How to Revert to a Previous Version of a Program in Windows: Complete and Updated Guide

Often, after updating a program or the Windows operating system itself, we find that the new version doesn't work as expected or, worse yet, generates incompatibilities, unexpected errors, or loses important features. In these situations, knowing how to update a program or the Windows operating system is essential. How to revert to a previous version of a program or Windows It can become the lifeline to recover the stability and performance of our team.

In this comprehensive guide we explain in detail All existing alternatives to restore previous versions of files, folders, programs and the Windows operating system itselfHere you'll find clear explanations, all available methods (both native and third-party tools), preventative tips, important warnings to avoid risks, and additional recommendations to ensure you never lose your data again. Let's get to the point!

Why you might need to roll back to a previous version in Windows

Technology advances at a dizzying pace and, generally, Having the software updated is the best option, as this ensures the latest features and security solutions. However, There are situations where upgrading can be a problem rather than an improvement.. For example: uterine

• Incompatibility with hardware ancient: New versions may stop working properly on older computers.
• Errors or failures after the update: Bugs or poor stability may appear immediately after updating.
• Increase in resource consumption: An update may make the program heavier and slow down your computer.
• Disappearance of necessary functions: Sometimes certain options we used to use disappear in newer versions.
• Compatibility issues with other programs: New software may not work well alongside other installed programs.

Go back to a previous version It allows you to restore previous behavior and maintain productivity, especially if you recently updated and encounter one of these issues. Now, how do you do it and what should you keep in mind?

Do you want to restore a file, a program, or the entire system?

First of all, it is essential that you distinguish whether your goal is to return to an older version of a specific file, an application, or Windows itselfThe techniques and tools used vary, although Windows offers built-in solutions for most cases, and if these aren't available, you can always rely on specialized programs for help.

How to restore previous versions of files and folders in Windows

Have you accidentally modified, overwritten, or deleted an important file or folder? Windows comes with several utilities that can help you. restore these files to a previous state, but they usually require that you have previously activated some backup or restore feature:

1. Using File History

El File History Windows Backup is a feature that allows you to automatically back up your important files (documents, pictures, videos, music, and other selected folders). To recover previous versions using this method, You must have previously activated this feature and correctly configured the locations to protect. If you want to learn more about how to perform these restorations, we recommend visiting our complete guide at recover previous versions of files in Windows.

Steps to restore with file history:

1. Open the File Browser and navigate to the folder or file you want to restore previous versions of.
2. Right-click on the file or folder and select Restore previous versions (in Windows 10) or Show more options > Restore previous versions (At Windows 11).
3. In the window that appears, you'll see a list of available previous versions, along with their modification dates.
4. Select the desired version and click Restore (or the drop-down arrow to choose an alternative location to save the restored version).

Tip: Before restoring a previous version, open that copy in preview mode first to confirm it's the correct one. It's also highly recommended that you save a copy of the current version to another location in case you change your mind or need to preserve some of your most recent content.

What to do if you don't see any available versions?

If you do not find any restore points after following the steps above, you probably you haven't set up File History or don't have backups turned onTo prevent this from happening again in the future, we recommend:

• Ir a Control Panel > System and Security > File History and activate the feature by connecting an external drive or network path as the backup destination.
• Add additional folders to protection using the option Include in library from the context menu of any important folder.
• Periodically check that the backup is being performed correctly.

Remember: Without backups, restoring previous versions will be much more complicated, so prevention is better than cure.

2. Recover files through system restore points

On restore points They save the state of your system at specific points in time, allowing you to revert system files, settings, and, in some cases, restore user files. To create them manually or restore one:

1. In the search bar, type Create a restore point and select the result.
2. In the window of System properties, make sure the disk protection is activated for the unit you are interested in.
3. Click on Create to generate a restore point or in System Restore to return to a previous state.
4. Follow the instructions to complete the process.

Warning: System Restore may affect recently installed programs and settings, but it doesn't usually modify personal files. However, keep copies of important documents off your main drive.

3. Restore files from Windows backup

Windows also allows you to configure automatic backups with the integrated tool:

• Opens Settings > Update & security > Backup.
• Click on Add a drive and select an external drive or network location.
• Follow the steps to schedule and perform periodic backups.

You can then recover individual files or entire folders from the backups you made.

Revert to a previous version of an installed program

If your problem isn't with a file, but with a program that has stopped working properly after updating, you have several options:

• Uninstall the current version: Accede to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, locate the program, select uninstall and follow the steps.
• Find the installer for the previous version: In most cases, you'll need to manually locate the installation file for the previous version (you can search on the developer's website or in trusted software repositories).
• Install the old version, following the installer's instructions and making sure to disable automatic updates.

Nota: To revert to specific, older versions of programs, you can also consult resources at How to go back to a previous version of Windows.

How to go back to a previous version of Windows

Windows has a feature called Back to the previous version (or roll back to the previous build), primarily intended for returning to the previous version after a major OS upgrade (for example, migrating from Windows 10 to 11, or after installing a major update in Windows 11). For more details, visit our guide on What is Windows 11 LTSC? and its functions.

This feature takes advantage of the backup that Windows automatically makes when updating and saves in the folder windows.old. It is a very useful option, but has important limitations:

• Only available for the first 10 days after the update, although it is possible to extend this period by commands advanced.
• If you delete the Windows.old folder, you lose the option to revert changes..
• It is disabled if you reset your computer, clean up the folder, or change certain user settings..

Steps to revert to a previous version of Windows:

1. Opens Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Look for the option Back (may also appear as Revert to the previous version of Windows 10/11).
3. Follow the instructions: select the reason for the reversion, read the warnings, and confirm.
4. The system will reboot and automatically restore the previous version.

Can the 10-day reversal period be extended?

Yes, although Microsoft has limited this option, there is a command that allows you to extend the period (for example, up to 50 days):

1. Open the command console (DCM, PowerShell o Bus Terminal) as administrator.
2. Write DISM / Online / Get-OSUninstallWindow to see the current deadline.
3. To modify it, use DISM /Online /Set-OSUninstallWindow /Value:XX (replace XX with the number of days you want).

Important: If you receive an "item not found" error, it means the backup folder has been deleted and you won't be able to revert to the previous version using this method.

Related article:

How to go back to a previous version of Windows step by step

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.