Windows 8 just isn't my thing, can I install Windows 7 over 8?

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February 01, 2013

CNET Community

Dear CNET members,

Happy February! While you all are reading this newsletter, I'll be at a rehearsal for a wedding; my good friend is getting married this weekend, and I'm a groomsman. Now you might be wondering what that has to do with this week's topic, which is whether you can install Windows 7 over Windows 8.

Well, like a marriage brings change to your life, so does working with a new operating system. Most people dread change; stepping outside of our comfort zone is not something we look forward to usually. And with Windows 8 being very different than what we are mostly accustomed to, it is a huge change. This week's question from Gary probably sounds familiar to many folks, who may have the same thoughts: You went out and bought a new PC with Windows 8 preloaded on it and came to quickly realize that it's so different and you just simply don't want to put up with it. And Gary, I don't blame you one bit for being frustrated and wanting to revert to Windows 7. But before you do that, there are a lot of members who suggest giving Windows 8 a chance; many of our members felt the same way as you when they first started with Windows 8, but then eventually grew to like it.

Now if you've given Windows 8 a chance and it still falls short of what you'd like it to be, before you attempt to downgrade to 7, many of our members recommended trying out a few programs that you can install on Windows 8 that will allow you to make Windows 8 look and feel like a more familiar Windows layout. And if that doesn't work out, there are plenty of members' answers that will help you install Windows 7. Give them all a thorough read, as I'm sure you'll find a solution that will satisfy your needs. Good luck!

Now if any of you have any additional advice to offer our members or have experienced this yourself and have successfully downgraded to 7 from 8, swing on by and discuss this topic with us. Thanks for your participation. Have a great weekend!

Lee Koo
Community manager

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Q:	Windows 8 just isn't my thing, can I install Windows 7 over 8?
I just bought a new PC that came with Windows 8 and it is just too different for me and my wife. We'd like to go back one step and install Windows 7 over it. Is this possible to do? And if it is, can you tell me exactly what the procedures are and what version of Windows 7 (upgrade or full version) is needed to accomplish this? Thank you for your help.
	-- Submitted by: Gary G.

A:	Featured answers of the week
•	"Downgrading from Windows 8 to Windows 7"
	-- Submitted by: waytron

•	"It May Be Easier Said Than Done"
	-- Submitted by: ajtrek

•	"You might want to check this out "
	-- Submitted by: davidjoelplat

•	"I really cannot understand why "
	-- Submitted by: Gordon_Hay

•	"Your warranty claim, if any, will reinstall Win 8"
	-- Submitted by: supermanx1a
	Click here to read all member contributions
	Thanks to all who contributed! Click here to see all previous Community newsletters

Q: Why do all Window systems slow down over time?

Lee, I learn quite a bit from your members and discussions. I do have a few questions for you about Windows. It appears to me that any version of Windows runs fast when it is new, but slows down dramatically over time. Why is that? Is it the case that every Windows update gets installed each time you turn on your computer? Or other reasons? I am very careful to not have programs like Adobe reader always in memory. Also does this problem exist in other computers not running Windows, or issue I experience exclusive to Windows systems? Any explanation as why this happens would be grateful. And if there is method to prevent the slow downs over time, it would be a bonus to learn about! Thank you.

-- Submitted by: Robert G.

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