windows 8.1 downgrade rights

David444

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Oct 14, 2013
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Windows 8 pro has downgrade rights, but the regular 8, which I previously had doesn't. However, I have upgraded to 8.1. Does 8.1 have downgrade rights? If so, with the laptop, I will upgrade to 8.1, and then take advantage of the rights to get to 7.
 
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You are seriously going to all that trouble for Sim games? That would probably work just fine on 8.1? Cuz I have yet to run into one game that doesn't work on 8/8.1 and I have over 200 in my Steam library, from really old to new. Even the Doom 3 BFG works on 8/8.1.

David444

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Oct 14, 2013
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I know. All I have to do, (I read on Microsoft), is type in add features, and type in a product key, to make it pro. Wow, first I start out with windows 8, then I upgrade to 8.1, then I add features to make pro, and finally, I downgrade. All this to get windows 7 on! But for my sims games, I know every minute will be worth it in the long run.
 


You are seriously going to all that trouble for Sim games? That would probably work just fine on 8.1? Cuz I have yet to run into one game that doesn't work on 8/8.1 and I have over 200 in my Steam library, from really old to new. Even the Doom 3 BFG works on 8/8.1.
 
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USAFRet

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You have to buy the Pro upgrade key first.
 

David444

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Oct 14, 2013
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Just putting it on is harder without the downgrade rights I think:

" Microsoft does offer downgrade rights, complete with support services and a clear downgrade path to Windows 7, but only for systems with Windows 8 Pro. If you've just got plain old Windows 8—and most mainstream systems do—you're on your own. Switching between the two operating systems is still very doable, but you'll be doing it without Microsoft's blessing.'

Here's where I got it: http://
 


It won't make a difference if you buy a copy of Win 7 and install it. Upgrade rights means the Win 8.1 Pro key will give you the right to a key to activate Windows 7. It has nothing to do with ease of install: either way you need to get a Windows 7 disk, boot from it and do a clean install.
 


You need a Windows 7 disk. You can buy one or if you do have downgrade rights, download from the link below and burn a disk. Boot the machine from the disk (depending on the model you may need to press F12, F10, F9 or another key when you start to get to a boot menu - what make and model do you have?)

http://www.w7forums.com/threads/official-windows-7-sp1-iso-image-downloads.12325/

Then once you've booted into Windows setup, you'll be able to format the disk (this will erase all data on the drive so make sure you've backed up anything you don't want to lose) and install a fresh copy of Windows. You'll need a key to activate Windows - if you bought Win7 it's in the CD case. Then install whatever device drivers you need and your programs (the install leaves a totally clean copy of Windows)



 

Kyle_30

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Dec 9, 2015
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This is all fine in theory. Try exercising those "rights." The activation line doesn't actually have access to any product keys. Here was my experience trying to get just one OEM Win10 to Win7:

1.) Called Microsoft activation line. After 10 minutes on hold, I was told to get key from PC manufacturer.
2.) Called manufacturer (more holding). Got a befuddled tech who told me that this is a Windows issue - so call them.
3.) Went back to Microsoft, explained it to a tech who would only identify himself as "Mudassir". Was told that I should file a complaint of counterfeit software, and that a mysterious person would answer my call and help me.

Stop laughing. This really happened.

Seriously, though. What good are downgrade rights if there is no means to obtain a key for your downgraded software. Any ideas?

-Kyle chews on his mouse cord
 
Learn to use Win 10. There isn't much reason to want to use Win 7 anymore. It was understandable for Win 8, but Win 10 behaves close enough to Win 7 that there isn't much need to go back. And why post this on a 2 year old post? Make a new one, you'll get better responses, as people will waist their time reading several post that has to do with a different situation than yours.