Can I install Windows 8 on HP Spectre x360 (16GB RAM 2020 version)

[JonDub]

Is it possible to install Windows 8 or 8.1 on my HP Spectre x360 13-aw0054na.

I'm (still) having realtime audio issues with Windows 10 and would love to either go back to Windows 8 or set up a dualboot to be able to run window 8 for audio performances.

I have tried using a version of windows 8 I had for my previous Acer laptop but the install fails - it looks like it's installing ok then on restart I get a blue screen saying there is an ACPI Bios error. 

Is there a version of Windows 8 that would be compatible with the Spectre? 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Unfortunately, I don't see how that would be possible, since your PC has an Intel 10th gen core processor and came with W10 from HP.

HP Spectre x360 - 13-aw0054na Product Specifications | HP® Customer Support

You will not find any Windows 8 or 8.1 drivers for any of the hardware, so I can't imagine how the sound would work better with no driver installed.

In any event, try making your own W8.1 installation media by downloading the ISO file from the link below.

Download Windows 8.1 Disc Image (ISO File) (microsoft.com)

You will need to use a utility to transfer the ISO file to a USB flash drive so that it is bootable, such as Rufus.

If you don't have a Windows 8.1 product key, you can use this generic key so that you can proceed with the installation.

 334NH-RXG76-64THK-C7CKG-D3VPT

You would need to buy a license to activate W8.1 if you do not have a product key.

Have a way to reinstall W10, because I believe that you will not be satisfied with the results of installing W8.1.

[JonDub]

Thanks for the links, I've tried several times and I still get errors after the inital setup - once the system restarts and it should enter the setup screen I get a BSOD with either 'ACPI Bios error' or 'Internal Power Error'.

I know you think I will not be satisfied with 8.1 but I am not satisfied with how W10 is working now. The audio latency issues are terrible and the way Win10 interacts with the Intel Power Management makes real-time audio unworkable. On top of that the lack of access to any performance/power management is ridiculousness. My previous laptop on W8 (roughly 10 years old with an i5 and 4GBs of RAM) handled everything much better than this system with an i7 and 16gb RAM.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Sorry that you still get the same errors with the media you created.

Unfortunately, I don't have any other suggestions for you to try.