New Computer w/ Win10 Factory Install >> Revert to Win7?


  1. Posts : 2
    Windows 10
       #1

    New Computer w/ Win10 Factory Install >> Revert to Win7?


    I'm sorry to create a new thread. This topic has been addressed in other threads, but it's hard to make heads or tails "IF" I should, or "IF" I can even do this. Driver compatibility, software, et.

    In a nutshell, I want to take a computer with Windows 10 factory install, and install Windows 7.

    Again, I know there's tons of variables, but here's the crux:

    I can't build a custom machine b/c I want to take advantage of 0% financing from a particular retailer.

    I want to buy one of the better Desktop machines I can afford ($700+/- from a National retailer)... (fastest processor I can afford (prob. Intel), most RAM I can afford, most Hard Drive Space I can afford, et.). All of their machines have Windows 10 factory installed of course (a few have win8 -but they aren't as fast, less memory, et).

    I've had a new Windows 10 machine for about a week now. I just don't like Windows 10. I've spent far too much time tweaking settings, adding icons, figuring out privacy settings, trying to make Win10 compatible w/ 3rd party programs... on and on. I see its upside, but it's not for me -I guess I'm old school and "know what I like".

    **So, given the above scenario... can I take a Clean Windows 7 Install, w/ product Key, install Win 7 and revert a NEW Win 10 machine back to Windows 7? **

    I've read so many conflicting data points I figured I'd just ask the question in a new thread. I'm "returning" my current "new" Desktop this week (b/c the Processor isn't what I'd hoped). I figure when I return this new machine I can try an install of Win7 on my new replacement.

    I thank anyone in advance for their feedback! THANK YOU! (again, sorry to create a new thread!)

    Cornelius
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 201
    Kernel 4.x.x
       #2

    So long as the hardware in the computer has support for Windows 7, you shouldn't have any problem installing Windows 7.

    This use of the word "revert" is incorrect here. You won't be "reverting", you'll be "downgrading".


    If the computer uses UEFI, you'll need to ensure that your Windows 7 install media was created relatively recently, or create your own.\

    You'll want to completely wipe the hard drive of all partitions when you go to install windows 7 as windows 7 doesn't use the same recovery partition configuration as Windows 10, and you'll likely not want to waste that space.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 19,511
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #3

    If you have a Win7 Retail disk with license and key, you can install it clean wiping out disk with Windows 10. You can "Go back" to 7 only if that W10 was upgraded from W7.
    If you have disk/installation for Retail version of W7 you can install it wherever you want too, OEM version is tied to particular computer.
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 5,478
    2004
       #4

    Windows 10 Pro has downgrade rights to Windows 7 (or 8). Windows 10 home doesn't so you'd need a new license (or have an existing one).
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 19,511
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #5

    halasz said:
    Windows 10 Pro has downgrade rights to Windows 7 (or 8). Windows 10 home doesn't so you'd need a new license (or have an existing one).
    If it wasn't upgraded to W10 from 7/8.1 in the first place, you can't "revert" to them, only clean install or dual boot would do.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 2
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thank you Hydra, Hal, Mike. Yes, it is a new machine, not an upgraded Machine. So out of all the suggestions noted above, the easiest "may be" to upgrade to Win10 pro, then install Windows 7? The aspect of the computer's hardware supporting Windows 7 is probably my biggest concern when researching this. I want to have a pretty decent system -so that may be the biggest curveball in "downgrading" (thank you for correcting my misuse of revert).

    So if I try the "Pro" route, then install 7 from Pro -will that solve any hardware compatibility issues?

    Sincerely, THANK YOU to all those who offered insight. I have been trying to figure this out all weekend (on top of doing my job/work), and it's been a nightmare trying to figure out my best options. I thank you for your excellent feedback.

    So far, Upgrade to Pro, then install 7 may be easiest? I'm going to have to buy a new copy of Win 7 anyway (so if an upgrade to Pro will work, I'd just apply the Win7 software cost to Win10 Pro upgrade).

    Keep in mind I'll be working w/ a "clean", new machine. I'll install all my software "post" any Win7 Installation efforts I try.

    THANK YOU!
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 19,511
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #7

    To ensure compatibility just make sure all the drivers for W7 do exist on manufacturers site.
    Just another thing, if you have a legal W7 disk with activation numbers, see if you can get that computer without any OS installed, would probably save some money too. Even OEM windows cost something.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 1
    two computers-one Win10
       #8

    CountMike said:
    To ensure compatibility just make sure all the drivers for W7 do exist on manufacturers site.
    Just another thing, if you have a legal W7 disk with activation numbers, see if you can get that computer without any OS installed, would probably save some money too. Even OEM windows cost something.
    Just curious as to whether or not you were successful with this. I have recently bought a Win10 laptop, and i would like to be able to dual-boot it with Win7. I can't seem to find any info on the internet to address this.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 19,511
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #9

    alisadm said:
    Just curious as to whether or not you were successful with this. I have recently bought a Win10 laptop, and i would like to be able to dual-boot it with Win7. I can't seem to find any info on the internet to address this.
    Hi and welcome to 10forum.
    Yes I do run W7 and W10 on same machine in dual boot but on separate disks (SSDs). It could be done on same disk but if one system fails it may take out boot from other with it. In either case, drivers for both systems are required although some could be same version, installed in each system separately of course.
      My Computers


 

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