How Do I Remove Windows 10 From My Computer Without Losing Data
Introduction
If you are wondering “how do I remove Windows 10 from my computer without losing data,” you’re not alone. Many users want to uninstall Windows 10 safely—maybe because the system feels slow, updates have become annoying, or you want to switch to another OS like Windows 8.1 or Linux. Removing an operating system sounds complicated, but if you follow the right method and take care of your files, it becomes surprisingly easy.
The real challenge is doing everything without losing a single photo, document, or project. Windows 10 stores your data across multiple locations, and a careless reinstall can wipe everything. That’s why this guide focuses on data-safe methods and step-by-step clarity.
By the end, you will understand every practical approach, including how to back up your data, how to delete Windows 10 from a hard drive, how to completely remove Windows 10 from a PC, and how to reinstall another OS over it.
Why People Remove Windows 10 (And It’s More Common Than You Think)
People uninstall or replace Windows 10 for many reasons, such as:
Slow performance due to heavy updates
Forced reboots after updates
Wanting to switch to Linux for speed and security
Returning to Windows 8.1 due to better stability on older PCs
Removing corrupted system files
Escaping never-ending update notifications
For some users, Windows 10 simply does not fit their workflow anymore—especially when lightweight systems like Linux Mint or Windows 8.1 run smoother on older hardware.
Benefits of Removing Windows 10 Without Losing Data
Uninstalling Windows 10 properly comes with some major benefits:
✔ Save All Important Files
You keep your photos, downloads, documents, and videos safe.
✔ Remove System Bloat
A fresh OS environment eliminates slowdowns, registry issues, and update failures.
✔ Choose the OS You Prefer
You can remove Windows 10 and install Linux, or downgrade to Windows 8.1 if that suits your hardware better.
✔ Fix Update Problems
If you want to uninstall Windows 10 updates permanently, reinstalling or switching OS removes update-related bugs completely.
✔ Boost Your System Speed
A clean OS always runs faster than an over-updated Windows 10 installation.
Preparations Before You Remove Windows 10
Before learning how do I remove Windows 10 from my computer, these steps are essential for protecting your data.
1. Backup Your Files
You can use:
External hard drive
USB pen drive
Cloud services (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox)
Another internal partition
Tip: Always backup Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and Downloads—these folders hold most user data.
2. Check Your System Partition
Open Disk Management and verify:
Which partition contains Windows 10
Whether you have another partition for data
Whether you want to delete the Windows 10 partition from the computer
3. Prepare Your Replacement OS
You must have one ready:
Windows 8.1 ISO
Linux ISO
Windows 11 ISO
Bootable USB drive
Your next step depends on whether you want to erase Windows 10 and reinstall Windows or install another OS.
Method 1: Remove Windows 10 and Install Another OS (Safest Method)
This is the safest method if you want to keep your data untouched. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Create a Bootable USB
Use Rufus or BalenaEtcher to create a bootable drive of your new OS.
Step 2: Restart and Enter Boot Menu
Common keys: F2, F12, Esc, Delete.
Step 3: Select the USB Drive
Your PC will now boot into the installer.
Step 4: Delete the Windows 10 Partition Only
When the installer shows your partitions:
Select the partition labeled Windows, usually C:
Do NOT delete D:, E:, or other data drives
Confirm deletion
This process helps you completely remove Windows 10 from the PC while keeping your files safe in other partitions.
Step 5: Install Your New OS
After deleting the Windows 10 partition, proceed with installation.
For a full step-by-step guide, you can also check this helpful resource: 👉 How to remove Windows 10 safely
Method 2: How to Downgrade Windows 10 to Windows 8.1
If you want a familiar Windows experience, this method works well.
Steps:
Download a Windows 8.1 ISO file.
Create a bootable USB.
Boot using the USB.
Format only the Windows 10 partition.
Install Windows 8.1 cleanly.
This avoids data loss and gives you a lighter OS that runs well on older devices.
Method 3: Remove Windows 10 and Install Linux (Fastest & Free)
If you want speed, privacy, and zero update headaches, Linux is the best choice.
Linux distributions ideal for beginners:
Linux Mint
Ubuntu
Zorin OS
Steps to install Linux:
Download a Linux ISO.
Create a bootable USB.
Boot into the installer.
Choose “Erase Windows 10” or manually delete the Windows partition.
Proceed with installation.
Linux setups automatically handle partitioning, making this method one of the easiest approaches to remove Windows 10 and install Linux.
Method 4: Delete Windows 10 Partition Manually
If you simply want to delete Windows 10 from the hard drive:
Steps:
Boot from another OS installer or recovery drive.
Open disk management within installer.
Select Windows 10 partition.
Delete or format it.
Create a new OS installation or merge partitions.
This is the most direct way to delete Windows 10 partition from a computer.
Method 5: Erase Windows 10 and Reinstall Windows
If you want a clean system but not a whole OS change:
Steps:
Backup your data.
Create a Windows bootable USB.
Boot using the USB installer.
Delete only the Windows 10 system partition.
Install Windows 10 or Windows 11 fresh.
This resets everything and fixes corrupted system files, bloat, or update issues.
Method 6: How to Uninstall Windows 10 Update Permanently
Sometimes you don’t want to remove Windows entirely—you just want to remove the problematic update.
Steps:
Open Settings → Update & Security → View Update History
Click Uninstall Updates
Select the update to remove
Use Group Policy Editor to stop automatic updates
Disable Windows Update service if needed
This helps if your real issue is just an update, not the whole OS.
What to Look For Before Removing Windows 10
Always check these points:
Do you have a bootable USB ready?
Are your drivers available for the new OS?
Are you planning to keep or remove all partitions?
Have you checked BIOS settings like UEFI vs Legacy?
Is your data safe on a separate partition?
Taking these precautions ensures a safe, smooth transition.
FAQs
1. Can I remove Windows 10 without formatting my entire hard drive?
Yes. Just delete the Windows partition and keep your other data partitions untouched.
2. What if my data is stored on the C drive?
Move it first. Anything on C: gets wiped during OS removal.
3. How do I remove Windows 10 from my computer if it won’t boot?
Use a bootable USB, enter BIOS, and delete the Windows partition from installer mode.
4. Is Linux better than Windows 10 for older PCs?
Yes. Linux Mint and Zorin OS run extremely fast on old hardware.
5. Can I switch back to Windows later?
Absolutely. You can reinstall Windows anytime using a bootable USB.
Call to Action
Removing Windows 10 doesn’t have to be complicated or risky. When you follow the right steps and protect your data properly, the process becomes simple—whether you want Linux, Windows 8.1, or a clean Windows reinstall.
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