Hi I currently have a Windows 8 64bit laptop and I want to downgrade it to Windows 7. I wanted to know if I would need to purchase a new Windows 7 OS installation disk for full price or can I download it for free from Microsoft since it is a downgrade.
Also, if I downgrade, would the preinstalled programs and files be deleted? So for example, my computer uses intel's rapid start technology and has a custom partition to help it boot faster, etc. So by downgrading, would I have to do reinstall all of that
or is it like kind of like an upgrade where it keeps all your settings and programs, etc.
Hi I currently have a Windows 8 64bit laptop and I want to downgrade it to Windows 7. I wanted to know if I would need to purchase a new Windows 7 OS installation disk for full price or can I download it for free from Microsoft since it is a downgrade. Also, if I downgrade, would the preinstalled programs and files be deleted? So for example, my computer uses intel's rapid start technology and has a custom partition to help it boot faster, etc. So by downgrading, would I have to do reinstall all of that or is it like kind of like an upgrade where it keeps all your settings and programs, etc.
Yes, you will need to reinstall everything.
You will first need to go to the manufacturers website for your model computer and first find out if there are Windows 7 native drivers available. A lot of computers that come preloaded with Windows 8 do not have native driver support for Windows 7 by the manufacturer. If there are no native drivers, you will have to consider returning the machine and purchasing a machine preloaded with Windows 8 Pro with downgrade rights to Windows 7 Professional. Or look through the manufacturers catalogue for systems already preloaded with Windows 7, usually the business line will have these options.
Return the laptop if it came preloaded with Windows 8 and purchase one already preloaded with Windows 7, they are still available:
http://www.zdnet.com/where-can-you-find-a-pc-running-windows-7-7000013418/
How to downgrade:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2417359,00.asp
Backup before you reinstall Windows 7:
http://techingiteasy.wordpress.com/2012/10/29/how-to-backup-your-windows-8-installation/
Consider dual booting (credit JW Stuart MVP):
http://www.pagestart.com/win8dbwin701181301.html
Additional information:
Since you want to downgrade to Windows 7 to meet the business requirement, you may refer this article and check if it helps.
Understanding downgrade rights
Consumer versions of Windows 8 Pro that come preinstalled on PCs have downgrade rights to a previous version of Windows (example: Windows 7, Windows Vista).
If your copy came pre-installed on your system, you may downgrade your copy to Windows 7.
If not you need purchase a copy of Windows 7 and install the same on your computer.
• Downgrade rights are only available for licenses obtained through OEM or Volume Licensing (VL) and not apply to Full version (FPP).
• OEM downgrade rights apply to Windows 8 Pro and allows for downgrades up to two prior version
• Software Assurance through VL (Volume licensing) provides the greatest flexibility, allowing for downgrades to all prior versions and editions besides Windows 7 Ultimate and Vista Ultimate editions.Without Software Assurance coverage, VL has downgrade rights to prior versions of Windows with the exception of Enterprise.
• It is not possible for a Windows 8 copy with multi-language function to downgrade to Windows 7 Pro or Windows XP Pro as multi language function is exclusive to Windows 7 Enterprise edition and not available for Professional edition.
Andre
Windows Insider MVP
MVP-Windows and Devices for IT
twitter/adacosta
groovypost.com
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