• Windows Phone Area
• On February 14, 2015

Tutorial: Installing Windows 10 Mobile and going back to Windows Phone 8.1

Microsoft on Thursday revealed the first pre-release version of Window 10 for phones. The first build is very rough and unfinished but you can still experience some new features and changes. Technical Preview version 1 only works on a subset of Lumia phones – Nokia Lumia 630, 635, 636, 638, 730 and Lumia 830, but more devices will be added in the next releases.

You can download the Preview on one of the supported smartphones listed above, however, this software should not be installed on your primary device as there are many glitches. Fortunately, Microsoft has developed a tool for reverting back to Windows Phone 8.1 which could encourage more testers to download this build.

[NEW] How to install official Windows 10 Mobile update on supported phones

You can upgrade your smartphone* to the official Windows 10 Mobile build without joining the Insider Preview program. You need to install a small app for Windows Phone 8.1 called Upgrade Advisor. Download from here.

Then open the Upgrade Advisor app and check if your phone is eligible for the upgrade. The app also gives recommendations to free up space and back up files.

*List with phones that officially support Windows 10 Mobile:

Nokia / Microsoft Lumia 430, 435, 532, 535, 540, 635 (1GB RAM version), 640, 640 XL, 730/735, 830, 930, 1520, Nokia Lumia Icon, BLU Win HD w510u, BLU Win HD LTE x150q, MCJ Madosma Q501.

How to install Windows 10 Mobile Technical Preview

Important: Several downloads and restarts may occur so make sure you have charged the battery to 100%. It is a good idea to make a backup of pictures and important files.

1. Sign-up for becoming a Windows Insider here
2. Install Windows Insider app on the phone from here
3. Open the app and select ‘Fast’ so you will download preview builds as soon as they are released
4. Tap to Confirm
5. Go to Settings -> Phone Update -> and check for updates
6. You may need to install more than one package to upgrade from Windows Phone 8.1 to Windows 10.
7. After 30 to 60 minutes your phone should load Windows 10 Technical Preview for the first time.

How to revert to Windows Phone 8.1 from Windows 10 Mobile Technical Preview

Important: All files on the phone will be deleted, so transfer them to the PC before downgrading

1. Download Windows Phone Recovery tool on a PC (exe file), install and launch the program
2. Connect the phone to the PC. The phone will be automatically detected.
3. Click on “Reinstall Software” for installing a clean image of Windows Phone 8.1 on the phone