How to downgrade Windows 10 Pro to Home without losing data: A step-by-step guide

Introduction

When it comes to using the right version of Windows 10, choosing between Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro It may be more than just a question of features: it's also about licensing, cost, and usability. While Windows 10 Pro offers advanced features like BitLocker encryption, Group Policy Editor, Remote Desktop, and Hyper-V, many home users never use these tools. This has led many to consider downgrading. Windows 10 Pro a Home.

But there's a catch: Microsoft doesn't provide a direct way to downgrade from Windows 10 Pro to Home without reinstalling the operating system. This can be concerning for users who have important files, documents, software settings, and personal preferences they don't want to lose.

“The best version of Windows isn't always the most powerful; it's the one that best suits your needs.”

So, is it possible to downgrade Windows 10 Pro to Home without losing data?

Yes, and in this detailed guide, we'll explore how to switch from Windows 10 Pro to Home while preserving your files, with streamlined steps and helpful tools.

Why upgrade from Windows 10 Pro to Home?

There are several valid reasons why users may want to downgrade:

• License Restrictions: Product keys Windows 10 Home are cheaper and more common in consumer devices.
  
• Unnecessary features: Many Pro features are irrelevant for home users.
  
• Better performance: Windows 10 Home is lighter and often faster on consumer PCs.
  
• Hardware Compatibility: Some OEM devices are optimized for the Home Edition.
  

Key differences between Windows 10 Home and Pro

See the full article Windows 10 Comparison Chart for detailed features.

Pre-degradation checklist (essential preparation)

Before you continue, here's how to prepare for downgrading Windows 10 Pro to Home without data loss:

1. Create a full backup: use Macrium reflects free o EaseUS Backup of Everything.
   
2. Backup Product Keys: Use ProduKey by NirSoft to save your current Windows license keys.
   
3. Download Windows 10 Home ISO: Get the latest ISO using the official Microsoft version Media creation tool.
   
4. Prepare drivers and installers: use Belarc advisor to document system configurations and software keys.
   

“A successful downgrade starts with a rock-solid backup.”

Understanding the degradation method

Because Windows doesn't allow downgrading through the Settings app, the process involves:

• Modify Windows ISO with a setup file (no.cfg)
  
• Run a local installation to preserve user files
  
• Activating Windows 10 Home with a valid license key
  

This technique essentially "tricks" the system into downgrading without deleting files or formatting the disk.

Step-by-step guide: downgrade Windows 10 Pro to Home without losing data

Step 1: Create a bootable device

Use the official Media creation tool To create a bootable USB:

1. Launch the tool and choose Create Installation Media.
   
2. Select Windows 10 (not Pro or Home specifically; it will appear later).
   
3. Use a USB with at least 8GB of storage.
   
4. Wait for the process to complete.
   

Step 2: Modify the installation to force Windows Home

To skip edit checks, do this:

1. Navigate to \Sources\ folder on your USB.
   

“Sometimes, to move forward with Windows, you first have to backtrack, with a little setup magic.”

 2. Create a file called no.cfg and paste the following:

[EditionID]
Core
[Channel]
Commerce de détail
[VL]
0

3. Save and close the file.

This setting ensures that the default installation is Windows 10 Home (Core) instead of Pro.

Step 3: Start the downgrade process (local installation)

This is the key step that allows you to keep your personal data:

1. Don't boot from the USB. Instead, open the USB drive in File Explorer and double-click it. setup.exe.
   
2. Follow the on-screen prompts and choose:
   
   • Save personal files and applications (if available).
     
   • If apps can't be kept, select Keep personal files only.
     
3. Complete the setup process.
   

This will replace the Pro edition with Home while retaining your documents, images, downloads, and other personal files.

Step 4: Activate Windows 10 Home

Once the system reboots into Windows 10 Home edition:

1. Ir a Settings > Update & security > Activation.
   
2. Click Change product key and enter a valid Windows 10 startup key.
   

“Activation is the link between your hardware and Microsoft’s licensing servers: make sure it’s secure.”

• If your device originally shipped with Windows 10 Home, it may activate automatically by detecting the built-in OEM key.
  

If necessary, purchase a license from the official. Microsoft Store.

Post-degradation tasks

After downgrading, perform these actions:

• Run Windows Update to make sure all drivers are installed.
  
• Reinstall any missing applications.
  
• Sign in to your Microsoft account to sync your settings and preferences.
  
• Create a new restore point in System protection.
  

Troubleshooting common degradation problems

Problem: The installer installs Pro again

Solution: Double-check that your no.cfg The file is saved correctly inside the Fonts folder. Make sure the EditionID is set to Core.

Problem: I can't keep the apps

Solution: Unfortunately, changing editions may require deleting the application. Always back up your software and use tools such as little girl for easy reinstallation.

Problem: Activation failed

Solution: Make sure you are using a valid Windows 10 Home license key. Check if your system has a built-in Start key using ShowPlusKey.

Alternative solutions

If you are not comfortable downgrading directly:

• Dual boot: Install Windows 10 Home on a separate partition and choose which one to use.
  
• Virtual Machine: Run Windows 10 Home Inside It VirtualBox o VMware Workstation Player.
  
• Clean install: As a last resort, format the disk and reinstall Home, but this will erase everything.
  

Final thoughts

While Microsoft While Windows 10 Pro doesn't support direct downgrades from Windows 10 Pro to Home, this guide provides a reliable method for downgrading Windows XNUMX without losing data. The key is to modify the installer with the no.cfg file and run an in-place upgrade that preserves your files.

“Downgrading Windows isn’t about losing features, it’s about gaining simplicity.”

Make sure to back up your data, use genuine tools, and activate Windows 10 Home with a valid license for best results. Whether you're simplifying your PC for better performance, removing unnecessary features, or switching licenses, this method is the safest route.

FAQs