Should I install Windows 7 or keep Windows 8?

Question

So I have a dilemma. I have a Windows 8 Toshiba laptop. I got this laptop used, and it was so packed with viruses and junk software that it has problems. I did everything I can to get it running ok, and it still has some issues. Also, the recovery partition has been wiped. Windows 8 on it right now runs ok and is definitely usable. I do not have a Windows 8 DVD, but I do have a new Windows 7 Pro DVD and can install that. I want to SELL this laptop because I already have another that I use. For selling purposes, is Windows 7 a better operating system to choose? I know there s a lot of Windows 8 haters out there, myself included. Will it retain the same value with windows 7 as it would with Windows 8? This laptop came pre-installed with Windows 8, and I know I will have to change a few settings to get Windows 7 on it.

Answer 1

Apparently a lot of people didn't realize the fact that you mentioned you're going to be selling it. Since you have Windows 8 already legally licensed, and a legal copy of Windows 7, DON'T replace it. Sell it with an option, let the buyer chose if they want Windows 8 or 7, therefor you're not losing money. If you sell it with Windows 8, great, a $100 Operating System is still in your pocket. If they want windows 7, charge a couple extra bucks and install it.

Answer 2

I'm not a fan of Windows 8 myself although there is one small tool you can install that will certainly help any future user - if you install Start8 from Stardock software onto Windows 8 then you can use it very much like Windows 7, but it also has the Metro interface still there.



I got Windows 8 when it first come out and with the Start8 software I found it works fine, and I have also installed Start8 on a few other computers too with Windows 8 where the owners were struggling and they were also surprised about the improvement it makes - the main thing it does is just puts the start menu back where you want it.



Also it doesn't really matter whether or not you put 8 or 7 on it as Microsoft are bringing out Windows 10 and I've heard that Windows 10 is going to be a free upgrade for all Windows 7 and 8 users - http://www.pcworld.com/article/2873214/windows-10-will-be-a-free-upgrade-for-windows-7-and-8-users.html



So either way the new owners will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 anyway.



As the laptop originally had 8 on there I'd be strongly inclined to put 8 back on there and sell it with that.



Also even if you don't have the recovery CD the licencing system on 8 is very different to the past - firstly you don't have a COA - if you look on the base of the laptop you'll have a strange Windows hologram sticker with no COA - this is proof that Windows 8 is licensed for that computer, the OEM code is all built into the laptop already, so if you just get any Windows 8 disc that is the right version and install it, it should be able to figure it out. If you don't have the installation media there are a number of ways to obtain it - you can go to the original laptop manufacturer and they should be able to supply it (might charge a couple of quid postage), or if you look online I'm quite sure Microsoft offer it online somewhere.

Answer 3

Install Windows 7

Answer 4

Install Windows 8

Answer 5

So if you really want to have my Suggestions about should you Install Windows 7 or keep Windows 8, then i will Suggest you that you should Continue with Windows 8.

Answer 6

install Windows 7

Answer 7

Windows 7 is much more user friendly than Windows 8. I would keep 7 if it was installed but if 8 is installed I wouldn't bother with the hassle of uninstalling 8 and installing 7.

Answer 8

Keep windows 8

Answer 9

Doesn't matter for technical guy if you sell with Windows 7 or 8 or even in Dos.



Windows 7 is best option but every guy follow with others ( Not technical peoples ) even they don't know about windows but he wants to latest OS. So it would be better if you sell with Windows 8 ( You will get more money) :D



Some things you need to do - First delete all the drive expect System drive C. Then Refresh the Windows 8 it will be clean all junk files and temp files. Then you should good to go.

Answer 10

I think Windows 7 is much better than Window 8.

Answer 11

Install Windows 7.

Or if you want, Windows 10 is coming out this year and you can wait

Answer 12

install windows 7

Answer 13

Since you're going to turn around and sell the laptop, leave Windows 8 on it and keep or sell the Windows 7 Installation software and make more money.

Answer 14

Hello :)



When it comes to any OS aka Operating System such as Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1 or even OSX (for Macs) it important to remember that compatability is the most important thing. We find choosing the latest OS for any device is always best since it has been tested and all the required updates are applied or will be applied. To be more specific Windows 8.1 would be best. If you're running Windows 8 then run your updates and Windows 8.1 should be there.



Hopefully this helps :)



Geek Squad Agent Jeremy D

Badge # 32326

Covert Double Agent

Geek Squad Social Media Team

03.17.2015

Answer 15

Windows 8. There is nothing wrong with Windows 8. It is more secure and faster. People just dont take the time to learn it. WIndows 10 coming this summer!

