How To Downgrade Windows 11 Pro To Windows 11 Home

Windows 11 comes in different editions, with Windows 11 Home being designed for casual users, and Windows 11 Pro catering to more advanced users with additional business and security features. However, if you have Windows 11 Pro and find that you don’t need its extra features—or if you purchased a device with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed but prefer the simplicity of Windows 11 Home—you may want to downgrade.

Unfortunately, Microsoft doesn’t provide a direct, built-in method to downgrade from Windows 11 Pro to Windows 11 Home. The process requires a clean installation of Windows 11 Home, which means you’ll need to back up your data first. In this detailed guide, we will walk you through the steps to safely downgrade from Windows 11 Pro to Windows 11 Home, ensuring that your files, applications, and settings are restored afterward.

Why Downgrade from Windows 11 Pro to Windows 11 Home?

There are several reasons why you might consider downgrading from Windows 11 Pro to Windows 11 Home:

1. Cost: Windows 11 Pro is more expensive than the Home edition, and if you don’t need its advanced features, it might make sense to switch to the Home version.
2. Simplicity: Windows 11 Pro includes many features aimed at power users and businesses. If you prefer a simpler user interface without extra tools, downgrading may be a better fit.
3. Unnecessary Features: Windows 11 Pro includes additional features such as BitLocker encryption, remote desktop support, and more advanced networking capabilities, which may not be necessary for everyday users.

Also Read- How To Uninstall Or Reinstall Recall In Windows 11

Important Preparations Before Downgrading

Since downgrading requires a clean installation of Windows 11 Home, you will lose all of your applications, settings, and personal data on the system drive. Therefore, it is essential to back up everything important before proceeding.

Steps to Prepare for the Downgrade:

1. Backup Your Data:
   • Save all important files and documents to an external drive or cloud storage (like OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.).
   • Backup any critical system settings, email accounts, or bookmarks.
2. Make a List of Installed Applications:
   • Take note of all the software you have installed, as you’ll need to reinstall them after downgrading. You can use tools like Belarc Advisor or manually create a list.
3. Retrieve Software Licenses:
   • Gather any software keys or licenses, especially for applications like Microsoft Office, Adobe products, or antivirus programs.
4. Download Windows 11 Home Installation Media:
   • You will need the Windows 11 Home installation files to perform the downgrade. You can use Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB or DVD for installing Windows 11 Home.

Step-by-Step Guide to Downgrade Windows 11 Pro to Windows 11 Home

Once you’ve backed up your data and prepared your system, follow these steps to downgrade from Windows 11 Pro to Windows 11 Home.

Step 1: Download Windows 11 Home Installation Files

1. Visit the Microsoft Download Page:
   Go to Microsoft’s official download page to get the Windows 11 Home installation files.
2. Download the Media Creation Tool:
   • Scroll down and click on “Download Now” under the Create Windows 11 Installation Media section.
   • Run the Media Creation Tool and follow the prompts to create a bootable USB or DVD.
3. Create a Bootable USB/DVD:
   • Choose USB Flash Drive or ISO file (if you prefer to burn it to a DVD).
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the creation of the installation media.

Step 2: Back Up Your Windows Activation Key

You need to ensure that your Windows 11 Home installation activates successfully. If your device came with Windows 11 Home, it should automatically activate after the downgrade. However, it’s a good idea to note down your current Windows 11 Pro product key just in case you need to restore it later.

1. Open Command Prompt:
   • Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
2. Retrieve the Product Key:
   • In Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:arduinoCopy codewmic path SoftwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey
   • Note down the product key that appears in case you need it for future reference.

Step 3: Boot from the Windows 11 Home Installation Media

1. Insert the Bootable USB or DVD:
   • Insert the bootable USB or DVD you created earlier into your computer.
2. Restart Your Computer:
   • Restart the computer and press the appropriate key (usually F2, F12, Delete, or Esc) to enter the BIOS/UEFI settings.
   • In the BIOS settings, set the boot order to boot from the USB or DVD drive.
3. Start the Windows 11 Installation:
   • Your computer will now boot from the installation media, and the Windows Setup screen will appear.
   • Select your language, time, and keyboard layout, then click Next.

Step 4: Begin the Installation of Windows 11 Home

1. Click “Install Now”:
   • On the next screen, click Install Now to start the installation process.
2. Enter the Product Key:
   • If prompted for a product key, enter the Windows 11 Home product key. If your device originally came with Windows 11 Home, it may automatically detect the key and skip this step.
3. Select Windows 11 Home Edition:
   • When prompted to select the Windows edition to install, choose Windows 11 Home.
4. Custom Installation:
   • Select Custom: Install Windows only (advanced) to perform a clean installation. This will erase everything on the system drive, so make sure you have backed up your files.

Step 5: Format and Install Windows 11 Home

1. Select the Partition:
   • You’ll see a list of partitions. Select the partition where Windows 11 Pro is currently installed (usually labeled as Drive 0 or Primary).
   • Click Delete to remove the old Windows installation.
2. Install Windows 11 Home:
   • After deleting the partition, select the unallocated space and click Next to install Windows 11 Home on the drive.
3. Complete the Installation:
   • The installation process will take some time. Your computer will restart multiple times during the installation.

Step 6: Set Up Windows 11 Home

1. Initial Setup:
   • After the installation is complete, you will be guided through the initial setup process. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your user account, language preferences, and privacy settings.
2. Activate Windows:
   • Windows 11 Home should automatically activate if your device originally came with the Home edition. If not, enter your Windows 11 Home product key when prompted, or check activation status under Settings > System > Activation.

Step 7: Restore Data and Reinstall Applications

Now that you’ve successfully downgraded to Windows 11 Home, you can restore your files and applications.

1. Copy Back Your Files:
   • Restore your backed-up data from your external drive or cloud storage.
2. Reinstall Software:
   • Use the list of applications you noted earlier to reinstall the necessary software and restore your system to its previous state.

Also Read- How To Backup And Restore Favorites In Registry Editor In Windows 11

Conclusion

Downgrading from Windows 11 Pro to Windows 11 Home requires a clean installation of the Home edition, but it can be done with the right preparation. By following this step-by-step guide, you can easily switch to Windows 11 Home while ensuring your data is safe and your system functions smoothly afterward. Remember to back up your files, reinstall your software, and enjoy the simplicity and functionality of Windows 11 Home.