If you’ve upgraded to Windows 10 Pro but now want to revert to the Home edition, you may be wondering if it’s possible to do so without losing your files, apps, and settings. While a direct downgrade is not officially supported by Microsoft, there are a few methods you can try to accomplish this task without a complete reinstallation.
Registry Modification
One approach is to manually edit the Windows Registry to change the edition ID and product name. However, this method is not without risks, as modifying the registry incorrectly can lead to system instability or even render your computer unusable. It’s crucial to create a full backup of your system before attempting this.
To modify the registry:
- Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows R, typing “regedit,” and hitting Enter.
- Navigate to the key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion.
- Change the “EditionID” value to “Core” and the “ProductName” value to “Windows 10 Home.”
- Repeat these steps for the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion key.
- Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Keep in mind that this method is not guaranteed to work and may result in unexpected issues. It’s recommended to consult with a professional or thoroughly research the process before attempting it.
Repair Install
Another option is to perform a repair install of Windows 10 using a bootable USB drive or ISO image. This process will reinstall Windows 10 while preserving your files, apps, and settings. However, it’s important to note that some third-party drivers and software may need to be reinstalled after the repair install is complete.
To perform a repair install:
- Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
- Run the tool and select “Create installation media for another PC.”
- Choose the appropriate options for your system and create a bootable USB drive or ISO image.
- Boot from the installation media and select “Repair install” or “Upgrade” when prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair install process.
After the repair install is finished, your system should be downgraded to Windows 10 Home without losing any data. If your Windows 10 Home is not activated, you may need to enter a valid product key to activate it.
It’s important to note that while these methods may work in some cases, they are not officially supported by Microsoft and may not work in all situations. If you encounter any issues or are unsure about the process, it’s best to consult with a professional or consider a clean install of Windows 10 Home as a last resort.