Will I be able to downgrade from W8 to W7?

[YellowJersey]

I've been contemplating buying a new Thinkpad in the next year or so, but I might expedite my decision to buy depending on the answer to this question.

If I wait and buy a laptop that comes loaded with Windows 8, will I be able to "downgrade" to Windows 7?

 My concern is that I won't like Windows 8, particularly after having had a tinker with the preview, and would really like to keep the option to install Windows 7 instead.

 So, should I buy a Windows 7 Thinkpad now, or should I wait, buy a Windows 8 Thinkpad later, and give Windows 8 a chance?

[goretsky Community Moderator]

Hello,

I think it is too early to hear about downgrade rights for Windows 8.  Perhaps when the operating system is closer to shipping more information will be made available.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

[harhamm]

Any new news on downgrade rights from Win 8 to Win 7 on newly ordered PC's

[ceb]

I suspect that the manufacturers will give you an option on "business" systems of ordering either Win7 or Win8. Many corporations are still running XP or have just recently switched to Win7.

Even if Win8 is a huge success, you'll still have to wait a few years for it to trickle down to the office computer.

Consumer systems (Ideapad for example) may just come with Win8 though.

[OKR-MAN]

Hello , 

If your machine came with windows 7 and you  have created factory deafult DVDs using One Key Recovery  Software with your OEM  windows 7. Later on if you  upgrade to windwos 8 and afterwards  you can use those DVDs to return back your  machine factory default state as an alternative option. No idea about other downgrade options.

OKR-MAN
Say thanks by clicking the "Star" which is on the left.
Make it easier for other people to find solutions, by marking my answer "Accept as Solution" if it solves your issue