you. Syntax IT Support London is among the best, with a flexible and experienced team on hand for almost any outsourced IT need..

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Hello there!

My name is Gary, a 31 year old Tech Loving marketer passionate about home tech and coffee.

I'm a Programmer for hire working with small to medium businesses.

I network in Warrington, Liverpool and Manchester in the North West, England.

This website is my online notebook dedicated to tech, marketing and finance.

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