Windows 8 to windows 7

headcase

I ordered via Amazon a Dell 17inch laptop with windows 7 home with intel i3. Anyway, I received the laptop with i5 but with Windows 8 pro. The laptop screen is not touchscreen and the machine is for my wife - which for years has been used to Xp, windows 7 look. I spoke to dell and they replied its a free upgrade. Is there a way of downgrading the software from 8 to 7. ie hope normal windows operates - a start at the bottom left ... etc etc . Or do I return the machine and insite on windows 7. I'm happy for a free upgrade however i'm concerned about windows 8 - with all its touch screen stuff. What do you think ?

Anne_Marie_2

You might like to have a look at this thread where it shows you how to change Win 8 to look more like Win 7 with a start button.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4323561
I did this recently on a friend's Win 8 laptop with no touchscreen, and it's been a success.
Of course, you could always return the laptop and insist on Win 7, your call.
I believe that Win 8 Pro can be down graded to Win 7.....some info on here
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2015107/downgrading-from-windows-8-to-7-what-you-need-to-know.html

mazza111

Honestly... I set up my sister's laptop for her with Win8 preinstalled. I rather liked it after a couple of hours. She's been using Win7 for a couple of years, with a few problems, but in all honesty, she's got used to Win8 in no time. Which I'm quite surprised about :T

Maybe time to go with the flow? Of course it's up to you, but if I was spending on a new laptop, I'd rather go with the Win 8 but also agree with Annmarie that the start button can make a big difference

jellikin

I would say to possibly hold on and stick with windows 8 as in a couple of months 8.1 will be released and is set to address the "niggles" people have i.e the start screen and lack of button in left hand corner.

There are already start button alternatives available if that much of a hurry to have it back.

Tropez

Personally, I would stick with Windows 8 and use one of the options to tinker it to appear like Windows 7 - the thread given by Anne_Marie is very useful.

I have a laptop running Windows 8 that boots much, much faster than a superior specced desktop machine running Windows 7, both from a standard 7200RPM HDD. After tinkering with Windows 8 the Metro/Modern UI is all but vanquished and I only get Windows 8 style options when tinkering with certain settings, none of which I need to do very often.

I get a standard looking desktop and I even re-added the Quick Start taskbar menu from Windows XP.

I'm not fond of Windows 8's design choices but I cannot argue with its speed, and now that I've banished Metro/Modern into the nether, I need not worry about it.

Anne_Marie_2

I don't actually have Win 8 myself, I did the change for a friend, and it was really easy, following the instructions in the first link in my last post. I used Classic Shell, because it was free (I may have gone for the paid version, if it had been for me). I opted for the Win 7 Quick Start Taskbar menu, as that is what friend was used to.

I also installed Skype as a programme, rather than an app, as friend uses that frequently, so easier for her than the Skype app, so that she doesn't have to go to the Metro UI.
Also installed some other programmes such as Sumatra, which I think is much better than Adobe reader for pdf files, VLC player, amongst other programmes, which were useful for my friend.

I did play about with Win 8, and do have reservations about using it on non touch screen. It wasn't difficult using the trackpad, just took a wee bit of getting used to, and I daresay, given time, I would have gotten used to it.
I'm still not convinced about using the Metro UI on a laptop or desktop with touch screen for me. Think it would put a strain on my right arm over a period of time. Great for a tablet though.

busiscoming2

I have only recently had a new laptop with Windows 8. Yes it is different and at first I couldn't find anything but it doesn't take long to get used to it. The worst bit for me is when using the mousepad sometimes all the 'bits' round the edges appear when you don't want them to.

I'd give her a chance with it before downgrading, but having said that if I had the choice again I'd stick with W7.

Stooby2

Getting back to what the OP asked...

If you really do want to go back to Windows 7, you will need to purchase a full version of Windows 7 (or see if you have a licence on an old PC you can use). Then you will need to install windows 7 and during the installation, format the C: drive to remove Win 8.

But as others state - try the thread to change the look of Win 8 and see if you can stick with it. It is much faster than Win 7 - using it on my netbook now which is much better with it over Win 7. Once you get used to it, it's not so bad.

isofa

Stooby2 wrote: »

If you really do want to go back to Windows 7, you will need to purchase a full version of Windows 7 (or see if you have a licence on an old PC you can use). Then you will need to install windows 7 and during the installation, format the C: drive to remove Win 8.

No you don't.

Windows 8 Pro (inc OEM versions shipped with pre-installed systems) has full downgrade rights to Windows 7. Windows 8 Pro includes downgrade rights to both Windows 7 Pro and Vista Business.

A quick search of MS website and/or a call to their helpline will give you all you need to know. You'll need a Win 7 installer disc and MS will give you a install code.

Only Win 8 Pro has downgrade rights, not over versions of Win 8.

Bit more info here to save me googling / posting hundreds of MS links:
http://www.howtogeek.com/133168/how-to-downgrade-windows-8-pro-to-windows-7/

Stooby2

Ah thanks, wasn't aware of that...learn something new every day.

Lum

Came here to pimp my Win 8 thread, found someone had already done it! :T

As for the downgrade rights thing. It's a bit of a red herring for most people here I think. As you say it only applies to Win8 Pro and the majority of people buying laptops for personal use are going to end up with Home, not Pro.

Edit:

jellikin wrote: »

I would say to possibly hold on and stick with windows 8 as in a couple of months 8.1 will be released and is set to address the "niggles" people have i.e the start screen and lack of button in left hand corner.

8.1 isn't going to bring back the start menu, it's only bringing back the start button. Clicking it will still bring you to the Metro start screen.