How to downgrade to windows 7 on XPS 13?

Hi graffixnyc,

It could be upsetting when you find it difficult to use a software. Microsoft provides downgrade rights to Windows 7 Professional for pre-installed copies of Windows 8 Pro. We will send the USB key with Windows 7 Professional if Windows 8 Pro came pre-installed from Dell. You have to purchase a copy of Windows 7 and install it, if the laptop came pre-installed with Windows 8.

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Rajath,

I spoke to Dell this morning about my options for downgrading to Windows 7 pro from 8 Pro on my XPS 13.  They mentioned I would have to purchase windows a windows 7 license.  I thought that windows 8 pro was down gradable?

I initiated a return request, but I would rather not go through that process.  I love the XPS 13, but windows 8 is not good unless you have a touch screen.

Please Advise.

Rajath N,

I recently purchased the XPS 14 ultrabook with Windows 8 Pro pre-installed.  I understand that I will be required to purchase a license for Windows 7 if I choose to downgrade, but my concern is that my new laptop will not play nicely with the Windows 7 OS.  Do you have direct knowledge of this matter and can you provide advice as to the compatibility between XPS 14 ultrabook and Windows 7?

I already have a bootable USB drive that I created using the Windows iso file.  Assuming you confirm compatibility, will I need anything other than a license # to complete my downgrade?

Thank you in advance!!!

I think Windows 8 is .Very very Annoying !

I have exactly the same requirement to Downgrade to Win7 Professional.

I have the New Dell XPS 13 FHD Ultrabook came with Windows 8 (no Pro) and I have a Windows 7 DC with License 

How Do I install Win7 Please help, ASAP

So where do we find the windows 7 Media?

See here

www.microsoft.com/.../what_to_do_downgrade_rights.aspx

To install Windows 7, you will need to make sure:

1.  That you have made recovery media for windows 8 (Flash drive or DVD) BEFORE you start.  Windows 7 install WILL DESTROY the recovery partition.

2.  Boot your Windows 7 DVD in legacy (NOT UEFI) mode, F12  at powerup.  Go into the drive partition manager.

3.  Delete ALL partitions on the hard drive.

4.  Create at least a C: partition

5.  Install Windows 7, followed by your chipset driver, followed by all your other drivers.

6.  Run Windows update to install all the latest patches and updates.

My Ultrabook Does not have a DVD, will a USB Connected DVD Drive work the same way when I try the boot options from F12 ?

Thanks for all the Inputs, It worked.

1. Took a External (USB) CD/DVD

2. Inserted my Win 7 Boot-able DVD

3. Changed Boot Options (selected CD/DVD) dont select USB though it connects via USB

4. Boom!! It Loaded the OS in less than 20 mins and Win7 works like a Charm.

5. Now I feel Dell XPS 13 is cutest Ultrabook I ever had :)

Thanks again to all

Hi,

Can you send me one too please?  Or just tell me how to get this XPS13 Ultrabook to boot from a CD.  I cannot find an option in the BIOS.  I hate this laptop and wish I had never bought it - Dell refused to take it back because I had just gone past my 30 trial (when everything started to fail on it).  As a network administrator with many years of experience as a PC tech support person, I have decided to go to Win 7 to see if that helps the many, many issues.  I own a copy of Win 7 Pro so if you can tell me how to boot from the CD that would be very helpful. 

I hope to get it running stable so I can sell it - but I do not want to sell it to someone if it is still running so badly. 

Thank you,

Barry

You have to choose Legacy mode (not UEFI) and press F12 to boot from the Windows DVD.

Can you please tell me a little bit more about UEFI end legacy mode.

When UEFI and when legacy?

Does it have to do with the windows versions? of with SSD? or maybe both?

What is i buy a new SSD for the XPS 13 and want to install Win7 with the external DVD drive. Why in legacy mode and do i need to change it after way?

Windows 8 is installed in UEFI (GPT) mode from the factory.  This means that ONLY GPT-compatible OSes will work.

While Windows 7 64-bit can be installed in UEFI mode, Windows 7 -32 bit cannot.  See below for instructions.  Secure Boot must be turned off to allow a boot from a DVD on  your system - meaning you'll need the GPT-formatted flash drive to install Windows 7 in UEFI mode.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/186875-uefi-unified-extensible-firmware-interface-install-windows-7-a.html

Hello Ein63 ,

i am also trying to install windows 7 on xps 13 , will it work if i use rufus as explained in the link above