How to Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7

How to Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7

2013-12-20 10:23:15 / Posted by Michael Eric to Windows Tips
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"I'm attempting to change the operating system on my wife's computer from Windows 8 to 64-bit Windows 7 Pro. I spent 3 hours last night, found that I had no chance to success. Is there a way to downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7 Pro?"

There may be problems with downgrading a Windows 8 PC, partly because some have new form factors that were never designed to run Windows 7. Windows 8 PCs are also different from the previous generation in having a new UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) system with Secure Boot and Fast Startup. Clearly, Microsoft doesn't want users doing this. Anyway, there is a way to downgrade Windows 8. Clarify the tips and follow the instruction to achieve it.

Knowing the Tips before Downgrading Windows 8 to Windows 7

• 1. You can only downgrade Windows 8 Pro version.
• 2. You can only downgrade from PCs that have Windows 8 Pro preinstalled from the factory. Not the one upgraded to Windows 8 and wants to revert to Windows 7.
• 3. Backup your Windows 8 files because you will be doing a clean installation of Windows 7. All things get wiped.

• 4. You need the installation media and a valid product key for Windows 7 you own.

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• 5. You must activate Windows 7 by phone during the process of downgrading.

Instruction for How to Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7 Pro

First obtain the DVD or USB key and a valid product key for Windows 7.

• Step 1. Download the ISO image and burn it to a disc, or order the disc itself.

  

• Step 2. Backup all personal files on your computer, using an external hard drive or online. All applications and drivers are included. These will have to be reinstalled later.
• Step 3. Open the Device Manager on your computer. A list will be displayed.

  

• Step 4. Click each device and make a note of the components. Make sure you have model numbers and manufacturers of the "pointing device", the "network adapter" and the "display adaptor".

  

• Step 5. Boot from the Windows 7 installation disc. You may get a prompt saying "press any key" as it works.
• Step 6. Activate your Windows 7 downgrade by calling the Microsoft helpline. They will give you a code to enter into the activation box.
• Step 7. Follow all prompts as the installation continues. You will be asked for your location and your selection of various data.

  

• Step 8. Install the drivers and applications. These are obtained from the manufacturer, together with the model numbers that you noted down earlier.
• Step 9. Restart your computer.
• Step 10. Install your personal files.

  

• Step 11. Click "Step Done". Thus you have succeeded to downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7 Pro.

Opposite to these users who want to downgrade Windows 8, many users want to update Windows 8 to Windows 8.1. Click here to learn how to install Windows 8.1.

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