Solved Can I install Windows 7 on a laptop that came with Windows 10?

[ashleyquick]

I'm hoping to get better performance, thus the idea. This is a touchscreen laptop but I don't mind losing that functionality because we never use it.

 

[samuria]

It's a bad move but I would do a disk image first so you can role back if it fails, second check that all drivers are available for seven. Then there should be no problem

 

[Megahertz07]

It is a hard task and isn't a task for newbies.
As advised by Samuria, fist thing to do is to make a disk image. Use Macrium Software | Your image is everything

Not all laptops are able to have Win 7 installed.
On BIOS, you must disable Secure boot (may be under OS=other or CSM) and Fast boot.
New MoBo requires that you add USB 3.x and new SATA drivers to the win 7 installation disk.
Read my tutorial. Create a Windows 7 USB flash installation with new drives for new MB's - Windows 7 Help Forums

 

[ashleyquick]

I think I'll forego the OS downgrade and, instead, try doubling the RAM and switch to a SSHD. Anyone believe that should make a noticeable difference?

 

[mrjimphelps]

The additional RAM will make the most difference. The SSD will also help. Since doubling the RAM is the easiest thing to do, try that first, to see if it makes enough improvement. If not, then do the SSD as well.

Think of RAM as the size of your desk. The more RAM you have, the bigger is your desk. If your desk is big enough, and you are moving stuff around constantly your work will go fast; if it is too small, it will slow you down.

Think of the HD vs the SSD as how fast (or slow) you can read and write.

Both of these factors help, but they help in different ways.

 

[ashleyquick]

The additional RAM will make the most difference. The SSD will also help. Since doubling the RAM is the easiest thing to do, try that first, to see if it makes enough improvement. If not, then do the SSD as well.

Think of RAM as the size of your desk. The more RAM you have, the bigger is your desk. If your desk is big enough, and you are moving stuff around constantly your work will go fast; if it is too small, it will slow you down.

Think of the HD vs the SSD as how fast (or slow) you can read and write.

Both of these factors help, but they help in different ways.

That's actually the best illustration I've read to help understand how an increase/upgrade is manifested. Will try the RAM upgrade first, considering I'm seeing 4gb sticks for roughly $25. Thanks!

 

[Megahertz07]

You didn't mentioned if your win 10 is 32 or 64 bits and how much memory you already have. On 32 bits, it will only deal with 3.2G.
To upgrade memory, install same size and brand in both slots.
Depending if it's a 32 or 64 bits and how much memory you have, I think a SSD will improve your laptop more than increasing memory.

 

[mrjimphelps]

My suggestion about adding memory was for 64-bit Windows. That is, unless she has 32-bit and really low amount of memory.

If 32-bit and she has only 2 GB of memory, then I would suggest adding more memory.

 

[ashleyquick]

You didn't mentioned if your win 10 is 32 or 64 bits and how much memory you already have. On 32 bits, it will only deal with 3.2G.
To upgrade memory, install same size and brand in both slots.
Depending if it's a 32 or 64 bits and how much memory you have, I think a SSD will improve your laptop more than increasing memory.

It's 64.

There's currently a 4gb stick with an open slot so I'd like to buy another 4 but, to save money, I doubt it will be the same brand. I'm wondering how important it is to use the same brand??

 

[Megahertz07]

Very important.
If you want to try, buy same speed and same latency (CAS). Better if same chipset.

 

[ashleyquick]