Answer 16

Wait until later this year and update to Windows 10 as Microsoft are providing it as a free upgrade, then sell the laptop, people are more likely to pay more for a computer if it sounds really new (e.g. if it runs Windows 10 instead of Windows 8/7),

Answer 17

windows 8

Answer 18

Use windows 8, Microsoft is going to STOP supporting Windows 7 like Windows XP, pretty soon.

Answer 19

Windows 8 is a good choice.But if you face Problem with Threats and other Issues, then You Can Simply Reinstall windows with your Installation DVD or USB. Otherwise you can install Windows 7. Its your Choice

Answer 20

Definitely Windows 7. I dont use Windows myself, but I did use 7 and 8 for a bit. 7 is greatly superior. Windows 8 is absolutely idiotic.

Answer 21

Its your opinion. You can install windows 7/

Answer 22

I'm old school...still prefer XP over any OS. That said, I had to purchase a new computer with Win 7 on it for internet purposes, and like 7 just fine. Everyone has different reasons for using a particular OS I've found. For me, for online purposes, I had to go with a faster computer and with 7 installed. For my purposes right now, I don't need to go any higher until I'm forced to like I was forced to forego my XP. I also only had the 7 home edition which meant I couldn't install any of my favorite older programs that wouldn't work on the 7 system. So, I had to go get another computer with 7 professional on it just so I could install the virtual machine so I could install my older programs. Ridiculous, huh? LOL! I love my tech stuff. My almost 20-year old IBM 486 is still running like a champ and I use that when I want to use any of my favorite old stuff, old pinball games, etc., also my Pentium 1997 is still running great and I use that too. Anyway, if everything you do nowadays is online, I'd probably have to say go with 8 and any upgrades. I want to be able to use all my older programs too, but looks like I'm stuck now with just using my older machines.

Answer 23

Windows 8 sucks

Answer 24

I agree with what Daniel said, however, Microsoft said windows 10 would be a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8, so it really doesn't matter.

Answer 25

window 8 have many extra features, while window 7 have enough features for working. window 8 is hard to operate comparative window 7. So i thing window 7 is better operating system.

Answer 26

Windows Server 2003.

Answer 27

Well my laptop was supposed to be Windows 8, but in my opinion the interface is terrible so I just changed it into Windows 7.

Answer 28

Window 7 is good.

Answer 29

I would just fix your Windows 7 and wait. Microsoft will soon be releasing Windows 10 alongside a new browser (better than Internet Explorer).

Answer 30

Change it to Windows 7 It's The best for you

Answer 31

Well it depend on how good you are on the computers, because to me I love Windows 7 its much easier and very nice while Windows 8 has more features I don t really like it.

Answer 32

Reset your system

Boot to the login screen Hold the SHIFT and click RESTART (bottom RH corner)



Once the computer restarts it will be in the recover mode →



Troubleshoot → Reset The computer will reset back to W8. You will then again have to allow the 175+ updates to download & configure



Desktop Screen → Click the flag down by the clock → Action Center → Trust this PC. MS will send you a code to enter.



Windows Key + I → Control Panel → Windows Update → Check for Updates



Allow 2 - 3 hours for the process to complete

There may be periods of "black screen" - perfect normal. Windows will display the login screen when completed.



Once configured go to the Windows STORE → update to W8.1 . It is very close to W7

Avoid using the START screen

Launch your programs as you would in W7 from the Desktop screen

Answer 33

Yes, windows 7 is a better OS if you are going for gaming laptop. Windows 8 is good if you work with windows environment on several windows devices. Plus, windows 7 requires less resources to run then windows 8.



But OS is not the problem, the problem are drivers. I had re-installed win7 on win8 laptop once, and the problem was that official ACER website did not provide any drivers for win7 for that specific laptop model. So it took me few hours of just googling and trying to find drivers that are compatable with win7. So if you are going to sell it, just go with win8 and working drivers then win7, and having a lot of trouble to make it work.

Answer 34

keep windows 8

Answer 35

Keep windows 8 and sale it if someone say he/she would have taken laptop if there was windows 7 then you can give a option to him/her about the DVD you have.

Answer 36

You should always use updated version of windows. Between the two I recommend to use Windows 8

Answer 37

Windows 7 is more user friendly

Answer 38

instead of going back to 7 update windows 8 to 8.1. as for selling purpose u can install win 7 at that moment

Answer 39

Reset your system

Boot to the login screen Hold the SHIFT and click RESTART (bottom RH corner)



Once the computer restarts it will be in the recover mode →



Troubleshoot → Reset The computer will reset back to W8. You will then again have to allow the 175+ updates to download & configure



Desktop Screen → Click the flag down by the clock → Action Center → Trust this PC. MS will send you a code to enter.



