Yes, you can upgrade your PC to a previous Windows version using an ISO file.
Yes, you can upgrade your PC to a previous Windows version using an ISO file.
I was thinking about switching from your 1709 FCU to 1703 CU, given the recurring blue screen issues you're experiencing. It seems these problems might be linked to the operating system itself, especially after Microsoft acknowledged similar difficulties with older versions. You mentioned updating via a setup file from a flash drive without losing boot data, which could help preserve your information. Since you haven’t rolled back and the ISO for 1703 is still loading, it’s possible the upgrade process might work if you proceed carefully. The error you’re seeing—VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE—often occurs during GPU-intensive tasks or gaming sessions, but it can also happen when the laptop is powered on.
It's feasible to reduce performance in that way. But it might actually stem from an issue with the 1709 FCU interfering with your GPU drivers. Many users reported slower speeds after upgrading to 1709, which resolved when a new driver was reinstalled.
You might need to lower your system requirements. I've tried various reinstall methods and even faced data loss because I neglected to set up backups. Now I just need to learn how to halt the updates completely, as it's proving more challenging on Windows 7 than before.
The BSOD indicates a problem with your graphics card drivers. When you set up your Nvidia GPU drivers, go to Advanced, check the box for a clean install, and install just the GPU drivers along with the audio chip. Avoid installing GeForce Experience or 3D Vision. Your PC will restart during this process, and setup will continue once you log back in. If the issue continues, repeat the same steps using an older Nvidia driver version—where you’re certain there were no prior problems—and it may resolve with the next update.
Based on what I've experienced before, it seems FCU is responsible. I've lowered the version from 1709 and it resolved all blue screen problems. I reinstalled 1709 on a clean boot drive earlier, but it would crash right away before any drivers were installed—this made downgrading difficult with my current approach, which needs the laptop connected.
If the "Set as metered connection" method fails, it might be wiser to halt updates myself rather than risking a BSOD.