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×InformationNeed Windows 11 help?Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
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11-23-2021 05:59 AM
My laptop came with Windows 11 preinstalled. It was advertised by Walmart as having Windows 10, upgradeable to Windows 11. I do not like Windows 11 and I want to downgrade to Windows 10. Can this be done?
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11-23-2021 08:04 AM - last edited on 03-25-2024 07:41 AM by SofiaML
Hi, @jbaird
Regarding you not being able to clean install W10...
There is a special process needed to install W10 on PC's with the new Intel 11th gen core processors...
See the info at the link below.
https://support.hp.com/ie-en/document/ish_5016118-4988657-16
Here is the link to the driver you need...
This package contains the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver for the supported notebook models and operating systems. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology is designed to provide functionality for the Intel Storage Controllers. The driver improves Serial ATA (SATA) disk performance with Native Command Queuing.
https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp111501-112000/sp111776.exe
There is one thing wrong in that document, and that is where HP tells you to right click on the Intel driver file and select Extract to
When I ran through the steps, I don't get an Extract to option when I right click on the file.
So, if you have the same issue, download and install the free 7-zip file utility from the link below.
The 2nd file at the top of the page is for 64 bit.
Then you can right click on the exe file, select 7-Zip from the menu, and select Extract to: and let it extract the file into its folder name (sp111776), and copy that folder to your USB flash drive, and continue with the instructions.
11-23-2021 06:22 AM
This is not a joke, but you can replace the WIN 11 icons with WIN 10 icons, change some settings and you notice no difference.
You could reduce the WIN 11 C-Partition and create a WIN 10 Partition and install WIN 10. Then you can hide the WIN 11 partition and change a BCD-setting and you have everthing you need and you always have a chance to go back to WIN 11.
Otherwise you need a clean WIN10 installation.
My personal advice: Leave it as it is and you will get used to it.
11-23-2021 06:41 AM
Thanks for your advice, but I cannot get over the fact that Windows 11 will not let me set default apps like Irfanview or VLC. I do not like the built in Windows apps for photos and videos. Hopefully they will change this in future updates, allowing us to change defaults. I did get Firefox set as default browser. I am currently trying to install Windows 10. I will give an update if I am successful.
11-23-2021 07:44 AM
I did successfully install Windows 10 after backing up Windows 11 with Macrium Reflect. I used the Windows 10 media creation tool, and after it was built I installed from within Windows, running the executable from the USB thumb drive. I tried previouly to install by booting with the thumb drive, but I apparently didn't have the necessary drivers. I had created the installtion thumb drive on another PC.
Having just now rebuilt the USB thumb drive from the HP laptop, I guess it installed the needed drivers, so it was successful.
11-23-2021 08:04 AM - last edited on 03-25-2024 07:41 AM by SofiaML
Hi, @jbaird
Regarding you not being able to clean install W10...
There is a special process needed to install W10 on PC's with the new Intel 11th gen core processors...
See the info at the link below.
https://support.hp.com/ie-en/document/ish_5016118-4988657-16
Here is the link to the driver you need...
This package contains the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver for the supported notebook models and operating systems. The Intel Rapid Storage Technology is designed to provide functionality for the Intel Storage Controllers. The driver improves Serial ATA (SATA) disk performance with Native Command Queuing.
https://ftp.hp.com/pub/softpaq/sp111501-112000/sp111776.exe
There is one thing wrong in that document, and that is where HP tells you to right click on the Intel driver file and select Extract to
When I ran through the steps, I don't get an Extract to option when I right click on the file.
So, if you have the same issue, download and install the free 7-zip file utility from the link below.
The 2nd file at the top of the page is for 64 bit.
Then you can right click on the exe file, select 7-Zip from the menu, and select Extract to: and let it extract the file into its folder name (sp111776), and copy that folder to your USB flash drive, and continue with the instructions.
11-23-2021 11:07 AM
You're very welcome.
As of now, if you decide you want to clean install W11, you will have to use the same method and driver, because Microsoft still hasn't added the storage controller drivers you need to install W11 yet.
Or, you can just use the W11 Installation Assistant and do an in-place upgrade from W10 to W11. First file.
