Reverting Windows Server 2016 back to Windows 10

JBerroth 6 Reputation points
2020-11-28T17:51:29.017+00:00

So I stupidly have installed Windows Server 2016 on my Windows 10 desktop instead of my virtual machine, and now I am stuck in Windows Server 2016. I am trying to go back/reinstall but none of the methods I tried have worked, including booting from a USB, and “reset my PC”. I’ve contacted Microsoft Support several times and haven’t found a working solution. Anyone else have any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2016
A Microsoft server operating system that supports enterprise-level management updated to data storage.
2,383 questions
Windows 10 Setup
Windows 10 Setup
Windows 10: A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.Setup: The procedures involved in preparing a software program or application to operate within a computer or mobile device.
1,908 questions

3 answers

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  1. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2020-11-28T18:39:01.41+00:00

    You'll need to boot the windows 10 installation media, delete / recreate partition, continue with the install following the prompts.

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

  2. Dave Patrick 426.1K Reputation points MVP
    2020-11-28T18:45:14.397+00:00

    It waits in the Gigabyte startup screen

    Sounds like it isn't booting the install media. May need to set the boot order in cmos setup. I'd check the mobo manual for instructions.

    --please don't forget to Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

  3. Joy Qiao 4,886 Reputation points Microsoft Employee
    2020-11-30T07:22:13.583+00:00

    Hi,

    Upgrade could revert to previous system version but we can't perfrom revert to previous system version after clean installation of Windows Server 2016. Revert to previous system version is based on a Windows.old file which hold previous system data located in C drive. But it not exists in a clean installation system.
    Resetting PC is also based on existing system version, reset will not change system version to others. So it not works for you.

    What we need to do is performing clean install Windows 10.

    Try to download Windows 10 ISO and perform clean install with a USB disk.

    Here is a link for details step.

    How to Install Windows 10, 8.1 or 7 Using a Bootable USB

    Please note: Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.

    Bests,

    ============================================

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