Hello all
I want to try Windows 10 and accept the free upgrade from Windows 7. If I find in a few months that I want to revert to Windows 7 permanently, is it ok to restore an old system image? I understand that I can only run a single instance of Windows on the one licence, but want to know whether trying Windows 10 for more than one month doesn't stop me from going back.
Thanks for any help.
PS My Windows 7 is an oem copy installed in a self build.
Best way 1st is to make your complete system image using Macrium Reflect free version, and not use Windows image backup.
Then when or if you want to go back to windows 7 , you will be able to at anytime you choose.
The other question is correct, you can only run any Windows version only once on your computer with 1 license. Also once you install Windows 10, and its activated, than MS will remember that activation, and will allow you to reinstall windows 10 again if you decide to go back to 7 (only on THAT computer) Hope this helps you.
Just to clarify, OldMike65 meant to say that you can run one version of Windows at a time on your computer...not just once, as in try it one time and you're done :-)
Above is a great suggestion by OldMike65. I am just adding how you can revert back to previous windows unless you already dont know.
Windows 10 - Go Back to Previous Windows - Windows 10 blog
After one month, you can go back to windows 7 whenever you want, via a clean reinstall and applying the OEM key provided on the COA sticker. Moreover, as the device will get a digital entitlement by upgrading to windows 10, if you install windows 10 at a later time without using a product key, it will also work. Activate Windows 10 - Windows 10 blog
OldMic, Navy & Arc thank you for your swift and helpful replies! I was going to rely on a Windows system image, but will look at Macrium instead. May I just clarify that a fresh install of Windows 7 is the only way to revert if Windows 10 was installed for longer than 31 days?
Thanks again.
No, that's why I suggested for you to make your image backup using Macrium Reflect, store this Complete image backup on a external drive if possible, or a 2nd internal drive. Then whenever you want to go back to your Windows 7 just reinstall your image backup that you made with Macrium Reflect. Don't use Windows Backup, please.....it can fail sometimes. But its your choice of course.
The image backup will restore your computer exactly as it was, when you made that image backup.
OldMike, thanks, got it now. That's what I needed to hear! I hope to get on well with W10, but it's good to know your options.
I hope this also helps others too, Thanks again.
This is using Macrium Reflect.....not Windows backup.
Yes I'll go with Macrium Reflect. Thanks for the clarification!
Here is the free version link for you