Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 8.1
Upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 8.1
You asked about the setup when you purchased the laptop—did you install a fresh Windows 10 or did you end up with the manufacturer’s extra software? I recommend performing a clean install of Windows 10 and updating to version 1909. You can create a bootable USB using this tool: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software.../windows10. I suggest giving it a go before reverting to an outdated system.
I set up Windows 10 on my own, but I’m not satisfied. I’d prefer to switch back to Windows 8.1.
Yes, Windows 10 has a lot more features than Windows 8.x. You can also put MS-DOS, and despite 0 drivers, it will fly as the OS is insanely small... you can't multi-task, but hey, you can't complain. The "blotware" you refer to, only appears when you load for the first time your account, and it is up to you if you find it bloat or not. For one, I find Spotify and Netflix not bloat. But anyway, these apps don't affect your system performance. They only consume storage space. So unless your storage is filled to capacity, it is none issue. Also, when you uninstall them every single trace of the app is removed from the system, thanks to UWP framework which containerizes the application install. Similar to your phone apps. To answer your question, no there is no downgrade path from Windows 10 to 8. You'll need to clean install, and use Windows 8/8.1 compatible drivers.
Thanks for your response. I wanted to clarify that my main concern was whether it's possible to revert back to Windows 8.1 while preserving all existing files. It seems there isn't an option for that. I won't continue using Windows 10, even though everyone explained various reasons. Just because I don't like it doesn't change that. Appreciate the assistance!
You're right. But when you answered question "why", people start to discuss, which is what forum is for. It's not helpdesk, it's forum. If you cannot configure win10 (I'm not talking about registry hacks, but normal options like turn off automatic apps update), then ok - you can change system. But it will be not because is not possible to prevent updates or automatically installing new apps. It's because you can't configure it. Many bloatware... I mean features are really useful - Your Phone, Messenger, WhatsApp, Netflix etc. are good UWP apps. Other can be useful too - even if you don't use them every day. I never played Solitaire, but I never complain that win98 or XP installs them by default. I don't use Internet Explorer or Edge, but I have them - sometimes they may be useful. The more software you have on your computer, the better. Modern computers can work with hundreds of programs installed and that is great - nothing limits you to do whatever you want on your computer. Do I need 3D Builder? Probably not, but hey - maybe some day I'll use it, it looks like fun. I just tried to made few objects, export them and import to other 3d program. And it worked, so - not bad, right? It's nothing wrong with discovering new things, using new programs etc.