So if for example, I buy a new laptop for my personal use, that has Windows 8 Pro on it, and I want to install Windows 7 Pro. I ask this question mostly under the circumstances of home users and very small businesses. I've heard that I need to get install media from the manufacturer? Why can't I install Windows 7 from generic media? So basically, how do I activate Win 7 Pro on a computer that shipped with Windows 8 Pro, without spending any more money, and without having a Windows 7 volume license? But also, now Windows 8 laptops are shipping without a product key sticker (COA).
I've heard some people say you need to use a Windows 7 volume key. I've heard that if you have a computer with Windows 8 Pro and install Windows 7 Pro on it, you just use the Windows 7 Pro DVD install the OS, and type in the Windows 8 Pro product key, and bam you're activated. I've heard a few different confusing and conflicting things. So the only way to downgrade them to Windows 7 Pro was to buy a copy of Windows 7 Pro.īut what happens if someone buys a Windows 8 PRO laptop, and wants to downgrade to Windows 7 Pro.
So, I've been in the situation where the owner of the company bought laptops Windows 8 HOME edition laptops without my input.
