HP Stream 11 Windows install

[Idk0526]

Bought an old HP Stream 11 laptop at a pawn shop cheap. It is running Windows 10 64 bit. I feel it doesn't have the power or space on the SSD to run 10 properly. It's really laggy, locks up,  frequent  "low on disc space" messages pop up, and only leaves about 10GB free. I tried to revert back to the original OS, Windows 8.1 RTM CoreConnected, but the previous owner deleted all old version files so there seems to be no way of going back. I restored Windows 10 thinking maybe it would help but it didn't, it only gave me an issue with my touchpad no longer working.

I cannot find an RTM version of 8.1 to download online and I tried to download all versions that the Microsoft website offers but my 8.1 product key pops up a "not compatible with this version of Windows" error when I enter it.

I know since the laptop is old, there is no way it's under warranty so that HP can help me. So, is there anything I can do?

TIA!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Microsoft does not offer W8.1 w/Bing ISO files for download.

You can try making a W8.1 w/Bing ISO file by following the guidance at the link below toward the bottom of the page.

https://www.pcsteps.com/210-download-windows-8-1/

If not, you will have to bite the bullet, and order recovery media for your notebook from HP.

I can give you the link to do that if you provide the product number of the notebook.

Use this guide to find that information...please do not post the serial number...

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/ish_2039298-1862169-16

[Idk0526]

Thank you. I appreciate your help and fast reply. I think you're right and biting the bullet I must. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

I was able to create the W8.1 w/Bing ISO file using the info that was posted.

Installed bittorrent and made the file.

It booted up, but I didn't have a notebook to test it on.