restoring your previous version of windows how long

#RESTORING YOUR PREVIOUS VERSION OF WINDOWS HOW LONG HOW TO#
#RESTORING YOUR PREVIOUS VERSION OF WINDOWS HOW LONG INSTALL#
#RESTORING YOUR PREVIOUS VERSION OF WINDOWS HOW LONG SERIAL#
#RESTORING YOUR PREVIOUS VERSION OF WINDOWS HOW LONG DRIVERS#

Every computer is different, so consult your motherboard manual if you built the computer yourself or the computer manual to see how to enter the BIOS. Entering the BIOS usually requires hitting the Delete key - not the Backspace key - over and over on your keyboard immediately after seeing your computer’s splash screen (usually showing the computer manufacturer). This usually requires either entering a keyboard command to open the boot menu or entering the BIOS (or UEFI on newer systems) and manually selecting the drive. Restart your computer and boot it from that drive. 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. Our guide to installing Windows 7 has all links, detailed instructions, and a few caveats about using older operating systems that may help you troubleshoot esoteric issues.

#RESTORING YOUR PREVIOUS VERSION OF WINDOWS HOW LONG INSTALL#

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. 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. It may also be located somewhere on your computer’s case. 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. Alternatively, you can create a bootable USB drive with a Windows ISO. 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). For Windows 8.1, Microsoft provides a download service that allows you to send the installation files to a new DVD or even use a flash drive. Next, get installation media for Windows itself.

#RESTORING YOUR PREVIOUS VERSION OF WINDOWS HOW LONG DRIVERS#

Windows does a good job of grabbing drivers automatically, but make sure to download any networking, motherboard, or graphics cards driver installation files and store them on a USB drive. You might want to gather installation files for the various drivers your computer will need. 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.

#RESTORING YOUR PREVIOUS VERSION OF WINDOWS HOW LONG SERIAL#

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.

An external drive or a cloud storage service is excellent, so long as it’s physically disconnected from the Windows computer you’ll be working on. Step 1: Backing up and creating installation mediaīefore beginning anything else, back up your important computer files to a separate location. That said, we have an alternate method for rolling back to Windows 8.1 in the event you’ve just recently upgraded to Windows 10. With Microsoft ending support for Windows 8 long ago, you have to fully uninstall Windows 10 to rollback to a previous version.

Be aware, too, that new computers (especially tablets) may contain components that weren’t manufactured when older Windows versions like Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 were being sold. 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, as Microsoft ended support for it some time ago. Windows 10 has been a critical success since its release, but if you need or want to revert to an older version of Windows, you can uninstall Windows 10 and downgrade to Windows 8.1.

Restoring your previous version of windows how long