Sometimes the latest Windows 11 update is not the best option for everyone. You may notice slower performance, driver problems, app crashes, gaming lag, WiFi issues, or missing features after a new update. In these situations, installing an older version of Windows 11 can be a smart solution.
In this guide, I will explain how to download and install an older version of Windows 11 safely, what you should prepare before starting, and the best methods to downgrade or clean install without confusion. This article is written in simple, human language, with limited bullet points and no icons.
What Does “Older Version of Windows 11” Mean?
Windows 11 has multiple versions released over time. For example, you might be using a newer feature update such as Windows 11 24H2, but you want to install an older one like 23H2, 22H2, or even the original 21H2.
When people say “older version,” they usually mean one of these:
An older feature update (example: 23H2 instead of 24H2)
An earlier build of the same version
A previous stable release that worked better on their device
Installing an older version can help when a new update creates compatibility issues or reduces performance on certain hardware.
Why Would You Want to Install an Older Windows 11 Version?
There are many valid reasons why users look for older Windows 11 builds. Some common ones include:
Driver issues after an update (WiFi, Bluetooth, sound, GPU)
Battery drain or heating after installing a new build
Gaming stutters and poor FPS after updates
Software compatibility problems with older apps or tools
Business or office PC stability requirements
System crashes or BSOD errors after feature updates
If your PC was running fine before a big update and then suddenly became unstable, going back to an older version can return stability.
Important Things to Know Before You Downgrade
Before you download and install an older Windows 11 version, you should understand a few important points.
Downgrading May Remove Your Files (If You Do a Clean Install)
If you install Windows 11 using a bootable USB, it often becomes a clean installation, meaning your apps and files may be removed.
To stay safe, always create a backup before doing anything.
Microsoft Doesn’t Always Provide Direct Old ISOs Easily
Microsoft promotes the latest release, so older version ISO downloads may not always be clearly visible through the official Windows 11 download page.
However, there are still safe and legal ways to download older ISOs.
Your PC Must Still Meet Windows 11 Requirements
Even if you install an older Windows 11 version, the basic requirements still apply.
Your PC should have at least 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are recommended for smooth updates and better security.
Step 1: Check Your Current Windows 11 Version
Before installing anything, check what Windows 11 version you currently have.
Here’s the easiest way:
Press Windows + R
Type winver
Press Enter
A small window will open showing your Windows 11 version (such as 24H2 or 23H2), OS build number, and edition (Home/Pro).
This helps you confirm exactly what you are downgrading from.
Step 2: Decide Which Older Windows 11 Version You Want
This is a very important step because you should not randomly install any older version.
Here are practical choices:
Install Windows 11 23H2
This is a good option if your system struggles with Windows 11 24H2. It gives you a more stable experience on many computers while still being modern and supported.
Install Windows 11 22H2
This version is often considered stable and works well on many PCs, especially those that are slightly older.
Install Windows 11 21H2
This is the earliest Windows 11 release. It can run well, but it is quite old and may not be ideal for modern features and security improvements.
Best recommendation: Choose one version behind your current version if you want stability without going too far back.
Step 3: Backup Your Files Before Installing an Older Version
Even if you are planning a downgrade that keeps files, it is still risky. One mistake can wipe your data.
Backup these important things:
Documents folder
Desktop files
Downloads folder
Pictures and videos
Browser bookmarks and passwords
Important software license keys
You can copy your files to an external USB drive, another internal drive, or cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive.
If you have a lot of data, make sure your backup drive has enough free space.
Step 4: Choose the Best Method to Install an Older Windows 11 Version
There are three main ways you can install or go back to an older Windows 11 version. Each method depends on your situation.
Method 1: Use “Go Back” Option (Best and Easiest)
If you updated Windows 11 recently, Windows keeps a copy of the old system files for a short time. This gives you a simple downgrade option.
You can use this method if:
You updated within the last 10 days
You didn’t delete Windows.old files
Your system is still booting normally
Steps:
Open Settings
Go to System
Click Recovery
Look for Go back
Click it and follow the instructions
This method usually keeps your personal files, but some apps may be removed.
If the “Go back” option is missing, it means Windows has already removed the old version files, or the time period has passed.
Method 2: Install an Older Windows 11 ISO Using Setup (Keeps Files Sometimes)
This method is useful when you have an older Windows 11 ISO and want to install it while keeping data, depending on compatibility.
This option works when:
Your PC boots normally
You want a quicker downgrade without USB boot
The older ISO matches your edition and language
Steps:
Download the older Windows 11 ISO file
Double-click the ISO to mount it
Open the mounted drive
Run setup.exe
Choose Change what to keep
Select Keep personal files and apps (if available)
Continue installation
Sometimes, Windows won’t allow you to keep apps if you are going backwards. In many cases, you may be allowed to keep personal files only.
If the “keep files” option is greyed out, you may need to do a clean install.
