Overview
If you are using Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise, Education, or Professional and need to switch to a lower edition, such as Home, you might have heard that a full reinstall is required. However, there is a way to downgrade without losing your files. This guide will show you a step-by-step method to safely downgrade Windows without data loss. This also applies to Windows N variants.
Important Notes
No data loss – This method allows you to keep your files and apps.
Permanent change – Once downgraded, you cannot revert to the previous version without reinstalling.
Applies to N variants – This method also works for Windows N versions.
Step 1: Download the Windows ISO
Go to the Microsoft Download Page.
Download the Media Creation Tool and run it.
Choose Create installation media for another PC.
Select the ISO file option and save it to your computer.
Step 2: Modify the Windows Registry
Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Click Yes when prompted.
Copy and paste the appropriate command based on the version you want to downgrade to:
Downgrade to Windows Home:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name EditionID -Type String -Value Core; Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name ProductName -Value "Windows 10 Home"; Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name CompositionEditionID -Value "Core"
Downgrade to Windows Professional:
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name EditionID -Type String -Value Professional; Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name ProductName -Value "Windows 10 Pro"; Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name CompositionEditionID -Value "Enterprise"
Close PowerShell.
Step 3: Run the Windows Installation
Important: Before proceeding with the installation, disconnect from Wi-Fi or unplug your Ethernet cable to avoid potential errors.
Locate the ISO file you downloaded earlier and double-click it.
Open the file setup.exe inside the ISO.
Follow the installation prompts and select Upgrade this PC now.
At the final confirmation screen, check that the edition shown is your target edition.
If the wrong edition is displayed, repeat the Modify the Windows Registry step.
Click Install and wait for the process to complete (this may take some time).
Once finished, your PC will be running the downgraded version of Windows.
Step 4: Activate Windows
If your PC has a digital license, Windows should activate automatically.
If not, enter your product key under Settings > Activation.