Overview
If you're currently using a higher Windows edition (such as Enterprise, Education, or Pro) and want to switch to a lower edition (such as Home), you don't necessarily need to perform a clean installation.
This guide explains how to perform an in-place downgrade while keeping your files, installed applications, and personal data.
💡 Important
This method changes your Windows edition while preserving your files and apps. We still recommend creating a backup before making any system changes.
Before You Begin
Before starting, make sure you have:
✅ A backup of important files (recommended)
✅ Administrator access to your PC
✅ A stable internet connection (only required to download the Windows ISO)
Important Notes
Your personal files and installed applications will be kept.
Once the downgrade is complete, you cannot return to the previous edition without reinstalling Windows.
This guide works for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Disconnect from the internet before starting the installation to avoid setup errors.
Step 1 – Download the Windows ISO
Download the official Windows installation media from Microsoft.
For Windows 11:
For Windows 10:
Download the Media Creation Tool.
Open the tool.
Select Create installation media for another PC.
Choose ISO file.
Save the ISO to your computer.
Step 2 – Change the Windows Edition in the Registry
⚠️ Important
Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can cause system problems. Follow the steps exactly as shown.
Right-click Start.
Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).
Approve the UAC prompt.
Run one of the commands below depending on the edition you want to install.
Downgrade to Windows Home
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name EditionID -Value "Core" Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name ProductName -Value "Windows Home" Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name CompositionEditionID -Value "Core"
Downgrade to Windows Pro
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name EditionID -Value "Professional" Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name ProductName -Value "Windows Pro" Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion" -Name CompositionEditionID -Value "Professional"
Step 3 – Start the Windows Setup
⚠️ Disconnect from the internet before continuing.
Turn off Wi-Fi or unplug your Ethernet cable before running Setup.
Locate the downloaded ISO.
Double-click the ISO to mount it.
Open the mounted drive.
Run setup.exe.
Follow the installation wizard.
When prompted:
Select Keep personal files and apps.
If this option is unavailable, verify that you completed Step 2 correctly.
Step 4 – Verify the Windows Edition
Before clicking Install, verify that Setup displays the correct Windows edition.
For example:
Windows Home
Windows Pro
If the wrong edition is shown:
Close Setup.
Repeat Step 2.
Start Setup again.
Step 5 – Install Windows
Click Install.
The installation may take between 20–60 minutes, depending on your computer.
Your PC will restart several times during the process.
Once complete, you'll be running the selected Windows edition while keeping your files and installed applications.
Step 6 – Activate Windows
Open:
Settings → System → Activation
If your device already has a digital license for the new edition, Windows may activate automatically.
Otherwise:
Click Change product key.
Enter your Windows product key.
Follow the prompts to complete activation.
Troubleshooting
The wrong edition still appears
Repeat Step 2 and ensure all registry values were entered exactly as shown.
"Keep personal files and apps" is unavailable
This usually means:
The registry values were not changed correctly.
The ISO edition does not match the target edition.
The ISO language differs from the installed Windows language.
Windows isn't activated after installation
Open:
Settings → System → Activation
Then:
Enter your purchased product key, or
Activate using your existing digital license.