Downgrade from Microsoft Windows 8/8.1: What is Eligible? - ThinkCentre, ThinkStation, ThinkServer, ThinkPad, Idea Tablet, IdeaPad, IdeaCentre


Symptom
Instructions on how to determine what is eligible for downgrading from Microsoft Windows 8/8.1.
Affected configurations
The above symptom is associated to the following systems:
  • ThinkCentre
  • ThinkStation
  • ThinkServer
  • ThinkPad
  • Idea Tablet
  • IdeaPad
  • IdeaCentre
Operating Systems:
  • Microsoft Windows 8/8.1
Solution
The following are downgrade rights for Lenovo systems that are preloaded with Microsoft Windows 8/8.1:
Eligible for Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 DowngradeNot Eligible for Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 Downgrade

  • Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 Pro to:
    - Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
    - Microsoft Windows Vista Business

Note:
(1): For select systems, a Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows Vista recovery DVD's (RDVD's) set can be purchased from Lenovo. For more information, contact a Lenovo Support Center.
(2):Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 Pro cannot be downgraded to Microsoft Windows XP.
  • Microsoft Windows 8/8.1 Standard

Note:
To downgrade to Microsoft Windows 7, users must purchase a retail version of Microsoft Windows 7.