What are the best practices for rolling back an OS upgrade?

1 Backup your data

Before you attempt any OS upgrade or rollback, you should always backup your important data to an external drive or a cloud service. This way, you can restore your files and settings in case something goes wrong or you lose access to your system. You can use built-in tools like Windows Backup or Time Machine, or third-party software like Acronis or EaseUS.

2 Check the rollback options

Depending on your OS and the type of upgrade you performed, you may have different options for rolling back. For example, Windows 10 offers a built-in feature to go back to the previous version within 10 days of installing a major update. You can find this option in Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Alternatively, you can use the System Restore feature to revert to a restore point created before the upgrade. You can access this feature from Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection.

If you use a Linux-based OS, you may have the option to use a package manager like apt or yum to downgrade your packages to a previous version. You can also use a tool like Timeshift to create and restore snapshots of your system. However, these methods may not work for all distributions or upgrades, and may require some command-line skills.

If you use a Mac OS, you may have the option to use the Recovery Mode to reinstall the previous version of your OS from a bootable drive or the Internet. You can enter the Recovery Mode by holding down Command and R keys while restarting your Mac. However, this method will erase your data, so you need to backup and restore it separately.

3 Follow the instructions carefully

Once you have chosen the rollback option that suits your situation, you need to follow the instructions carefully and avoid any interruptions or errors. Make sure you have enough battery power or plug in your device, close any open applications, and disconnect any unnecessary peripherals. Follow the prompts on the screen and wait for the process to complete. Do not turn off your device or force a restart unless instructed to do so.

4 Verify the results

After the rollback is done, you should verify that your system is working as expected and that your data is intact. Check if your OS version is correct, if your applications are compatible, and if your settings are preserved. If you encounter any problems, you may need to troubleshoot them or contact the support team of your OS vendor. You may also want to update your drivers, security software, and other essential components to ensure optimal performance and stability.

5 Plan for the future

Finally, you should plan for the future and decide if you want to try the upgrade again or stick with the previous version. If you want to try the upgrade again, you should wait for some time until the bugs are fixed or the compatibility issues are resolved. You should also check the system requirements, the release notes, and the user feedback before proceeding. If you want to stick with the previous version, you should disable the automatic updates or choose a longer support cycle to avoid unwanted changes. You should also monitor the security updates and the end-of-life dates for your OS version to avoid risks.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?