Get today's popular Digital Trends articles in your inbox: Windows 10 has been a critical success since its release, but if you need or want to revert to an older version of Windows, it’s easy enough to learn how to uninstall and roll it back to whichever version you prefer. Unfortunately, there’s no automatic system for older versions — you’ll have to back up your files, track down some installation media, and find your software key to get back to your “old” computer. Though the guide below is written with rolling back to Windows 8.1 in mind, the basic steps work for any Windows operating system going as far back as Windows XP — though we don’t recommend going that far back for it some time ago.

It’s familiar and easy to use. Windows 10 was built to bring the best of Windows 7 and 8.1 together in one natural user experience that dynamically adjusts to the. Use gadgets in Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8. About 8GadgetPack. 8GadgetPack makes it possible to use gadgets on Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8. How-to FAQ Version history. First you need to download the installer (the link is on the top right of this page) and open it. This window will appear: Click on Install. And here you click on.

Be aware too, that new computers (particularly tablets) may contain components that weren’t manufactured when older Windows versions like Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 were being sold. If you do decide you want to roll things back and uninstall Windows 10, there are two distinct methods to do so. If you upgraded from Windows 8.1 or 7 within the last 30 days, there’s a simpler method of rolling back that takes very little effort, and doesn’t delete your files, which you can read about on the second page of this post.

Most though, will need to actually install an older version of Windows or switch to Linux in order to uninstall Windows 10 without leaving behind a blank hard drive. What you will need Before beginning anything else, to a separate location.

An external drive or a cloud storage service is fine, so long as it’s physically disconnected from the Windows computer you’ll be working on. Unfortunately, Windows can’t preserve programs or settings when flashing to an older version (only a newer one), so you’ll also want to get installation media for any crucial programs, especially those that require serial numbers. It’s also worth noting that Microsoft doesn’t support Windows 8 anymore, only Windows 8.1, as it was part of an automatic update cycle.

It’s also a good idea to download drivers for your computer’s various components before you begin the installation process. This will make it easier to get everything up and running if Windows doesn’t automatically select the appropriate drivers. Motherboard chipset, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and graphics drivers, in particular, can make the setup process much easier. Store these drivers on a USB thumb drive for easy access once Windows is finished installing. THANAWAT TEAWPIYAKUL/Shutterstock Next, get installation media for Windows itself.

Sap Download Sapcar Exelon. For Windows 8.1, Microsoft provides that allows you to send the installation files to a new DVD, or even use a flash drive. If you’re installing an older version of Windows, you’ll need the original disc (and possibly an external CD or DVD burner, if your newer laptop doesn’t have a disc drive). You’ll also need the Windows product key for whichever version you chose — this is the 25-digit code that came with your Windows retail box or purchase receipt from Microsoft. It may also be located somewhere on your computer’s case. A note on Windows 7 While it may be starting to show its age, Windows 7 is still of occasional utility among power users looking to replicate or fix old software, or people who are just stuck in their ways. Windows 7 can’t upgrade, install, or keep files when installed on a system already running Windows 10, so a fresh install is the only way to achieve such a goal.

Our has all the links, detailed instructions, and a few caveats about using older operating systems that may help you troubleshoot esoteric issues. The Windows 8 process is much easier. Reverting back to Windows 8.1 Once you’ve finished backing up your files and programs, remove all other external storage drives, cards, or discs, and insert the Windows installation disc or drive. Restart your computer and boot it from that drive. This usually requires either entering a keyboard command to open the boot menu, or entering the BIOS (or UEFI on newer laptops and tablets) and manually selecting the drive. For discs, select your CD or DVD drive.

For thumb drives, select “USB” or “USB-HDD.”. Michael Crider/Digital Trends The will then begin. For Windows 8.1, the first screen lets you select your language, location, and keyboard localization. Click “Next,” then “Install now.” Wait for the setup process to initiate. Installation Click “I accept the,” then “Next” on the license screen. The next screen has two options, “Upgrade” and “Custom.” Choose Custom — the Windows 8.1 installation system cannot upgrade from a newer version of Windows to an older one. On this screen you’ll have to select the installation drive or partition.

If your computer has only one, then this is the largest partition available. You have two options here: Click the drive and then click “next” to preserve old Windows files in a folder in the new installation. This is useful as a secondary backup method, but it will not preserve installed programs, and there may be compatibility or permission issues with accessing the old files. Generally it’s better to start fresh by formatting the install drive: Do this by clicking “Format,” then “OK.” Wait for the primary drive to be formatted, then click “Next.” On the next screen, the setup program will copy the Windows files from your installation media to your computer and begin installing the operating system itself. This may take quite some time, so if you’ve got something else to do for thirty minutes to an hour, it’s fine to leave your computer alone, so long as it’s plugged in or has plenty of battery power left. Keep an eye on the screen and return when the process is finished. Your computer may restart on its own.

After a few minutes you should see Windows 8.1 begin its first bootup process. Here you’ll select a few settings and personal touches. Just follow the on-screen instructions, entering your username and password where prompted. Click “Finish.” For Windows 8.1 and 7 free upgrades only If you’ve utilized Microsoft’s free upgrade from Windows 8.1 or 7 to Windows 10, you can use a more automated process to downgrade your software from Windows itself. While this process is easier than the above because it will preserve some of your files, it’s always a good idea to back up personal data just in case something goes wrong. That’s an appealing option, but there are some caveats.

