HOW TO: Completely Remove Windows 8 & Install Windows 7 HAS WINDOWS 8 GOT YOU DOWN? IT'S NOT EASY, BUT YOU CAN SWITCH YOUR NEW PC BACK TO WINDOWS 7. WE SHOW YOU THE STEP-BY-STEP (AND THE PITFALLS). 1

2 Scope: If you're fed up with the Windows 8 operating system that came on your new laptop, and just want to switch back to Windows 7, I've got good news, and bad news. The good news is that it is possible. You can remove Windows 8, install Windows 7, and go about your life as if Windows 8 never happened. The bad news is that it's a complicated endeavor. In addition to the expected BIOS wrangling, drive formatting, and reinstalling device drivers, Microsoft has actually added extra layers of complexity. The BIOS has the added obstacle of the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). Drives are partitioned and protected. So, it's difficult to reclaim 100% of the space on your hard drive. And finally, manufacturers are spotty at best when it comes to offering Windows 7 drivers and rarely support users in making the switch. The result is a snarled Gordian Knot of complications, but there's not necessarily a sword available to simplify the issue. This guide, however, should help you navigate the many twists and turns. If you don't want to remove Windows 8 completely but still want to have your familiar Windows 7 experience, want to avoid compatibility issues with programs and games, or need a feature that's gone missing in the new OS, there are other options. Your best off actually running Windows 7 on a virtual machine—and we can suggest several.several (click the Green link to the left to jump to Running Windows 7 on a virtual machine.)

3 A Few Words of Warning Microsoft does offer downgrade rights, complete with support services and a clear downgrade path to Windows 7, but only for systems with Windows 8 Pro. If you've just got plain old Windows 8—and most mainstream systems do—you're on your own. Switching between the two operating systems is still very doable, but you'll be doing it without Microsoft's blessing. Another warning is that you may also run into trouble getting support from your computer’s manufacturer, as most do not provide legacy support for Windows 7 on systems that were factory- shipped with Windows 8. This support extends to drivers. So, you will need to do your homework, first, before beginning the conversation/ installation process. You will need to know what your devices are, and which ones are required for essential Windows 7 operation. You will need to generate a list of your applications and their associated registration product keys, and research whether your application are compatible with Windows 7. (This typically will not be an issue, though.) If you're ready to embark on the journey back to Windows 7—it feels wrong to simply call it a downgrade—then gather your supplies, muster your courage, and let's dive in.

4 The Object Embedded below contains the instructions necessary to complete the transformation over to Windows 7, from Windows 8.