Windows downgrade rights explained

Despite the release of Windows 10 as a free upgrade in July 2015, Windows 7 still retains a massive 48.5% market share according to NetApplications. Many business users have resisted the change, seeing Windows 7 as proven and trusted (much in the same way as Windows XP was).

Customers are still asking for PCs to come with Windows 7 pre-installed. Microsoft stopped licencing Windows 7 and 8.1 to computer manufacturers for computers manufactured after 31 October 2016 (Home editions of Windows 7 stopped on 31 October 2014). All PC manufacturers will supply PCs with a licence for Windows 10. Fortunately for those who want Windows 7, the Professional edition of Windows 10 gives users downgrade rights.

What are downgrade rights?

Downgrade rights allow a user to downgrade their version of Windows to a previous version, depending upon how they obtained the software (through retail, the PC manufacturer (OEM) or a commercial licencing program). The following matrix shows the downgrade rights for Windows 10:

Downgrade rights are not applicable to home editions of Windows or those purchased as a retail package.

Do I have to downgrade after purchasing the computer myself?

No. We are aware HP is shipping some models of PC with Windows 10 licences with Windows 7 pre-installed. We can also provide assistance if you need.

What if I want to downgrade it myself?

You will need installation media and a valid licence key. If the installation will not activate automatically, you will have to call Microsoft’s activation hotline and explain to the operator that you are exercising your downgrade rights.

What if I decide later that I want Windows 10

Exercising downgrade rights doesn’t stop you from going back to the version of Windows the licence is for in the future. The main limitation is that you can only run one or the other at any one time.

How long will Microsoft support Windows 7 and 8

Microsoft will continue to provide security updates for Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 until 14 January 2020 and Windows 8.1 until 10 January 2023 under extended support.

Can I downgrade any eligible computer?

Under Microsoft’s downgrade rights yes, any computer with an eligible licence for Windows 10 can be downgraded. Where this gets complicated is in practice. Microsoft won’t provide updates to any Windows 7 (or 8) system with a 7th generation or newer Intel processor or AMD equivalent.

Running Windows versions other than 10 on these processors will result in a message like this popping up.