Hi and welcome to the forum
The short answer is
YES. Of course it would be helpful to have a little more information about your computer, since that will often make a difference. Make/Model would be nice, and if it's a desktop or a laptop. If it's a self-built PC or custom-built PC, we need full HW specs. If you don't know what that means or how to get it, post back and we'll give you further instructions.
If your computer came with 8.1 on it from the factory, and the machine wasn't upgraded from an even older version of windows such as W7 or Vista, XP, etc. there certainly could be hardware issues. Computers began being built with 8.1 in 2013; 4 years ago. W7 computers were built in 2009. That's a 4 year gap in hardware, which is an eternity in the computer world. The only way to know for certain, is if your computer is an OEM computer (Dell, HP, Acer, Toshiba, etc.) is to call the manufacturer up on the phone and ask their Tech Support your downgrade question. They can run your Service Tag # or your Serial number of your machine in a matter of seconds and tell you for sure whether or not it's downgradeable or not. If they say, Yes, then it should work. If they say No, obviously it's not worth trying.
There are a number of very complicated issues involved here and many variables. I won't go into this here, but am giving you a layman's perspective of how to best proceed. Generally speaking however, W8 and W8.1 machines very seldom are downgradeable in my experience. I've only gotten a few to work where the manufacturer assured me it could be done, and even then it's a pain in the rear.
Before you go to all this effort to attempt an OS downgrade, you should be aware that you can simply download a free program called
CLASSIC SHELL for your W10 which you can re-program your W10 desktop to work just like W7, or W8, or even Vista or XP.
(you can Google it). I have installed this for several of my customers who are just too opposed to learning yet another version of windows after using the one they like for several years. W10 is worth keeping on your existing computer, as it has significantly higher performance, and much better security than W7. Even if you are not a power user, if the downgrade is possible you will notice your computer performing at a much more sluggish pace after you've been running W10 even for a few days or weeks. Something to think about. It's a zero-cost solution that may save you hundreds of dollars if you pay a licensed Tech to do the downgrade.
Hope that answered your question.
Best,
<<<<BIGBEARJEDI>>>>