Solved Rolling back to 10

As I type this, my desktop is being rolled back to Windows 10. While it's nice to have Windows 11 because it's the latest version (and I've always upgraded to each new version the past 20-odd years) Microsoft broke one of its best features: Quick Launch.

Some might wonder what's the big deal about Quick Launch? Well, without going into a long explanation about it, suffice it to say that those who use Quick Launch probably feel my pain when it comes to not having it. I've used it since it was first introduced in Win98. It saves a LOT of clicking, and is such a great efficiency and organizational tool. Everything is always a click or two away when multiple windows are open. In fact, I've rarely needed the start menu or go to the desktop screen for anything. Quick Launch puts everything right there for me. Inexplicably and beyond all reason, Microsoft axed it.

Yes, I installed ExplorerPatcher, and it worked perfectly! Forum member valinet has done a fantastic job with it. However, insider builds of 11 keep breaking EP, and eventually I suspect (as does valinet himself) that EP will no longer work, because MS keeps messing with stuff. Sad but true.
In light of all that, I'm staying with Windows 10 until 2025, and maybe beyond if there is no improvement to 11 by then, or the mythical 12 is released, lol.

I've been with the various incarnations of these Windows forums since Win7 I believe, and have gotten a lot of great support. I don't post much, but I can always rely on real help. The Win10 forums will continue to be my go-to for a few more years, unless things change for the better in 11.

For those whom Win11 is a good fit, awesome! I don't begrudge anyone who likes it, because of course it will be a good thing for a lot of folks. Just not for me at this time. :)

Enjoy!

Okay, so a few days ago I posted about rolling my desktop back to Win10.

In the meantime, I had ordered a new laptop from Best Buy, which was advertised as Windows 10 but actually has 11 on it, and there's nothing they nor I can do, so I'm stuck with dealing with Microsoft's sins and adapting.

Fortunately, there is Explorer Patcher, so I'll be using that until MS breaks it for good.

I don't mean to come across snarky, but I'm not at all pleased with being forced to use 11 at this time. However, I'll leave that displeasure at the door from now on, and move forward. Might even be able to help someone else in the future as I get to know this latest iteration of Windows.

My desktop still has 10, so that helps.

Just stick W10 on it

Doubtful, if there's a sticker on the bottom of the laptop (like they used to do) with a product key on it... (again, highly doubtful) you can download a Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft and install that using the same key and it will work. If not, you can buy a copy of Windows 10 (there are many sites that sell legit copies fairly cheap) and install it.

--Edit--
You can also try to get the key using the following tutorial... Windows 11 and Windows 10 keys are identical and will work for both.

Not denying that you guys know the real deal, but then the guy at Best Buy said putting 10 on it wouldn't work (pretty sure he's required to say that, though). I imagine it would bork the warranty and all that anyway, so...

Archigos said:

if there's a sticker on the bottom of the laptop (like they used to do) with a product key on it... (again, highly doubtful) you can download a Windows 10 ISO from Microsoft and install that using the same key and it will work.

Click to expand...

CoA stickers were last used with Windows 7. PC's built with Window 8 or later pre-installed by the OEM have the key embedded in the bios firmware. This key can be read with ShowKeyPlus. Keys are valid for Windows 10/11, Microsoft do not tie the key to one or the other.

But @cbiweb does not need to know this key to be able to install Windows 10. When you boot from from a Windows 10 install usb to clean install Windows it reads this key from the bios, using it to choose the edition to install (Home or Pro) and to activate it.

They can NOT deny the warranty (in the US at least) if you downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10... The Best Buy employee either 'had' to say that, or they honestly didn't know and were talking out their butt.

Last week I did a downgrade on two friends' computers... they both bought new laptops (1 with 11 pre-installed, the other they upgraded 'by accident') and they are happier (for now) with 10 since it's what they are used to.

Bree said:

CoA stickers were last used with Windows 7.

Click to expand...

Thought they ended with 10... my bad.