Is it possible to downgrade from Windows 10 Insider Preview v14342 to RTM v1511 (10.0.10586.318)

[kosamchetoo]

So is it possible to downgrade and keep all my files or I have to do clean installation?

 

[Math Geek]

you can run the set-up file from within win 10 for the older build and it will revert back to it. mount the iso file or extract it to run set-up. select the "save programs and settings" option at set-up and it will keep your stuff. i have actually done this before so i know it works.

second option is to run the media creator and select "upgrade this pc" it will also give you the new public build and not the insider build. again select "save programs and settings" i have also done it this way once to test out what happens.

it is wise to back up data just in case something goes wrong, but i did not lose anything in the process when i did it.

 

[kosamchetoo]

From where i can download the setup for the older build?

 

[Math Geek]

media creation tool will either download an iso file for you to save or run the set-up once.

i suggest the iso file so you have a copy of it if you need it. it will download the newest public version which is the one you want. insider builds have to be downloading from a separate place.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/

 

[kosamchetoo]

Thank you. I will download the ISO and will let you know it goes.

 

[kosamchetoo]

I downloaded and run the ISO file, but in the "Choose what to keep" menu I can only choose "Nothing". "Keep personal files and apps" and "Keep personal files only" are grayed out and I can't choose them. Also on the bottom it says "You can't keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps because your current version of Windows might be installed in an unsupported directory". What does this mean?

 

[Math Geek]

i've not seen that error yet, not sure what that means.

i got a few minutes so can google and see what it might mean

edit:
this post seems to imply that the problem stems from having program files installed elsewhere but the default location. it offers a registry fix if this is the source of your troubles. https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/3erpnn/windows_10_setup_windows_installed_in_an/

 

[USAFRet]

So is it possible to downgrade and keep all my files or I have to do clean installation?

You're wanting to go from the Insider Preview to a regular retail license? You'll need a valid Win 10 license.
What happens when you enter a valid license key on that current version?

 

[Math Geek]

assuming he got into the insider program before win 10 hit retail, then he gets to keep win 10 in whatever form he decides to use it.

i have 2 pc's in my house with win 10 that started the same way. put the insider builds on them early on and then reverted back to public build once it was released.

one of them i did this way, he is trying to do. by mounting the iso file and running set-up for the public build. other one was a fresh install.

that was part of the insider program was a free copy of win 10 most of the reason i signed up was for the free copy.