Method 3: Clean Install Using Bootable USB (Most Reliable)
This is the most successful way to install an older Windows 11 version, especially if your PC is unstable or not booting properly.
This method removes the old Windows installation and installs the selected older version fresh.
You should use this method if:
Windows is crashing often
You want a fresh start
You are changing versions and builds completely
You will need:
USB drive (8GB or higher)
Older Windows 11 ISO
A tool like Rufus (for creating bootable USB)
Step 5: Download an Older Windows 11 ISO Safely
Downloading Windows ISO from the wrong websites can be dangerous. Many unofficial sites add malware, modified files, or unwanted apps.
The safest options for older versions include:
Microsoft official ISO sources (if available)
Microsoft’s UUP-based download sources
Trusted tools that create untouched Microsoft ISO files
When downloading, always ensure:
The ISO matches your system edition (Home/Pro)
The language is correct
The architecture is 64-bit (almost all Windows 11 is 64-bit)
After downloading, you can verify file authenticity by checking the file size and ensuring it came from a reliable source.
Step 6: Create a Bootable USB for the Older Windows 11 Version
If you are doing a clean install, you must create a bootable USB.
The easiest way is using Rufus.
Steps to create USB:
Download Rufus
Insert USB drive into your PC
Open Rufus
Select your USB under Device
Choose the Windows 11 ISO under Boot selection
Keep partition scheme as GPT (for modern PCs)
Click Start
Rufus may ask additional questions like removing TPM or Secure Boot requirements. If your PC supports Windows 11 properly, you can keep default settings.
Once finished, your USB is ready.
Step 7: Boot From USB and Start Installing Older Windows 11
After making the bootable USB, you must boot your PC from it.
Steps:
Restart your PC
Press the boot menu key (usually F12, F9, ESC, or DEL)
Select the USB drive
Windows Setup will start
Now choose:
Language and region
Keyboard layout
Click Install now
If asked for a product key:
Click I don’t have a product key (Windows will activate later if your device already had Windows 11)
Or enter the key if you have one
Next choose the correct edition, such as Windows 11 Home or Windows 11 Pro.
Step 8: Select Installation Type (Upgrade vs Custom)
You will see two options:
Upgrade (Keeps files and apps)
This usually works only when installing the same or newer version. For older versions, this may not work properly.
Custom (Clean install)
This is the best choice when installing an older version.
Click Custom: Install Windows only.
You will see partitions and drives.
If you want a clean installation, you can delete the main system partition (usually Drive 0 Partition 3 or similar) and install Windows there.
Be careful here because deleting partitions will erase data.
If you are unsure, install Windows on the main partition without deleting extra partitions.
Step 9: Complete Windows Setup After Installation
After installation, your PC will restart and take you to setup steps.
You will select:
Country and region
Keyboard layout
WiFi connection
Microsoft account or offline account (depends on version and edition)
Privacy settings
After finishing, Windows will load the desktop.
Step 10: Install Drivers and Updates After Downgrading
Once you install an older Windows 11 version, your drivers may not be perfect immediately. You may notice missing audio, touchpad issues, or low display resolution.
To fix that:
Open Device Manager and check for missing drivers
Run Windows Update for basic driver updates
Install GPU driver directly from Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD (recommended)
Install chipset and WiFi drivers from your laptop/PC brand website
If you use a printer or Bluetooth headset, reconnect them again.
Step 11: Stop Windows 11 From Updating Back Automatically
After installing an older version, Windows Update may automatically download the latest feature update again, which could bring the same problems back.
To avoid that, you can:
Pause updates temporarily
Use “Stay on current version” options where available
Delay feature updates using Group Policy (Windows 11 Pro)
You don’t need to block updates permanently, but pausing them for a few weeks is a good idea if you want stability.
Common Problems and Fixes When Installing Older Windows 11
Windows Won’t Boot From USB
Try these fixes:
Use a different USB port (preferably USB 2.0)
Recreate the USB in Rufus
Disable Fast Boot in BIOS
Enable USB Boot in BIOS
“This PC Can’t Run Windows 11” Error
This usually happens due to TPM/Secure Boot.
Fix options:
Enable TPM and Secure Boot in BIOS
Use a properly created ISO
If your PC is unsupported, you may need advanced bypass methods
Activation Issues After Downgrading
Normally, Windows activates automatically if it was activated before on the same device.
If it doesn’t:
Go to Settings > System > Activation
Click Troubleshoot
Sign in with your Microsoft account
Final Thoughts
Installing an older version of Windows 11 is a practical solution when a new update causes performance problems, bugs, or driver issues. The safest approach depends on your situation. If you recently updated, the “Go back” option is the easiest. But if the rollback option is unavailable, using an older ISO with a bootable USB is the most reliable method.
Before you begin, always take a full backup of your important files and choose the version that worked best on your PC. Once installed, update your drivers, apply security updates carefully, and pause major feature updates for a while to keep things stable.
