Windows 7 Downgrade Rights

Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate products will now include End User downgrade rights to :

• the corresponding versions of Windows Vista software - Business or Ultimate, or
• Window XP Professional, or
• Windows XP Tablet PC, or
• Windows XP Professional x64.

However, these End User rights will only be available for a limited time period. MS will offer such downgrade rights at Windows 7 GA, but intends to change these rights at a later date after GA to only allow downgrade rights to the like version of Windows Vista software.

Microsoft has not yet determined the end date, but confirms these rights will remain at least until six months after Windows 7 GA. After an announced end date, End Users interested in further downgrade to Windows XP Professional, based on a qualifying product version of Windows 7, will be able to do so through Microsoft Volume Licensing.

Availability Of Downgrade Options

These options will remain available to OEMs until six months after GA (General Availability) of Windows 7. This timeframe provides small and medium businesses with additional time to transition to Windows 7. After this date, OEMs may only facilitate a downgrade as part of a Custom Image to a qualified End User.

Support For Windows XP

Microsoft mainstream support for Windows XP products is scheduled to end on April 14, 2009. Microsoft is currently evaluating feedback from OEMs and end users and will provide a follow-up communication regarding this evaluation by the first week of April.

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