Windows 8 -> Windows 7 Downgrade

RastaManBob

RastaManBob

RastaManBob

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Hello,

I have recently purchased a Dell laptop but unfortunately it has developed a fault. Dell have, to their credit, offered a new replacement laptop. My original laptop was supplied with Windows 7 however they now only supply the laptop with Windows 8. At this moment in time I would like to stick with Windows 7.

Is it possible to (legally) downgrade a (legitimate) Windows 8 installation to Windows 7 (based on the license supplied with a pre-installed OS on a laptop)? If so, how do you go about doing this? Where can I obtain the required media from? And, in the future if I wish to 'upgrade' back to Windows 8 can I do this or once you have downgraded is your license forever for Windows 7?

I'd love to get an answer to this as I'd prefer to accept Dell's offer of a new machine but do not want Windows 8. Otherwise I have to accept a refurbished item from them, simply so that it comes with Windows 7 installed.

Any help with regards to the legitimacy of Windows 8 -> Windows 7 downgrade and the typical questions around this area would be great. Thanks in advanced! :)
 
RastaManBob
Windows 8 -> Windows 7 Downgrade
Hello,

I have recently purchased a Dell laptop but unfortunately it has developed a fault. Dell have, to their credit, offered a new replacement laptop. My original laptop was supplied with Windows 7 however they now only supply the laptop with Windows 8. At this moment in time I would like to stick with Windows 7.

Is it possible to (legally) downgrade a (legitimate) Windows 8 installation to Windows 7 (based on the license supplied with a pre-installed OS on a laptop)? If so, how do you go about doing this? Where can I obtain the required media from? And, in the future if I wish to 'upgrade' back to Windows 8 can I do this or once you have downgraded is your license forever for Windows 7?

I'd love to get an answer to this as I'd prefer to accept Dell's offer of a new machine but do not want Windows 8. Otherwise I have to accept a refurbished item from them, simply so that it comes with Windows 7 installed.

Any help with regards to the legitimacy of Windows 8 -> Windows 7 downgrade and the typical questions around this area would be great. Thanks in advanced!
Click to expand...

Dell are still supplying win 7 with it's systems. If you want win 7, then you will get it. If you are on the phone to them, just ask for win 7.
 
robinbredin said:
Dell are still supplying win 7 with it's systems. If you want win 7, then you will get it. If you are on the phone to them, just ask for win 7.
Click to expand...

I have been on the phone to them and have been categorically told 'we can only order for you what is available on our website'... And there is no option to select Windows 7 for that model on their website. :(
 
I'm a little behind the times - This laptop is my first with Windows 7... That was a jump enough, moving to Windows 8 as well? I'm not sure! I'd much rather stick with Windows 8 to be honest. I was hoping it'd be possible to downgrade and then later, when I feel ready, I could 'upgrade' back to Windows 8 (using the license that came with the laptop).

Just not sure if this is possible and if so how it works... Would be the bets of both if possible.
 
That looks perfect, but:

"Obtain genuine Windows media and a corresponding product key for the version of Windows that is eligible for downgrade."

Does this mean Dell would have to provide me with the installation media and product key for Windows 7 to downgrade to? If so, looks like a no go as they will not do so.

Any ideas? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

Thanks! :)
 
RastaManBob
That looks perfect, but:

"Obtain genuine Windows media and a corresponding product key for the version of Windows that is eligible for downgrade."

Does this mean Dell would have to provide me with the installation media and product key for Windows 7 to downgrade to? If so, looks like a no go as they will not do so.

Any ideas? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Put your query on this site HERE, and see what comes up. If you never being on this site before, you will need to log in to post.
 
RastaManBob said:
That looks perfect, but:

"Obtain genuine Windows media and a corresponding product key for the version of Windows that is eligible for downgrade."

Does this mean Dell would have to provide me with the installation media and product key for Windows 7 to downgrade to? If so, looks like a no go as they will not do so.

Any ideas? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

Thanks! :)
Click to expand...
u could buy win7 oem from ocuk

u can't downgrade for free in your case. because u bought a laptop with win 8 already on it. so u haven't upgraded from a previous OS.

u can only downgrade to the OS you've upgraded from
 
Last edited:
gareth170 said:
u could buy win7 oem from ocuk

u can't downgrade for free in your case. because u bought a laptop with win 8 already on it. so u haven't upgraded from a previous OS.

u can only downgrade to the OS you've upgraded from
Click to expand...

From my understanding that is not how it works; it appears as though it gives the OEMs the flexibility to supply both Win7 and Win8 installation media though only one can be installed (and licensed) at a time. Indeed, it could be used to supply a customer with a Win8 machine pre-installed with Win7 (effectively supplied pre-downgraded) which can be 'upgraded' to the actual/main license of Win8 at a later date.

The main difficulty is finding how this theory translates to reality and getting an OEM to include the Win7 (which I do not believe is any more costly in terms of MS fees, though the OEM could charge an admin fee for the media I guess).

Still, not simple.
 
Yeh, Win 7 is basically the same as Win 8. As you're new to both then Win 8 will probably be easier for you to get used to anyway.
 
now only supply the laptop with Windows 8. At this moment in time I would like to stick with Windows 7.
Click to expand...

Theres no reason you cant just add a mod to change 8 back to 7. Its not really that different, you can set it to ignore metro, go straight to desktop, load a start menu and shutdown button.
I never use any metro apps, full screen muppetry is irritating.
 
Might as well just jump to Win 8.

You'll be annoyed by Win 7 being different anyway so just bite the bullet and get stuck in with Win 8.

Will seem a bit annoying at first but after a while you begin to realise that the new UI does actually make sense.
 
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