How to downgrade Windows 8/8.1 to Windows 7 without Losing Files

Windows 8 came with many new designs, such as refurbished user interface and amazingly fast boot time but however, the vanished classical Start Menu and native DVD video support did upset many loyal Windows OS users. I have no problem with Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 but Windows 7 can be more stable in PC that has low RAM and storage. If you are one of the users, who have a computer running Windows 8/8.1 preinstalled, and wonder how to downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7 Pro without losing files in the easiest steps...

Step 1. Take a dive into Windows OS downgrade rights details: Windows 8/8.1 Pro can be downgraded to Windows 7 Professional/Vista only, while Windows 7 Professional/Ultimate can be reinstalled on Windows Vista Business/Ultimate, Windows XP Professional/Tablet PC/x64 bit.

Step 2. Prepare a DVD+R/DVD-R or a USB (16GB) as the Windows 7 Professional installation media. You can use PowerISO v6.5 (32-bit) or PowerISO v6.5 (64-bit) softwares to do this.

Step 3. Be sure to have a valid product key because you'll need it when you're done.

Step 4. Backup data/configuration first to a formatted USB drive, DVD disc or online Cloud storage before downgrading Windows 8 Pro to Windows 7 Professional: slide to the bottom right on your Windows 8/8.1 screen -> click the search button -> type "Create a recovery drive" -> select the files you want to backup -> choose your inserted drive -> Start to create Windows 8 recovery drive;

Step 5. Download basic driver files to ensure your display, keyboard, mouse, etc work, especially Wireless or Local Area Network driver.

Step 6. Adjust system setup settings
1. Enable the advanced startup mode so as to enter the System BIOS: press Window Start Key + C -> type Settings -> Change PC settings -> choose General -> click Restart Now button under the Advanced Startup part;
2. Troubleshoot -> UEFI Firmware Settings -> Restart again;
3. Disable Secure Boot in BIOS, save the settings and exit.

Step 7. Downgrade Windows 8 to Windows 7 steps (using USB):
1. Insert your USB media into your Windows PC and restart the computer;
2. Press F12, select USB Flash Drive and tab Enter;
3. Check the time, language, keyboard method and go to the Next;
4. Click Install Now on the Windows 7 Pro installation page and accept the license terms;
5. Choose Normal or Custom installation type based on your need, and wait for the Windows 7 to be installed on your Windows 8;

Step 8. Install Wireless or LAN driver backed up in step 5.

Step 9. Activate Windows by entering a valid product key, a used one can work too.


Windows Related: Downgrade Windows 10 to Windows 8.1/7 | Install Windows 10 in a Virtual Machine