Windows Key + I → Control Panel → Windows Update → Check for Updates



Allow 2 - 3 hours for the process to complete

There may be periods of "black screen" - perfect normal. Windows will display the login screen when completed.



Once configured go to the Windows STORE → update to W8.1 . It is very close to W7

Avoid using the START screen

Launch your programs as you would in W7 from the Desktop screen



\☺/

Answer 40

well basing it on my own experiences; a while ago, I bought an Asus ROG (Republic of Gamers) Laptop. A REAL MONSTER of a computer: 15.6", Intel Core i7-4720HQ CPU, 16GB Ram, Windows 7 Ultimate, internal DVD-RW (Dual Layer), Nvidia GTX960M 2GB GDDR5, 16GB DDR3 RAM, Red Backlit Keyboard... I used it so much for the first 6 months I had it that the screen started going white & eventually the screen just stayed white... However, I still have and use that computer...it's got an HDMI out...it's plugged into a 37" Philips Flat Screen Smart TV on the desk in my bedroom. HOWEVER...All that being said...I went out and bought a 13" MacBook Pro in Fall of 2014... the only issue I had with it, is that it heats up sometimes and I called the apple store's genius bar & the guy on the phone was like "Come in...We'll fix it" and so I brought it in & the guy was like "this is a common problem so he opened up the Appstore on my MacBook's desktop, downloaded this app that lets me manually dictate the RPM value of each fan which, in turn, obviously cools it down. Apple's really taken care of me & Microsoft never did...they would have flaws and then thre'd come out with a new edition of Windows... Apple's people take care of me & for the record... Programmers can spend up to like $20,000 buying Microsoft Visual Studio... Apple GIVES their visual studios type thing to Mac Owners... well...MacBook Pro anyway...Idk about MacBook Air or any of the others...

Answer 41

If you have Windows 8 32BIT than you should install Windows 7 64BIT , but if you have Windows 8 64BIT than i recommend you to keep it ...

Answer 42

you should keep windows 8

Answer 43

windows 7, 4 ever.

Answer 44

Download Start Is Back, It gives you start menu just as Windows 7.

Answer 45

i think it is good to install windows 7.

Answer 46

I prefer 8 to 7. But do what you feel comfortable with.

Answer 47

windows 7 anytime over win 8.. #_#

Answer 48

windows 8 is nice.

Answer 49

A dirty installation of Win 8? Still dirty, get rid of it. I personally did with Linux. But Win 7 should do well.

Answer 50

just keep windows 8 because its less resource usage and u can make it like win 7 with classic shell!

Answer 51

Keep windows 8, because it is best . . .

Answer 52

dont change operating system, because you have a licensed copy of windows 8, instead you just

1. download pirated copy of windows 8

2. backup license information of current os

3. reinstall by using pirated os,

4. register with your genuine license information

because you dont have recovery partition and it is wiped out

Answer 53

before you do any thing, ask them for a clean install , this should give you a lap top with only the os, if not look on line for user groups, they often have a junk removal file or if you lucky a small program you can run to remove all the bloat where

Answer 54

keep Windows 8, but i think u need to reinstall windows 8 . . .

Answer 55

for much and better performance windows 8 rocks like any other thing....

Answer 56

Windows seven is far a lot of user friendly than Windows eight. i'd keep seven if it had been put in however if eight is put in i would not trouble with the trouble of uninstalling eight and putting in seven.

Answer 57

Laptop value's are judged on OS, but the Performances. So i will suggest you to install any one of the OS with minimum application installed in it. It will take less RAM, take less CPU utilize, which will help in performances.

Answer 58

window 8 is crap

Answer 59

you should keep windows 8. I suggest you to upgrade it to 8.1

Answer 60

keep win 8. to get a clean win 8, use several different a/v both online scan and on the pc.

Answer 61

GNU Linux Ubuntu.

Or leave Windows 8.1 in place, because of licensing issues (it should be OEM).

Answer 62

if you want to sell it, you COULD install 7.0, but id recommend a system reset to put it back at factory settings so no private info gets out, go to settings, then change pc settings, then click update and privacy. then system reset, itll take a while so youll have to be patient.

Answer 63

I would personally ask the end buyer what OS they would like.

Some prefer W8 compare to W7.

Answer 64

8 is good.

Answer 65

Keep windows8

Answer 66

If you have in warranty period go to your vendors and talk with them

if warranty void i think u can keep w7.

Answer 67

It's up-to you....

Answer 68

I would say let the buyer dictate what OS is on the computer.

Answer 69

I prefer to use latest, you can familiar with new features.

Answer 70

Go for Win7 !

Answer 71

win7