Windows 8 Pro Downgrades to Windows 7, But Not XP
Manufacturers Allowed to Sell Windows 7 PCs Until Oct. 2014
Downgrading occurs more often than one might expect. It became a particularly popular practice after the 2007 launch of Windows Vista, which was criticized by many consumers who preferred Windows XP.
Although people buying Windows 8 Pro computers will need to buy a copy of Windows 7 Professional if they want to downgrade, it is also possible for consumers to request that a manufacturer install the older OS at no charge.
Not until October 2014 will manufacturers be barred from selling Windows 7 on their computers.
One licensing expert noticed XP was AWOL.
"So no downgrade rights to XP. Also note that the soon-to-come Office 2013 will not support XP. So we can see they are trying to strangle the life out of XP,"
http://www.engadget.com/2012/09/03/windows-8-downgrade-rights/
Hate Windows 8 already? The Pro OEM edition will let you downgrade as far back as Vista
Alternatively, the manufacturer could install Windows 7 by default (effectively a factory downgrade) and supply Windows 8 Pro installation media so that customers can upgrade for free when they feel good 'n ready. At some point, of course, staring at a redundant UI-switching button is going to grate.
