Looking to install another operating system on your Windows 8 system? Start here!

I hear frequently from users that are interested in changing the operating system from the default OS that comes on their Acer computer. I've creating this thread, which will be stickied, to help consolidate the information and learn how Acer can help users get the most of out of their system.

Tabel of Contents:

Why stay with Windows 8?
Preparing to Install a new Operating System.
Setup your Windows 8 system to allow for the installation of another Operating System.
How will Acer help with the installation of a different Operating System?
Have questions or need help? How to ask for help in this thread.

1. Why stay with Windows 8?

There have been a noticeable number of users that want to change their OS from Windows 8 and come to the community to ask questions about this process. There are several factors that lead to this, the big one being that the release of Windows 8 introduced a BIOS replacement (UEFI) on a large scale and this creates a new challenges for those who want to use legacy options. Also, certain components (Bay Trail CPU for example) are not qualified to work with Windows 7.

This thread is meant to help those you want to change operating systems to Windows 7 or any number Linux distributions available, but I also want to address some of the most common perceptions we hear when people discuss why they want to move away from Windows 8. We feel that if we can help you change some settings to get the look and feel you want without the need of installing a different operating system, you'll ultimately have a better experience with your Acer that's designed to work with Windows 8.

Commonly expressed issues with Windows 8:

Spoiler

I don't like the Start Menu (Tiles) - http://acer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/32011

Updates to Windows 8.1 have allowed for the operating system to boot directly to the desktop and applications now open appropriately whether you're in the desktop or in the start menu.

I don't have a touchscreen to take full advantage of Windows 8 - http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/2/5573258/windows-8-1-update-download-april-8th-features

Enhancements have been made to the keyboard and mouse functionality that help it quite a bit. Even Start Menu applications now how minimize and close buttons to make this easier.

I really just want a start button - http://windows.about.com/od/customizingwindows/tp/The-Five-Best-Free-Start-Menu-Replacements-For-Windows-8.htm

There are several free and pay options (~$5) that allow you to recreate the start button look and feel. Customization is an option with Windows 8. Also, there are discussions that Windows will be bringing an official start button back to the OS. http://www.extremetech.com/computing/183445-windows-8-start-menu-resurrection-delayed-until-next-version-of-windows-in-2015

Applications don't work on Windows 8 - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/older-programs-compatible-version-windows

Of course there are going to be some applications, but those are generally years old (think 10+). We recommend asking the software developer if you're not sure, but you can generally find the answer before you invest time installing a new OS.

Windows 7 overall is better than Windows 8 - http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2406668,00.asp

Windows 8 is a quicker and leaner operating system that takes up less resources that Windows 7 according to numerous reports and testing.

I don't like the Start Menu (Tiles) - http://acer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/32011
Updates to Windows 8.1 have allowed for the operating system to boot directly to the desktop and applications now open appropriately whether you're in the desktop or in the start menu.

I don't have a touchscreen to take full advantage of Windows 8 - http://www.theverge.com/2014/4/2/5573258/windows-8-1-update-download-april-8th-features
Enhancements have been made to the keyboard and mouse functionality that help it quite a bit. Even Start Menu applications now how minimize and close buttons to make this easier.

I really just want a start button - http://windows.about.com/od/customizingwindows/tp/The-Five-Best-Free-Start-Menu-Replacements-For-Windows-8.htm
There are several free and pay options (~$5) that allow you to recreate the start button look and feel. Customization is an option with Windows 8. Also, there are discussions that Windows will be bringing an official start button back to the OS. http://www.extremetech.com/computing/183445-windows-8-start-menu-resurrection-delayed-until-next-version-of-windows-in-2015

Applications don't work on Windows 8 - http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/older-programs-compatible-version-windows
Of course there are going to be some applications, but those are generally years old (think 10+). We recommend asking the software developer if you're not sure, but you can generally find the answer before you invest time installing a new OS.

Windows 7 overall is better than Windows 8 - http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2406668,00.asp
Windows 8 is a quicker and leaner operating system that takes up less resources that Windows 7 according to numerous reports and testing.

2. Preparing to Install a new Operating System.

So, you've decided to install a new operating system. Here are some guidelines to help you be as successful as possible with your endeavour.

Spoiler

Create a backup of your OEM Operating System - http://acer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26287

This can't be overstated . If you ever decided you want to return to your original operating system, you'll need this backup. If you need technical support from Acer, we may request that you load the OEM operating system on to remove external factors. If you don't have it, you may be required to purchase this from Acer. Don't skip this step!

Locate Drivers - http://support.acer.com

It's important to locate drivers or know what issues you might be facing before you start this process. Acer qualifies and releases drivers for the operating systems that originally ship on their products. It is entirely possible that Acer will not have Linux or Windows 7 drivers for a machine that we originally manufacture with Windows 8. The community is a great place to ask questions about specific drivers and talk about where to get them if they aren't directly provided by Acer.

Research the process to identify common issues

There are Youtube video's and instructions freely available to be searched. It is always worth spending time trying to better understand the process before you start only to figure out you're missing something.

Create a backup of your OEM Operating System - http://acer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/26287
This can't be overstated . If you ever decided you want to return to your original operating system, you'll need this backup. If you need technical support from Acer, we may request that you load the OEM operating system on to remove external factors. If you don't have it, you may be required to purchase this from Acer. Don't skip this step!

Locate Drivers - http://support.acer.com
It's important to locate drivers or know what issues you might be facing before you start this process. Acer qualifies and releases drivers for the operating systems that originally ship on their products. It is entirely possible that Acer will not have Linux or Windows 7 drivers for a machine that we originally manufacture with Windows 8. The community is a great place to ask questions about specific drivers and talk about where to get them if they aren't directly provided by Acer.

Research the process to identify common issues
There are Youtube video's and instructions freely available to be searched. It is always worth spending time trying to better understand the process before you start only to figure out you're missing something.

3. Setup your Windows 8 system to allow for the installation of another Operating System.

Windows 8 has replaced the traditional BIOS with UEFI. UEFI is a new standard that provides improved security during the boot process for Windows 8. You'll need to make some changes that allow you to install a different Operating System. We've created an FAQ as well as a Video on how to do so.

FAQ: http://acer.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/29401/

Youtube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEcIzdQbitU&feature=share&list=UUc2wrPP5__2PazgxybrgNKw

4. How will Acer help with the installation of another Operating System?

The Acer Community, Acer Idea's and our Support FAQs are designed to provide support for this type of issue. We're creating this specific thread to centralize the issue to ensure the best support we can for users who are interested in installing a third party operating system. Our Technical and Warraty support teams will continue to support the devices with the original OEM Operating System.

5. Have questions or need help? How to ask for help in this thread.

To ensure consistency, I'm going to provide some guidelines to posting for help in this thread. It will make it easier for others to search, and for you to get the help you're looking for. Please provide the following:

Model: (Model of your Acer computer)

BIOS (UEFI) Version: (What is your current BIOS version)

Original Operating System: (What OS came with your system)

New Operating System: (What OS are you trying to install)

Type of Issue: (BIOS Configuration Issue/OS Installation Issue/Driver and Setup Issue)

And don't forget to provide a detailed description of your issue. The more information you provide, the more likely it is that someone can help locate a solution for you.