Want to put Windows 7 on a preinstalled Windows 10 Laptop

[Rswarren27]

I purchased an hp pavilion 15-au063 that comes preloaded with Windows 10. My issue is that a program I need for work requires Windows 7 to run so I'd prefer to run that on the machine. However I am having issues finding drivers for the laptop to make that change.

I would like to install Windows 7 64 bit and have a license and a bootable USB with 7 ultimate.

I already have found how to disable safe boot, but am still in need of drivers.

To confirm the laptop I have is the same as the onelisted here:

http://www.staples.com/HP-Pavilion-15-au063nr-156-Intel-Core-i7-6500U-Processor-12-GB/product_228658...

Thanks for any help!

-Richard

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi, Richard:

You should be able to use the W7 x64 drivers and software from the 15t-ay000 on your model, except the BIOS and firmware files.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/product/HP-15-ay000-Notebook-PC-series/10862300/model/11528134/drivers

[mdklassen]

> My issue is that a program I need for work requires Windows 7 to run

Can you contact the manufacturer of that software, and get an updated version that is compatible with Windows 10 ?

Can you use the "Program Compatibility Wizard" under Windows 10 to provide a "wrapper" around the program, so that the program is tricked into thinking that it is running under Windows 7 ?

> .. have a license and a bootable USB with 7 ultimate.

Can you use some "virtual machine" software, such as VMWARE, to create a "virtual" Windows 7 environment,

and run your program inside that virtual machine?

Note that Microsoft will end support for Windows 7 in three years -- January 2020.

At that time, you will need to re-install Windows 10, to continue to get security-updates via Windows Update.

[Rswarren27]

I could, but the processor in the laptop is a low voltage architecture to start with and can feel fairly sluggish in Windows 10 as is without considering the toll of running a virtual machine. I understand that long term I won't be able to use Windows 7.

[Rswarren27]

What do you suggest I do for the BIOS and Firmware files?

[Paul_Tikkanen]

If you want to update any applicable BIOS or firmware files, I recommend you do so now from your notebook's support page before trying to install W7.

I don't see any reason to update the BIOS or firmware unless there is a problem with your notebook right now that any of those files address.

[mdklassen]

> the processor in the laptop is a low voltage architecture to start with

> and can feel fairly sluggish in Windows 10 as is without considering the toll of running a virtual machine.

Sluggish?

Specifications from: http://www8.hp.com/h20195/v2/GetPDF.aspx/c05217260.pdf

indicate that your computer has 4 CPUs, each operating at 2.5 Ghz, and 12 GB of RAM,

and has a 5400 RPM disk-drive (33% slower than a 7200 RPM disk-drive, or much slower than a SSD [solid-state disk]).

That's certainly enough "horsepower" to host a virtual machine.

However, the first time that you connect a brand-new Windows 10 system to the Internet, Windows Update will launch, in the background, and will consume a considerable amount of CPU/RAM/disk resources as it downloads & updates.

I suggest that you manually run Windows Update until your computer is up-to-date, and then re-assess its "sluggishness".

________________________

Key specifications

• Operating system: Windows 10 Home

• Processor: 6th generation Intel® Core™ i7-6500U Processor

• Display: 15.6-inch diagonal Full HD  IPS UWVA BrightView WLED-backlit (1920 x 1080)

• Memory: 12 GB DDR4 SDRAM (2 DIMM)

• Hard drive: 1TB 5400RPM Serial ATA hard drive

• Graphics: Intel® HD Graphics 520

• Audio: B&O PLAY with dual speakers

• Battery life: Up to 9 hours and 15 minutes

• Webcam: Front-facing HP Wide Vision HD Webcam with integrated dual array digital microphones(9)

• Optical drive: SuperMulti DVD burner

• Product weight: 4.27 lb

• Keyboard: Full-size island-style backlit keyboard with numeric keypad

[Rswarren27]

It's actually a dual core processor, as it's a low voltage i7. Making its performance closer to an i5. I agree though, it definitely should have enough get up and go. Maybe I will reassess after it's completely gone through updates, but that in itself was one of the reasons I was concerned about Windows 10. Forced updates that do take up a considerable amount of resources when they're happening in the "background." I feel like that's a really poor look for an operating system.

I believe my question has been suitably answered by you two though, thank you for the help and suggestions.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

[mdklassen]

According to:  http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Core-i7-6500U-Notebook-Processor.149431.0.html

It's actually a "dual-core with Hyper-Threading" processor, i.e., 4-way processing.

Yes, "unboxing" a Windows 10 computer, and then running Windows Update, and finally Disk Defragmenter, are necessary steps to "tuning-up" your computer to achieve its optimal performance.

Anyway, good to hear that you're happy with our suggestions.

I'd be tempted to swap-out the 1000GB 5400 RPM disk-drive, and replace it with a 240GB SSD -- less capacity, but much better speed, and longer battery-life.