Downgrading to 8.1

[Joseph_77]

Hey guys. I just built my PC last night and I have a windows 8.1 CD key. But I could not find out how to format my drive in order to Downgrade from windows 10 to 8.1. My hard drive previously had windows 7 then I upgraded to windows 10 for free. So yes, I am reusing my old hard drive.

If someone could please help me out with this I'd be greatly appreciated.

 

[ThatVietGuy]

You boot from the Windows 8.1 disk and install Windows as you normally would.

 

[Joseph_77]

But I can't seem to do that with windows 10. It brings me to a screen to reset and other options.

 

[sizzling]

How long ago did you do the upgrade from 7 to 10? I think you only get 30 days to go back

 

[Joseph_77]

As soon as I was able to. I just want to install windows 8.1. and then POSSIBLY upgrade to windows 10 from there.
Any hints?

 

[Joseph_77]

Anyone?

 

[USAFRet]

Anyone?

Booting from the 8.1 DVD....what happens.

 

[Joseph_77]

The screen pops up where it asks if I want to repair it, start fresh from windows 10 and some other options.

 

[USAFRet]

The screen pops up where it asks if I want to repair it, start fresh from windows 10 and some other options.

Then you are either:
a. Not booting from the 8.1 DVD
or
2. Don't have a proper boot DVD

Booting from whatever DVD happens before Windows 10 can do anything. Be it Linux, Win 7, XP, 8.1, whatever.
You are not booting from that DVD correctly.

 

[Joseph_77]

Okay, I'll redownload the ISO file, but I will use a brand new USB.