The downgrading process in relation to Windows operating systems has become immensely popular following the launch of Windows Vista, when users expressing their dislike of the new platform were switching back to Windows XP. However, Microsoft was already offering downgrade rights for Windows, the company had been for quite a time in fact, and continues to do so for
Windows 7. However, switching back to an old Windows OS is only a part of what the downgrade rights actually allow customers to do, and the process is by no means defined by a terms that’s just the antonym of 'upgrade.'
Downgrade rights imply that volume customers buying Windows through an OEM, can run two releases of Windows while licensing and more importantly paying for just the latest iteration. In the case of the latest version of Windows, customers can buy Windows 7, but opt to run either Windows Vista or Windows XP, until they are ready to upgrade.
“OEM versions of Windows 7 Professional may be downgraded to either Windows Vista Business or Windows XP Professional. Similar end user downgrade rights are provided for the following Windows operating systems pre-installed on a new PC (OEM versions): Windows 7 Professional Edition, Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, Windows Vista Business Edition, Windows Vista Ultimate Edition,” Microsoft stated.
The Redmond company has published a document designed to explain the downgrade rights associated with a range of its licenses, including Microsoft Select License, Open License, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) License, and Full-Packaged Product (FPP) License. The documentation is available for
download here.
“Your ability to downgrade to a previous version of Windows is stated in the License Terms for these products. You can use the following media for your downgrade: Volume Licensing media (provided the end user has a Volume Licensing agreement), retail (FPP), or OEM (which includes system builder hologram CD, provided the software is acquired in accordance with the Microsoft OEM System Builder License). Use of the downgraded operating system is governed by the Windows 7 or Windows Vista License Terms for the original product pre-installed on the PC. You cannot use both the licensed Windows product and the downgrade product - only one Windows product can be used at a time. There are no downgrade rights granted for Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, or Windows 7 Home Premium,” the company added.
Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.
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