How you can install Windows 7 on a Windows 8 laptop such as the Dell Inspiron 14z Ultrabook
Our Helproom Editor explains how to run Windows 7 on your Windows 8 PC or laptop.
QUESTION I have bought a Dell Inspiron 14z Ultrabook. Its specification lists an Intel Core i5 processor, a 500GB hard drive, an SSD and Windows 8. I'd prefer it to run Windows 7. I have tried using a shell to emulate the older OS, but it feels unwieldy. How difficult would it be to install Windows 7 on the SSD so I can continue to enjoy the fast boot times?
I have not installed any software that would require backing up. I also need to know whether an OS downgrade would invalidate my warranty, and where I can buy a genuine copy of Windows 7. (See also: Dell Inspiron 14z Ultrabook review.)
HELPROOM ANSWER Downgrading your operating system should not invalidate your hardware warranty. You can run any operating system you wish.
Whether or not you can easily downgrade to Windows 7, though, will depend on whether your Windows 8 PC was purchased with downgrade rights. With downgrade rights, you can install a previous version of Windows without needing to purchase an additional key for the software. Windows 8 Pro often provides downgrade rights to Windows 7 Professional, for example.
Be aware that even though you'll be using an SSD, Windows 7 won't boot up as fast as Windows 8. Also watch out for any possible incompatibilities: some of the most recent laptops sold running Windows 8 will not have been tested with Windows 7. There is no guarantee that Windows 7 drivers will have been made available either.
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Comments
Richard Wainwright said: The simplest thing to do is to install a Start Menu program I found StartIsBack and it works terrifically It is very lightweight installation is a breeze you can boot straight to Win8 OR Win7 interfaces and it gives you back your familiar and productive Start MenuThere is NO need to re-format your drive and jump thru all the hoops that most of the downgrading instructions provide Just pay the author 300 for up to 2 PCs and youre good to goWin8 does have some improvements over Win7 tossing out the Start Menu is not one of them Microsoft really screwed the pooch on this one StartIsBack fixes that problem-RW-
win8isshit said: This guide is as much a guide as Windows 8 is a progression
williamtruelove said: i have a window 8 it is wonderful but some features for certain games i cant play thou when i downgrade i will miss it
Paulo Panganiban said: Umm people want to downgrade because they dislike the fact that Microsoft decided to remove the default desktop If anything its also because 80 of users are not techies who would be willing to understand and work witharound the intricacies of Windows 8
BrianS said: Personally rather than fool with downgrading I found it better to just get rid of the Metro interface as much as possible I wrote about it on my personal blog httpcomputingcompendiumbloIf you get rid of Metro Windows 8 is in most ways better than Windows 7 It boots faster and it has lots of little nits fixed
Fred Anderson said: I think the enterprises that are still dealing in Windows 7 are feared of that fast convergence of users from Win 7 to Win 8 Therefore they instead encouraging people are playing a negative role on highlighting such downgrading methods I do not find any good solid reason to downgrade Windows 8 is Future RegardsFree Windows 8 Registry Cleanerhttpwwwregistryrecyclerco
Grahame Easthope said: Install VirtualBox and install W7 and run as a virtual machine The you have the choice of running either OS
Digger11 said: I agree WhataWho the hell wants to downgrade to Win 7Win 8 is an excellent system just spend a bit of time to learn it
Whata said: Thats a guide to downgrading Its more accurately stating the bloody obvious