Windows 7 Users Can Downgrade to XP

windows 7

Those that get the new Windows 7 OS can still downgrade back to their XP one if they want.

Microsoft will permit Windows 7 Professional edition downgrades to Windows XP Professional, according to a Microsoft spokesperson. These downgrade rights Microsoft will permit Windows 7 Professional edition downgrades to Windows XP Professional. The downgrade rights are restricted to specific OS editions. The present migration scenario is from Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows XP Professional. Those with other Vista editions, such as Home Premium and Home Basic, don't have those downgrade rights. Furthermore, Vista users are restricted to moving to XP Pro, XP Pro x64 or XP Tablet PC editions, a Microsoft document (PDF) explains.

Renewed questions about downgrade rights popped up after a leaked HP memo read that, "The Win 7 Professional to XP Pro downgrade OS will also discontinue on April 30th 2010." Microsoft has yet to confirm if the date is actually true. However, if it is, IT pros will be able to purchase new PCs with Windows 7, but downgrade to XP, for another year. It might give some IT departments more time to upgrade their shops from XP.

With Windows 7 looking good (even at this beta stage), why would users want to downgrade to XP, you may wonder. For many businesses, supporting a slew of different Windows releases is a nightmare. They'd prefer to have all their users on one (or possibly two) different versions.

If Microsoft ends up finding a way to insure that legacy Windows apps work on Windows 7 — beyond supporting them with a combination of Virtual PC and MED-V, another option available only to users who buy Microsoft's Software Assurance licensing — downgrading to an older version of Windows from Windows 7 could look a whole lot less appealing. Users who downgrade to XP also will be eligible for free Win 7 upgrades via the Windows 7 Upgrade Option program.

Originally codenamed "Whistler," Windows XP was released in 2001 and, despite its age, a steady stream of patches has kept it robust, particularly for enterprise use. Despite Vista's incremental market-share gains, Windows XP remains the most-used operating system in both general use and the enterprise.

Microsoft has been touting Windows 7 as a particularly strong enterprise operating system. The company has focused on integrating the newest edition with streamlined PC management, improved security and control, and giving users increased functionality while mobile.

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