Don’t like Windows 8? Why and How to downgrade to Windows 7 from Windows 8

For many, the latest version of Windows from Microsoft, i.e. Window 8 is refreshingly cool and elegant. The new look, icons, clean and clear themes, big tiles, live apps, great animation and touch screen support makes it completely different from its earlier versions. Window 8 is optimized both for PCs and handheld devices like tablets. If you are purchasing a new computer or laptop which supports touch; you will most probably like to have a look at Windows 8.

But there are people who don’t like using Windows 8. Just a couple of months back, one of my friends purchased a new laptop with Windows 8. But now he seems frustrated and wants to have Windows 7 installed instead. And he is not alone. If you search the internet, you will find many people asking in various forums how to remove Windows 8 and go back to Windows 7.

Curious, I wanted to give it a try and see it myself why people are complaining. What is that which forces people to go back to Windows 7? Why for some it is so annoying? And here is the list which I think can be the compelling reasons.

Windows 8 is optimized both for normal computers and touch sensitive devices. Thus you have the option to switch between two interfaces. One works perfect with pointers like mouse and touchpad while other is best suited for touch screens with large icons and tablet style navigation. But this is also a great source of confusion. An average user doesn’t want to keep switching between the interfaces. Since the two interfaces are completely different in look and feel; it becomes annoying after some time. I think this is the biggest no-no for Windows 8. The idea is not new and Ubuntu had announced this years back to come up with an operating system which will work on both desktop and handheld devices. But somehow it does not seem to fit right for Windows.
There are quite a number of programs and popular games which do not run on Windows 8. When people find that they have to wait for next release of programs which they have been using for years, it becomes very difficult for them to continue with Windows 8. For example, Microsoft Visual Express 2010 edition which used to work perfectly fine on my Windows 7 machine does not work after Windows 8 installation. Thankfully, 2012 edition is available for download which works on Windows 8.
With Windows 8; you are no longer able to use two or more metro apps simultaneously on a screen. People with larger screens are used to working on two or more windows. But the metro apps will open only in full screen mode. I find it comfortable to use two windows side by side while multitasking for previewing the other while working on one. But no luck with Windows 8.
You must have heard that Windows 8 is faster than Windows 7. Microsoft claims that the Windows 8 uses lesser CPU, RAM and starts super fast. This makes your expectation much higher than what the reality is. True, on benchmark comparison between Windows 7 and Windows 8; many independent agencies have found Windows 8 performing better. But for an average user like me and you, there is not much difference. It makes people with high expectation feel frustrated.
The interface of Windows 8 is completely different from its previous version. Although it is not difficult to learn them, people who are used to performing certain operations in some specific manner find it difficult to change their ways.
In Windows 8, there are many live apps which collect the data continuously from the internet. In almost every app you will find integration with SkyDrive. But there are significant numbers of people who either do not have always on internet connection or do not want to keep their system always online.
Gestures introduced with Window 8 to work with tablets are quite complicated and difficult to get it right without adequate practice. This can be a big turn-off for many.
The charms, which are hidden and appear when you take your mouse to the top-right corner, are sometimes irrelevant for the application. And since it is a newly introduced feature, people often forget about them.
People like me who use Windows for productivity like designing, development, office applications, and other applications for professional purpose, simply do not like the idea of big tiles and touch friendliness. Windows 8 seems to be doing much more that what we actually want from operating system and it
sometimes feels irritating.
Enough on why you should keep yourself away from Windows 8 if you have not already installed it. But what if you are already having it on your new PC and want to switch back to Windows 7?

Are you sure you want to get back to Windows 7? If you are mainly using your laptop or PC for internet access, mail access, music, video, games or other light applications, I recommend you to stick with Windows 8. I understand you don’t like the metro UI and are attached to Windows 7, but you will get used to it very soon and start liking it. There are many great features which are hidden and you will like them once you explore and learn. It’s time to move on and embrace the future! Also there is no guarantee that the new system with Windows 8 that you purchased recently will work with Windows 7.

But if you are serious about reverting back to Windows 7, there are ways to go:
1. If your new Laptop or PC has pre-installed Windows 8 Pro edition, you can downgrade to Windows 7 (with downgrade rights). But you need to have a Windows 7 installer files ready. Here, you can use any Windows 7 DVD or USB with a valid product key which is already being used on a separate machine. When I say being used on any PC, you may start thinking whether it is legal or not. Yes, it is completely legal if you wish to downgrade form Windows 8 pro-edition. This is because the downgrade right DVD is neither available on Microsoft website nor you can purchase it at a nominal price from any store. So, you will have to make your own arrangement like borrowing the Windows 7 DVD from your friend or a techie. Before installing Windows 7, make sure you have taken all the backup and made the system recovery discs or image files which you use to restore your PC in future. Once you have installed Windows 7, you need to activate it manually over phone. Keep the product key of Windows 8 ready when you call the customer service and let them know that you have downgraded from Windows 8. The support person would provide you with one time activation code which you have to enter in the activation screen. That’s it!
2. For those who don’t have pro edition of Window 8 or have upgraded from Windows XP or Windows Vista; there is no way out. You need to purchase a separate copy of Windows 7 to downgrade. That’s a lot of money in comparison to the inconvenience caused by Windows 8. But if you are really annoyed, go, purchase and install Windows 7.
Final Words

I have always been a fan of Microsoft and still use Windows XP on one of my PCs. I really love Windows 7 also. But I will rather advise you to wait for Windows 8 to evolve or stick to Windows 7 if you are planning to buy a new PC.

For those who have already bought a laptop or PC with Windows 8, my advice will be to stay with it and start exploring its features. It surely will take some time before you get used to and start liking it. It is not that bad, you know!