Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Switch from Windows 10 back to Windows 7 / 8.1: How it works

Windows 10 or again one of the predecessors? Anyone who decides for the latter will get help.


TIP 1: Read serial number before updating


Not all users are satisfied with Windows 10 and want to return to Windows 8.1 or Windows 7. The reason for this is often the highly criticized data protection, but also incompatible applications, problems with the hardware or operating difficulties. Windows offers several ways to switch back from Windows 10. However, these do not always work and require some preparation. If you do not make these preparations, it will be more difficult to uninstall. But there are also possibilities. We give tips on uninstallation, which offer Windows 10 and its predecessor versions. It is also possible to switch to earlier versions within Windows 10.


TIP 2: Create the Windows 7 / 8.1 installation volume


The updates to Windows 10 version 1511 and version 1607 (Anniversary Update) are not all users happy, and in the future, Microsoft will periodically provide major updates that are automatically installed by Windows and may pose problems. We'll show you how to get rid of them.


TIP 3: Full PC backup before updating


Before you install Windows 10 on a computer running Windows 7 or 8.1, you should read the serial number, save it and write it down. This allows you to reinstall Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 at any time. With the freeware ProduKey, you can read and display serial numbers for installed Office editions and Windows without installation.


TIP 4: Restore older Windows 10 build


Read Tip: Read Windows license key - that's how it works


The tool can also read the serial number of Windows 8.1. You can also use the Windows Product Key Viewer tool for Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.


Make sure you have an installation volume of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. This allows you to quickly and easily restore the previous operating system, together with the serial number read out, if you are not satisfied with Windows 10. If you do not have your own installation, you should get one before you upgrade to Windows 10.


Microsoft offers ISO files for Windows 7, which you can download after you enter a serial number. ISO files for Windows 8.1 are also available. Microsoft also offers on the page the Media Creation Tool, which allows you to create a bootable USB stick. Bootable USB data carriers can also be created with the Windows USB / DVD Download Tool.


Before you upgrade your PC to Windows 10, you should perform a full image backup. In this process, the entire operating system is backed up with all data and programs to an external hard disk. If you do not have an external hard drive, it is worthwhile to buy one. You get external hard drives from about 50 euros. In addition to an image backup, you should also copy the external hard drive, all your data. Then you can restore this quickly and easily;


If you are not satisfied with Windows 10, you must only restore this image backup to return to the original state. Since this is not the case for all Windows 7 editions, this is the best way to access the free open source solution Clonezilla. This can also completely back up Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.


Microsoft has integrated a wizard in Windows 10 that allows you to switch to older versions of Windows 10. For example, if you are working with the new version 1607, you can uninstall this version at. This does not work for a change to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. Windows Updates and New Versions is managed from the Start menu through Settings \ Update and Security. To return to previous version, go to the previous version of Windows by clicking the "Go Back" button in the menu item; Restore.


If Windows 10 does not start after an upgrade, the "Return to the previous image" option is available in the Windows 10 repair settings. These can either be started via a Windows 10 recovery disk, or via an installation DVD or by restarting the computer several times, and crashing.


After you have updated a computer to Windows 10, you can go back to Windows 7 for one month. To do this, run the Settings menu in Windows 10, and then click Update and Security / Restore. The "Return to Windows 7," or "Return to Windows 8.1" option is available here. You can, however, change to Windows 10 at any time, but this option is available only if no month has expired and you are using the disk cleanup (cleanmgr.exe) The old Windows system is located in the directory C: \ Windows.old.


TIP 5: Back up to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1


Buy a new PC that already has Windows 10 installed, you need a Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 license if you want to use one of the older Windows versions. In this case, you must reinstall Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. However, you should first make sure that you record the serial number of Windows 10, and get a disk with Windows 10. The serial number is either on a sticker of the calculator or you can read it, using a tool from - see above. So, you can always upgrade to Windows 10, but you can also switch back to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.


If the 30 days have expired, you can no longer return to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 if you have upgraded to Windows 10. For many PCs, the option to return to the factory defaults is available when booting. With some luck, you can use this option to restore the older version of Windows. The settings, some of which can also be found in Windows 10, in the "Update and Security \ Restore" settings, and then click "Go" in "Reset this PC". You can cancel the operation at any time. If the factory settings are available on the PC, the corresponding button appears, as well as


TIP 6: New PC with Windows 10 switch to Windows 7 or 8.1


Even if you have a recovery disk from your PC, this can succeed. In this case, you should first back up Windows 10 completely. The backup with Clonezilla also works easily, with Windows 10. You should also get a Windows 10 installation disk so you can later upgrade to Windows 10 if you want. As with Windows 7, and Windows 8.1, Microsoft also provides ISO files.


Another possibility to install the old operating system is the use of a used license of Windows 7. This is already on eBay, for example, between 5 and 20 Euro. Be sure to purchase only one license with original data carrier. Take advantage of only those actions that take advantage of ebay buyer protection. Install the version on a computer, Windows 7 is available to you again. You should purchase the largest edition of Windows 7, ie Windows 7 Ultimate. This has all the features and allows you to upgrade to a larger version of Windows.


TIP 7: Return to Windows 7 or 8.1 after 30 days

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