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Is it possible to downgrade Windows 8 Enterprise to a Windows 8 Pro? If so, do I keep the settings (such as the Proxy Settings on the Control Panel) or do I need to reinstall my (non-metro) apps?

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2 Answers 2

Reset to default
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Yes it is; it just takes a little time (it is worth it)

  1. Open registry editor (run regedit.exe) and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE→SOFTWARE→Microsoft→Windows NT→CurrentVersion
  2. Double click on ProductName and change to "Windows 8 Professional".
  3. Double click EditionID and change to "Professional": enter image description here
  4. Now navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE→SOFTWARE→WOW6432Node→Microsoft→ Windows NT→ CurrentVersion
  5. Do the same as you did in steps 2 and 3.
  6. Close regedit (You don't have to restart your computer).
  7. Close and insert Windows 8 Pro CD and install.

Editor's note: Somebody who didn't have commenting privileges tried to edit this answer with the addendum "You do need the install files and a product key for Windows 8.1 Pro."

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    Probably not worth doing so because we are talking about a fresh install. It will not take long to restore the settings. But I like the instructions so +1.
    – Mikhail
    Oct 31, 2012 at 1:45
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    Does this method keep all existing apps, or is this a fresh install?
    – Nathan DeWitt
    Oct 12, 2013 at 2:55
  • Would this work in the opposite direction? I.e. from Pro to Enterprise?
    – Svish
    Sep 29, 2014 at 8:20
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    Someone commented in a (now deleted?) answer: "worked for me when changing from windows 8.1 enterprise to 8.1 Pro [...] the only notable differences after it booted back up - it said professional rather than enterprise in the windows properties window and I could now install windows media center"
    – Arjan
    Dec 26, 2014 at 15:15
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    Just wanted to add my experience from 8.1 Ent to 10 Pro: I had a Windows 10 Pro Retail DVD (with key) unable to upgrade my Windows 8.1 Enterprise laptop. It only gave me the options to keep my files (not the apps), or do a fresh install (full wipe). After applying these registry changes, and rebooting, Windows 8.1 Enterprise still identified as Enterprise in the lower right corner of my desktop with the build number showing, etc. Thankfully, the Windows 10 Pro Retail now allowed me to keep my apps (it was no longer greyed out) during the upgrade. Seems to have worked fine.
    – HighTechGeek
    Sep 3, 2015 at 23:15
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No, you can not downgrade from enterprise to pro without re-installing windows. (also it would be a upgrade, as enterprise and pro are identical, except pro also has media center)

If you are trying to go from Enterprise Eval to something else here is some more information about it.

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  • Is it possible to qualify this statement some more? It appears accurate to say that a straightforward 'edition change' is not possible, but that some hacking as indicated in the other answer will get the job done.
    – user46462
    Jul 31, 2015 at 6:50

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