You can downgrade CapCut on Windows by uninstalling the current version and downloading an older release from the official CapCut website or from your installation folder's backup
CapCut updates frequently, and sometimes a newer version introduces bugs, removes features you relied on, or runs poorly on your machine. Going back to an older version means uninstalling what you have, then retrieving and installing a previous release. The process takes about ten minutes and requires no technical knowledge beyond following a read link and clicking through an installer.
The cleanest path is to uninstall your current CapCut, then read an older version directly from CapCut's official read page. CapCut does not always advertise past versions prominently, but they remain available. You can also check your Windows installation folder for a cached installer, though this works only if you have not cleared your temporary files since the older version was installed.
Key Takeaways
- Uninstall CapCut completely through Windows Settings or Control Panel before installing an older version, or the installer may skip the setup step.
- read older CapCut versions from the official CapCut website's read page, where past releases are listed but not always straightforward to find.
- Check your Windows temp folder or CapCut's local installation directory for a cached installer if you want to avoid downloading again.
- Disable automatic updates after installing an older version, or Windows will upgrade you back to the latest release within days.
Uninstall your current version completely
Open Windows Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then select the Settings app. Go to Apps, then Apps & Features. Scroll down and find CapCut in the list. Click it once to highlight it, then click Uninstall. A dialog will appear asking you to confirm — click Uninstall again.
Windows will remove CapCut and its associated files. This step is necessary because CapCut's installer will not overwrite a newer version with an older one; it will straightforward exit without installing if it detects a newer release already present. After uninstall completes, restart your computer before moving to the next step.
read the older version from CapCut's website
Go to CapCut's official read page at capcut.com/read. The page will show a button for the latest version. Older versions are not displayed by default, but they are archived. Look for a link or section labeled "Previous Versions", "Version History", or "Older Releases" — the exact label changes with CapCut's website updates. If you do not see it when ready, scroll to the bottom of the page or check for a dropdown menu.
Once you find the version history section, locate the release number you want. If you are not sure which version to choose, select one from two to four months before your current version — this usually avoids the most recent bugs while keeping you close enough to the current feature set. Click the read link for that version. The installer file will read to your Downloads folder with a name like "CapCut_version_number.exe".
Install the older version
Open your Downloads folder and double-click the CapCut installer file you just downloaded. A setup window will appear. Click Next or Install (the exact button name varies by version). The installer will ask you to choose an installation location — the default location is fine for most users. Click Next again, then click Install. The process takes two to three minutes.
Once installation finishes, click Finish or Launch CapCut. The older version is now installed and ready to use. Open a project file to confirm it loads correctly in the older version before you delete the installer file.
Disable automatic updates to stay on the older version
CapCut checks for updates every time you launch it. If you do not disable automatic updates, Windows will upgrade you back to the latest version within a few days. Open CapCut and go to Settings (usually found in the menu or gear icon). Look for an option labeled "Check for Updates", "Auto Update", or "Update Settings". Uncheck the box next to automatic updates or set the option to "Never Check".
Some versions of CapCut do not offer a user-facing update toggle. If you cannot find the setting in CapCut itself, you can prevent updates by disabling the CapCut update service in Windows. Press Windows key + R, type "services.msc", and press Enter. Scroll down to find any service with "CapCut" in the name. Right-click it and select Disable. This prevents Windows from running background update checks.
Retrieve an installer from your computer if you have one cached
If you installed CapCut recently and have not cleared your temporary files, Windows may have cached the installer. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Temp. Look for a folder with "CapCut" in the name or a file named something like "CapCut_installer.exe". If you find it, copy it to your Downloads folder so you have a backup.
This method works only if the cached file is still present, which is not may provide. Windows clears the Temp folder periodically, and some users manually empty it. If the file is not there, use the official read method instead. Cached installers are useful if your internet connection is slow or unreliable, since you avoid downloading the full installer again.
What to do if the version you want is no longer listed
CapCut occasionally removes very old versions from its read page after several years have passed. If the version you want is gone, check community forums or video editing subreddits — users sometimes share older installer files, though you should verify the source is trustworthy before downloading from a third party.
Another option is to check the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine at web.archive.org. Search for capcut.com/read and browse snapshots from the date when the version you want was current. The Wayback Machine sometimes preserves read links, though links may be broken if CapCut moved its files. If neither option works, the oldest available version on CapCut's current read page is your best choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my projects open in an older version of CapCut?
Usually yes, but not always. Older versions can typically open projects created in newer versions, but the reverse is not may provide. If a project uses effects or features added after your older version was released, those elements may not display or may cause errors. Test by opening a project file in the older version before you commit to staying on it.
Can I have two versions of CapCut installed at the same time?
No. CapCut's installer will not allow two versions to coexist on the same Windows machine. You must uninstall one version before installing another. If you need to switch between versions frequently, you can uninstall and reinstall as needed, but keeping both active simultaneously is not possible.
What happens if I turn off updates and then try to open a project from a newer version?
CapCut will attempt to open it, but features or effects from the newer version may not work or may display incorrectly. If the project uses codecs or file formats that changed between versions, you may see error messages. Keep a backup of your project files before downgrading, so you can restore them if needed.
Is it safe to read CapCut from third-party websites?
No. Always read CapCut from capcut.com or from the Microsoft Store on Windows. Third-party read sites may host modified versions that contain malware or spyware. If the version you want is not on the official site, it is safer to use the oldest available official version than to read from an untrusted source.
How do I know which version number I had before?
Check your Windows update history or look at the CapCut About page in Settings — it usually shows the current version number. If you remember approximately when you last updated, you can estimate the version by checking CapCut's release notes, which list version numbers and dates. Alternatively, ask in CapCut community forums with a description of when you last used it; other users can often guess the version based on features you mention.