Windows 10 Pro version has a lot of extra functionality that average users like me don’t need. Because of extended functionality, the space and memory usage is on the higher side while using windows 10 pro compared to Windows 10 Home version. You may face low storage issues or High RAM/CPU usage while using the pro version of Windows 10.
If you are an average regular user, like me, who uses their computer for home use only, you can opt for Windows 10 Home version. If you are already using Pro version and want to downgrade to Home version, then this guide is for you. In this article, we will see how to downgrade Windows 10 Pro to Home without losing data.
Why do you need to downgrade Windows 10 Pro to Home?
There might be several reasons that you have to downgrade to the Home version. Some major reasons are –
- Windows 10 Pro version is heavy and takes more space.
- Windows 10 Pro version is resource hungry.
- Windows 10 Pro version has unnecessary apps that the home user doesn’t need.
Before heading over to the solution, Please note that there is no straight way to downgrade to home version without losing C drive data. You have to install a fresh copy of the Home version by formatting the C drive. But we are sharing a method where you will not lose any data from a computer, so let’s see the method.
How to downgrade Windows 10 Pro to Home without losing data?
- Step1: First of all, back up all personal data from the C drive. Your data will be mostly in Download Folder, Videos, Documents, or Pictures folder. If you have stored any other data in a C drive, do a copy to another drive or backup in External Hard drive.
- Step2: Download all the required drivers for your computer/laptop model. Read here What drivers to install after installing windows 10?
- Step3: Then, you have to make a list of Installed apps that you will have to install after downgrading to Windows 10 Home. Go to the Win + I and select Apps option to see all the installed apps on your computer. (You can install multiple software in one click using chocolaty script).
- Step4:Then you can download the genuine ISO file on your computer. Read – how to download windows 10 SO for free.
- Step5:While downloading the ISO image, please select the Home version of Windows 10.
- Step6:Now, you have to make a bootable USB using an ISO image. Read how to Create Bootable Windows 10 USB?.
- Step7:Once the bootable USB drive is created, you can start the Windows 10 Home setup and clean flash on the C drive.
- Step8:After the setup is completed, install your essential software/apps, and then you can enjoy the Windows 10 Home version.
Also Read – How to downgrade from windows 11 to windows 10 without losing data? [within 30 minutes]
Things to do after Windows 10 Home installation –
You can do some optimization to your Windows 10 home set up and make the windows stable and faster –
Read here – First things to do after installing windows 10
Also, install the windows 10 required drivers by reading this guide – What drivers to install after installing windows 10?
You will face one issue with the Home version of Windows 10, i.e., the Windows Group Policy editor is missing. However, you can enable gpedit.msc, read this guide – How to enable gpedit.msc in Windows 10 Home.
You can further stop windows 10 updates, make windows 10 faster and reduce windows 10 boot time to optimize the windows performance and reduce the bugs.
Summary –
So you now know how to downgrade Windows 10 Pro to Home without losing data. IF you have any doubts/queries regarding the information provided in this article, let us know in the comment section below.
