Windows 11 is a new operating system being released in late 2021 which will NOT be compatible with the current version of TypeEasy. While we will be working to make TypeEasy compatible, SpeakWrite typists must continue to run Windows 10 and are asked not to upgrade to Windows 11. This page will cover all of the information you need in order to maintain compatibility with our system.
How to Avoid Upgrading to Windows 11
As long as you don’t purchase a computer that is already running Windows 11, it should be easy to keep running Windows 10 and shouldn’t require you to do anything special. Once Windows 11 is available, Microsoft is going to start offering it as a free upgrade to all current users. You may see pop-ups or other notices offering a free upgrade to Windows 11, and you may see the option to upgrade in your computer’s available updates list. Do NOT accept these offers or agree to switch to Windows 11.
Regular automatic updates on your computer should not automatically upgrade you to Windows 11. As long as you do not choose to download and upgrade to it, you can continue running Windows 10. (If you accidentally upgrade, don’t worry! You can revert back to Windows 10 following the steps listed in the next section below.)
Support for Windows 10 runs through 2025, meaning you will continue to get all necessary security updates to keep your computer running smoothly. Keeping Windows 10 does NOT put you at any security risk until after support ends for it in 2025. Long before then, a new version of TypeEasy will be available that will be compatible with the newest operating systems. When it is safe to upgrade, we will let you know!
Summary: Do NOT choose to upgrade your computer to Windows 11 if/when presented the option. Be on the lookout for any notices or offers to upgrade, and be sure to decline them.
How to Revert Back to Windows 10
Have you accidentally upgraded to Windows 11 and are having problems with TypeEasy? Or did you purchase a new computer with Windows 11 already installed? Follow the steps below to restore Windows 10 and maintain compatibility with TypeEasy.
Method 1: Revert to Windows 10 via Recovery (Within 10 Days of Initial Upgrade Only)
If you accidentally upgraded your Windows 10 (or older) computer to Windows 11, you can revert back to Windows 10 easily within the first 10 days of the new install. This simply involves restoring to the previous backup version.
You shouldn’t lose any files or apps by using this procedure, but it’s still a good idea to back up your files prior to completing these steps.
Open the Settings menu on your computer, and select Update & Security.
Select Recovery in the left pane to open this menu. Under Go back to the previous version of Windows 10, select the Get Started button.
This option is only available within 10 days of an OS update, so if the button is grayed out, you will need to use the Reinstallation method instead. See the next section.
3. Click through the steps presented, and confirm you’d like to restore the previous version. Once you’ve confirmed, the restoration will begin. It could take awhile.
When the process is complete, you will be back on Windows 10. Be sure to double check your computer’s settings and programs to make sure you still have everything needed to run TypeEasy, including Word, Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, and Adobe PDF Viewer (free version is fine). These pages detail
Required Computer Settings
Word Default Settings
Installing TypeEasy
Installing the Foot Pedal
Method 2: Revert to Windows 10 via Reinstallation
If it’s been more than 10 days since you upgraded to Windows 11, or if you purchased a computer with Windows 11 already running, you’ll need to use this method, which involves a clean reinstallation of Windows on your computer.
Before using this method, make sure all of your files are backed up, as this will completely wipe your machine and start it over as if it was fresh out of the box. Do NOT use this method without ensuring you have backed up your files and will not lose anything when wiping your computer.
Once you are sure your files are backed up, follow these steps:
Visit this page, and select Download Tool Now.
Double click on the downloaded file to launch the setup tool. Click Accept on the agreement.
Select Upgrade this PC Now.
Click Accept on the next step. When asked what to keep, you must select Nothing. A fresh reinstall of Windows requires this.
Again, please make sure your files are backed up using OneDrive or an external USB/disk to avoid data loss. Completing this process will revert your computer back to “fresh out of the box” clean, so do not proceed until you are ready to wipe everything.
Click Next, and then select Install. The installation will take place, and when completed, your computer will again be running Windows 10.
Now that your computer is running the right operating system, you will need to reinstall Microsoft Word, and ensure your computer still has Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, and Adobe PDF Reader downloaded and set as your default programs. All of these are required to run TypeEasy.
Visit the following pages of the OLH to get your computer back to SpeakWrite’s required settings and ready for use:
Required Computer Settings
Word Default Settings
Installing TypeEasy
Installing the Foot Pedal