Reverting to an older version of Kindle for PC is a common move if you need the old version of Kindle for PC for drm-removing. However, since Amazon pushes updates aggressively, you have to be specific about the order of operations. Follow the steps below will ensure you downgrade kindle for pc to older version successfully.

Phase 1: Clean Uninstall the Latest Kindle for PC

Before installing an older version, you must remove the current one to avoid database conflicts.

Deregister from kindle for pc.

Open your current Kindle app. Go to Tools > Options > Registration and click Deregister. (This prevents "ghost" devices from appearing in your Amazon account).

Uninstall

Use the Windows Control Panel or Settings to uninstall the Kindle app.

Delete "My kindle content" folder.

Delete the Kindle Content folder (usually found in your Documents folder with the path: C:\Users\\Documents\My Kindle Content) to ensure a fresh start.

Phase 2: Install the Older Version

Older versions of Kindle (Windows) Download

Amazon does not officially host old installers, so here I've collected the reliable kindle older version download link for you.

Here are the most usually requested Older versions of Kindle (Windows) Download link for your reference.

• Kindle for PC 2.9.1--Strongly recommneded
• Kindle for PC 2.8.3
• Kindle for PC 2.8.0
• Kindle for PC 2.7.0
• Kindle for PC 2.4.0
• Kindle for PC 1.7.0

Version 2.9.1: The best and only choice for people who are still using Windows 10 System. As the Microsoft Store App required the Windows 11 system.

Version 2.8.0: The best choice for removing drm from the latest kindle for PC easlier in this year, but still most of the kindle books cannot be downloaded via this version. 

Version 2.4.0: A common choice for users in 2025/2026 who need a balance between modern book compatibility and external tool support. This version is useless as they are not allowed to download your kindle books. 

Version 1.17 to 1.26: These are the most popular "classic" versions because they use the older .azw format rather than the newer KFX format. This version should be retired long time ago.

Phase 3: Block Kindle Automatic Updates (No need any more)

Since Amazon has discontinued the legacy Kindle app, it will no longer update automatically. You can safely skip this step.

If you don't do this, Kindle will likely update itself back to the latest version the moment you log in.

Basic step: Uncheck auto update in Kindle App.

Immediately after installing (and before downloading books), go to Tools > Options > General. Uncheck the box that says "Automatically install updates when they are available without asking me."

Advanced step: "Skip this version".

Then next time when Amazon tried to update our Kindle for PC app, you will receive a dialog "Software Update Available". Select "Skip this version", then you won't be updated to use the latest version of Kindle app.

Now you can log in to your kindle for PC and download your kindle books and remove Kindle drm.

Phase 4: How to Crack DRM with Legacy Kindle for PC 2.9.1

Although most users are using Windows 11, Windows 10 is still alive. If you don't want to upgrade your system and prefer to use the legacy Kindle app, you can still back up your Kindle books with imElfin eBook Ultimate, but you need a special version — imElfin eBook Ultimate 1.0.10.599.

The steps are super easy!

1. Download Kindle books via Legacy Kindle for PC 2.9.1.

2. Launch imElfin eBook Ultimate 1.0.10.599 and click the "Kindle" tab to display your downloaded Kindle books. Drag them to the right side to decrypt. All done.