Windows 8 Pro includes some downgrade rights

Earlier this week, it was revealed that the The End User License Agreement for Windows 8 allowed people who are building their own PCs to buy a Personal Use License for the System Builder version, which will legally give consumers a way to buy the same Windows 8 SKU that OEMs use.

Now there"s confirmation that people who buy a new PC with Windows 8 Pro installed can downgrade the OS to an earlier version of Windows if they want. ZDNet.com reports that, according to the EULA, Windows 8 Pro users can decide to downgrade to either Windows 7 Professional or Windows Vista Business.

The EULA states:

This agreement applies to your use of the earlier versions. If the earlier version includes different components, any terms for those components in the agreement that come with the earlier version apply to your use of such components. Neither the manufacturer or installer, nor Microsoft, is obligated to supply earlier versions to you. You must obtain the earlier version separately. At any time, you may replace an earlier version with Windows 8 Pro.

There are two exceptions. One is that this downgrade option is not available for people who purchase the Personal Use License for System Builder and the other exception is that it can"t be used if you buy the $39.99 upgrade version of Windows 8.

Source: ZDNet.com
Downgrade image via Shutterstock

Report a problem with article
Next Article

Torchlight II's release date reveal on August 31st

Previous Article

Fujitsu Windows 8 notebook-tablet hybrids demoed