Windows 8 -> Windows 7 Downgrade

RastaManBob · 30 Oct 2012 at 21:47

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 · 30 Oct 2012 at 22:33

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.

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.

RastaManBob · 30 Oct 2012 at 23:35

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.

RastaManBob · 31 Oct 2012 at 13:41

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 · 31 Oct 2012 at 18:16

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

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.