Overview
If you are currently using Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise, Education, or Professional editions and want to switch to a lower edition such as Home, you might think a full reinstall is necessary. However, it is possible to downgrade your Windows version without losing your files. This guide provides a step-by-step process to safely downgrade Windows, including Windows N variants, while preserving your data and applications.
Important Notes
No data loss: This method keeps your files and apps intact.
Permanent change: After downgrading, you cannot revert to the previous edition without reinstalling Windows.
Supports N variants: This process also works for Windows N editions.
Step 1: Download the Windows ISO
Visit the Microsoft Download Page.
Download and run the Media Creation Tool.
Select Create installation media for another PC.
Choose the ISO file option and save the file to your computer.
Step 2: Modify the Windows Registry
Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
Depending on the edition you want to downgrade to, enter one of the following commands exactly as shown and press Enter:
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 after running the command.
Step 3: Run the Windows Installation
Important: Before starting the installation, disconnect from the internet by turning off Wi-Fi or unplugging your Ethernet cable to prevent potential errors.
Locate the ISO file you downloaded earlier and double-click it to mount the image.
Open setup.exe inside the mounted ISO.
Follow the on-screen prompts and select Upgrade this PC now.
At the final confirmation screen, verify that the edition displayed matches your target edition.
If the edition is incorrect, repeat Step 2: Modify the Windows Registry.
Click Install and wait for the process to complete. This may take some time.
After installation finishes, your PC will be running the downgraded Windows edition.
Step 4: Activate Windows
If your PC has a digital license, Windows should activate automatically. Otherwise, you can enter your product key by navigating to Settings > Activation.
SCREENSHOT NEEDED: Add a screenshot showing the Windows Activation settings page where users can enter a product key.