The process used to work up to 30 days after the upgrade, but ever since the Windows 10 Anniversary Update after the update. Some claim to have, but we wouldn’t rely on it. Regardless, after the allotted time, the operating system will delete the previous OS files to make room on the hard drive. If you’ve run Windows 10’s disk cleanup operation, it may have prematurely deleted those files already, but only if you ran it manually. Michael Crider/Digital Trends This process also won’t let you roll back to Windows 8, only Windows 8.1. Part of the Windows 10 upgrade process involves moving to 8.1, so that’s technically the last OS installed on the system. If you want Windows 8 proper, you’ll have to use the instructions up above, and even then, only if you have the original installation media, and turn off updates.

Go to the main Settings menu in Windows 10, click “Recovery,” then click “Go back to Windows 8.1.” or “Go back to Windows 7” and follow the on-screen instructions. The system will begin the process by asking why you’re rolling back to a previous version.

Any answer will do, Microsoft is just looking for more information, and it won’t affect the installation itself. Then it will let you know your files will still be there, but you’ll have to reinstall applications, and any settings will be lost. You may also need your old password if it has changed since you updated to Windows 10. When you’re ready, click “Go back to previous Windows” and wait as the system begins rolling back.

This will take quite a while, and the system will reboot frequently while working. This option is only available for the, and isn’t compatible with previous versions of Windows (even the original Windows 8.) Microsoft’s process will preserve your local files, but not settings or third-party programs. Updated by Jon Martindale – Updated layout and links and clarified 10 day rollback window.

Earlier this year, I recycled an Intel small-form-factor PC that had previously been working full-time in the living room, running Windows Media Center on Windows 7 Ultimate. When I finally pulled the plug on Media Center last year, I had put this little device on a shelf.

The GWX utility had never been installed on this PC and it had never been offered a Windows 10 upgrade via Windows Update. As part of my digital clean-up, I decided to run the Windows 10 upgrade from Windows 7. I fully expected that after the upgrade was complete, the system would fail activation and I'd be asked for a product key.

Imagine my surprise when, instead, I was greeted with this screen. One digital license, no product key required. Ps3 Update 4 50 Download Size Of Microsoft.

I confirmed the same sequence on two different virtual machines, both created from scratch and running clean, fully activated installs of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, respectively. I've repeated those steps on test PCs since the release of the Creators Update in April 2017, and I continue to receive confirmation from people who've seen the same results on their home or office PCs. If you have a PC running a 'genuine' copy of Windows 7/8/8.1 (properly licensed and activated), you can follow the same steps I did to upgrade it to Windows 10. To get started, go to the webpage and click the Download tool now button. After the download completes, run the Media Creation Tool. You can upgrade directly using this tool, or create separate media.

If you've downloaded the Media Creation Tool on the machine you plan to upgrade, and you plan to upgrade one and only one PC, you can choose the Upgrade this PC now option and be done with it. How is the user experience guiding and transforming enterprise software? See the results of our survey. If you're running the tool on a different PC, or if you just want more flexibility, choose the second option and save the installation files to a USB drive or as an ISO file. After the download is complete, double-click the ISO file to mount it and open a File Explorer window; or, if you chose the option to create a bootable drive, open the USB flash drive in File Explorer and run Setup from there. Then just follow the prompts to complete the upgrade. You will not be asked for a product key, and when the upgrade is complete, you'll have a digital license to Windows 10, which you can confirm by going to Settings >Update & security >Activation.

The digital license is tied to that device, which means you can reformat the disk and perform a clean installation of the same edition of Windows 10 anytime. You won't need a product key, and activation is automatic. 1 - 5 of 10 Is your license valid? And now the big question: If you avail yourself of this upgrade, is the resulting license valid?

The entire 'free upgrade' offer was always accompanied by language that was, to put it politely, a bit squishy. And the language around the end of that offer is similarly vague. For example, see the answers I've highlighted here on Microsoft's: The wording here is remarkably vague. That's very odd language. The free upgrade through the Get Windows 10 app ended on July 29, 2016.

Likewise, the discussion of product keys says a key will be necessary 'for this tool to work' (not true) but doesn't say a word about licensing. And unlike the weasely 'Genuine Windows' label on older upgrades, the activation screens for a Windows 10 upgrade specifically confirm the existence of a 'digital license.'

Anyway, the free upgrade offer has been extended, indefinitely, at least for people who use assistive technologies. The even calls it a 'free upgrade offer extension' and pointedly notes that it is not limited to specific assistive technologies. Personally, I'm a regular user of one assistive technology, the Magnifier built into Windows, which can be triggered by pressing Windows key + plus sign. That makes me eligible for a free upgrade on any device I use. Clicking the Upgrade Now button kicks off an Upgrade Assistant that is functionally identical to the one used by the old GWX app. This is, I think, a very large nod and wink, designed to make it easy for those who want a Windows 10 upgrade to still get it while placating the OEM partners who were none too happy about the year-long emphasis on upgrades rather than new PC sales. Of course, I'm not a lawyer, and this column isn't legal advice.

But I will say that I am personally confident in the activation status of my newly upgraded PC. Related Topics. By registering you become a member of the CBS Interactive family of sites and you have read and agree to the, and.

You agree to receive updates, alerts and promotions from CBS and that CBS may share information about you with our marketing partners so that they may contact you by email or otherwise about their products or services. You will also receive a complimentary subscription to the ZDNet's Tech Update Today and ZDNet Announcement newsletters. You may unsubscribe from these newsletters at any time. ACCEPT & CLOSE.