Downgrade from Win10 64-bit to 32-bit version?

peking97 · 08-04-2023 06:24PM #1

I recently bought a refurbished desktop from a trusted source who claim they are a Microsoft Registered Refurbisher.

It came with Win 10 Pro 64-bit version pre-installed but sadly no re-installation media was included.

Would it be legally permissible for me to downgrade to the 32-bit version, or even Win 7/8 if I wished?

smuggler.ie · 08-04-2023 06:44PM

license permits 32 or 64

Be aware that you might need to re-activate your Win, depend how it was installed/activated on your PC - ensure you have lic available/tied to your MS account

That would require "fresh install" , there is no direct downgrade path. Installation media is publicly available from MS official site , tool here. I think Win 7 and 8 no longer available from MS as no longer supported.

If don't mind - Why would you need 32 ?

peking97 · 11-04-2023 11:55AM

It's just I have some legacy games which require NTVDM which is packaged with the 32-bit version but not the 64-bit version.

WhimsicalJape · 08-05-2023 03:52PM

I think a better solution would be to find the necessary 16-bit patches for your older software. I've done this myself with a few older DOS/Win95 games. Alternatively you could set up a 32-bit Windows 10/11 virtual machine. You can use it without activation but you lose out on customisation, which isn't that big of a deal IMO.

Downgrade from Win10 64-bit to 32-bit version?

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