Skip to content
Open
Show file tree
Hide file tree
Changes from all commits
Commits
File filter

Filter by extension

Filter by extension

Conversations
Failed to load comments.
Loading
Jump to
Jump to file
Failed to load files.
Loading
Diff view
Diff view
2 changes: 1 addition & 1 deletion src/content/docs/en/faq/ame.mdx
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
Expand Up @@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
title: AME Beta FAQ
metaDescription: Find answers to common questions about AME Beta and troubleshooting AtlasOS installation issues. Learn about AME Beta being flagged, installation failures, and upgrades.
description: Common questions about AME Beta and troubleshooting.
type: faq
order: 30
---

import Callout from '@/components/docs/Callout.astro';
Expand Down
172 changes: 172 additions & 0 deletions src/content/docs/en/faq/reverting.mdx
Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
@@ -0,0 +1,172 @@
---
title: Reverting Atlas
metaDescription: Instructions for reverting your AtlasOS install back to a normal Windows install. Learn where to find support before choosing to revert back to Windows, download the setup again, and reinstall Windows.
description: Reverting AtlasOS back to a normal Windows install.
order: 31
---

import Callout from '@/components/docs/Callout.astro';
import CodeInline from '@/components/docs/CodeInline.astro';
import CommunityLink from '@/components/docs/CommunityLink.astro';
import Grid from '@/components/ui/Grid.astro';
import IconArrow from '@/components/ui/IconArrow.astro';
import IconInline from '@/components/ui/IconInline.astro';
import Tabs from '@/components/ui/Tabs.astro';
import TabPanel from '@/components/ui/TabPanel.astro';

# Reverting Atlas

Important information for reverting back to Windows 11.

## Before Uninstalling

We are sorry to hear that you are not satisfied with AtlasOS. If you are not using the [latest playbook](/docs/faq/general/#keeping-atlasos-updated), please consider [upgrading](/docs/upgrade/requirements). This may address certain issues found in older playbooks.

Please also use our support channels

<Grid columns={{ lg: 2 }} gap="4" spacing>
<CommunityLink
href="https://discord.com/invite/atlasos"
icon="tabler:brand-discord"
title="Discord Community"
description="Connect with the community and get support"
/>

<CommunityLink
href="https://github.com/orgs/Atlas-OS/discussions"
icon="tabler:messages"
title="GitHub Discussions"
description="Get support from the community and find answers to common issues"
/>
</Grid>

### Still having problems?

We are sorry to see you go. Please know that we are constantly improving AtlasOS to ensure issues are resolved for future releases.

Before you continue, please consider [reporting your issue](/docs/contributing/reporting) so we can address it in a future release. Alternatively, provide us feedback through Discord and GitHub Discussions.

<Callout type="tip">
Looking to reinstall/install Atlas? Follow the [installation guide](/docs/install/requirements/) instead.
</Callout>

## Prerequisites

Before proceeding, ensure you have:

- **Backed up all important data** to a safe location:
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox)
- External storage (NAS, portable drive, USB drive)

## Step 1: Download Windows ISO

1. Visit [Microsoft's Windows 11 download page](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows11)
2. Choose the appropriate ISO:
- For **Intel/AMD CPUs**: Click **Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices**
- For **ARM CPUs**: Click **Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for ARM64 devices**
3. Select **Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO)** <IconArrow /> **Confirm**
4. Choose your language <IconArrow /> **Confirm**
5. Click the appropriate download option:
- **64-bit Download** for x64 systems
- **ARM64 Download** for ARM systems

<Callout type="tip">
**Which version?** Intel/AMD CPUs use x64. ARM (Snapdragon) systems use ARM64. Make sure you
download the correct ISO for your CPU architecture.
</Callout>

## Step 2: Prepare network drivers (recommended)

You may lose internet connection after Windows installation if network drivers aren't available.

**Download now:**

1. Search for your motherboard or device model + "network drivers"
2. Download the latest drivers
3. Save to a USB drive or external storage

<Callout type="info">
**Can't find drivers?** Check your manufacturer's support page or search Device Manager for your
network adapter name.
</Callout>

## Step 3: Reinstall Windows

Choose your installation method below.

<Tabs items={[
{ label: 'Install from Windows (No USB)', value: 'windows' },
{ label: 'Install from USB', value: 'usb' }
]} defaultTab="windows">
<TabPanel value="windows" default>
**Best for:** Users already running Windows who want the easiest installation method.

1. **Disconnect internet** (unplug ethernet, disable Wi-Fi)

2. **Mount the ISO:**
- Right-click downloaded ISO <IconArrow /> **Open With** <IconArrow /> **File Explorer**
- Note the drive letter (e.g., <CodeInline text="H:" />)

3. **Launch Windows Setup:**
- Press <CodeInline text="Win + R" />
- Type: <CodeInline text="H:\sources\setup.exe" /> (replace H with your drive letter)
- Press <CodeInline text="Enter" /> <IconArrow /> Accept UAC prompt

4. **Complete Windows Setup:**
- Click **No thanks** (updates)
- Uncheck "I want to help make Windows installation better"
- Click **I don't have a product key**
- Select **Windows Pro** (or Pro for Workstations/Enterprise)
- Accept license <IconArrow /> **Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)**
- Select your Windows drive <IconArrow /> **Next** <IconArrow /> **OK** (Windows.old warning)
- Wait for installation (~15-20 minutes)

<Callout type="warning" title="BitLocker Error?">
See [troubleshooting](/docs/faq/installation/) to suspend BitLocker first.
</Callout>

</TabPanel>

<TabPanel value="usb">
**Best for:** Users wanting a fresh install or those currently on Linux.

1. **Create bootable USB:**
- Download [Ventoy](https://github.com/ventoy/Ventoy/releases/)
- Run **Ventoy2Disk.exe**
- Select USB drive <IconArrow /> **Install** (<IconInline name="tabler:alert-triangle" /> erases USB data!)
- Copy Windows ISO to USB drive

2. **Boot from USB:**
- Restart <IconArrow /> Enter BIOS/UEFI (usually F12 or Del)
- Select your USB drive as the boot device (you may need to change boot order in BIOS settings)
- In Ventoy menu: Select Windows ISO <IconArrow /> **Boot in normal mode**

3. **Complete Windows Setup:**
- Click **Next** twice <IconArrow /> **Previous version of setup** (bottom left)
- Select language <IconArrow /> **Next** <IconArrow /> **Install Now**
- Click **I don't have a product key**
- Select **Windows Pro** (or Pro for Workstations/Enterprise)
- Accept license <IconArrow /> **Custom: Install Windows only (advanced)**
- Select partition <IconArrow /> **Next**
- Wait for installation (~15-20 minutes)

<Callout type="warning" title="Security Violation?">
If Ventoy shows an error, [enroll the key](https://ventoy.net/doc_secure.html).
</Callout>

</TabPanel>
</Tabs>

## Step 4: Continue with the Windows setup

You should now be at the regular Windows initial setup and back on stock Windows.

### Step 4.1: Removing the Old Windows folder

If you previously followed steps that mentioned a Windows.Old folder, you can find your previous installation data in this folder.

When you are sure you have retrieved any important data from this folder, follow these steps.

1. Open **Windows Settings <IconArrow /> System <IconArrow /> Storage**
2. Click **Temporary files**, and wait for it to scan your files.
3. Select **Previous versions of Windows**, and then click **Remove files**.