When it is determined that you have an eligible Windows license, the customer service representative will provide a single-use activation code to activate the software. Call the number and explain the circumstances. In this case, the appropriate local Activation Support phone number will be displayed. If the software was previously activated, it cannot be activated online.

Insert the downgrade-eligible version of Windows media and follow the installation instructions.Įnter the product key (If using Non-OEM Media.).

If you are licensed separately through Microsoft Volume Licensing (VL) you may provide your VL media and key to a system builder to facilitate the downgrade on your own systems. The media/key should come from a previously licensed product from the OEM or retail channel. Use genuine Windows media and a corresponding product key for the version of Windows that is eligible for downgrade. Perform the downgrade process to the eligible downgrade product using the media/key from a genuine, previously licensed OEM or retail product.įollow these steps to downgrade to an earlier version of Windows software: Purchase a PC installed with Windows software.Īccept the Microsoft Software License Terms. To downgrade Windows 10 or Windows 8.1 software, you must : Steps for an end user to downgrade Windows software Note: Other OEM Windows 7 versions (for example, Windows 7 Home Basic and Windows 7 Home Premium) do not include downgrade rights. The following OEM versions of Windows software are eligible for downgrade rights. If a product includes downgrade rights, the license terms for that product will indicate which earlier versions of the software may be used. Thanks to downgrade rights, if you have acquired a later version of the software (such as Windows 10 Pro) you can use an earlier version of the software (such as Windows 8.1 Pro) until they are ready to migrate to a later version. Downgrade rights are documented in the Microsoft Software License Terms that customers accept upon first running Windows and Windows Server software. If you are a direct OEM, please contact your Microsoft Account Manager.ĭowngrade rights are an end-user right that Microsoft offers to customers for certain OEM products which meet the technical requirements for a Windows software downgrade. If you are a customer of a direct OEM, please contact your OEM for more information about downgrade rights. Note: the information on this page is intended for system builders and their customers.

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