Can I revert back to Windows 10 if I do a factory reset?

I have a Surface. I can't recall which version, but it's not that old.
I made the mistake of allowing the system to update to Windows 11. I want to revert back to Windows 10, but the system won't let me do it directly.
If I do a factory reset, will it revert back to windows 10? After all, that is how this device came from the factory.

A reset remove files or a reset save files at this time should result with a fresh installation of Windows 11.

A factory reset should allow you to return to whatever OEM was installed when you purchased the computer.

In case there are problems you may also be able to return to Windows 10 by a clean or custom install.



To return to Windows 10:

Find a flash drive that you can format ( > or = 8 GB)

Create a bootable flash drive with the Media Creation Tool (MCT:





This I've not yet performed but it may be possible to perform a modified custom install.

If you need to save important files you can try a custom install which saves files to Windows.old.

Once files are in Windows.old you can clean install Windows 10 and then restore files from Windows.old.

Yes. If you do a factory reset, it will take your device back to before you set it up. Once you get it setup again, I would start making backup images with imaging programs such as Macrium Reflect or AOMEI Backupper two name just two programs.

Winuser said:

Yes. If you do a factory reset, it will take your device back to before you set it up. Once you get it setup again, I would start making backup images with imaging programs such as Macrium Reflect or AOMEI Backupper two name just two programs.

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Sorry no it doesn't. I upgraded my Surface Pro 6 to Windows 11 and tried to reset it to sell it and it would not reset at all. Kept failing and would not say why. Did the checks and it said Windows files where good. Had to reinstall using a USB stick in the end.