📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses the compatibility of drivers between Windows 7 and Windows 8, with the original poster questioning whether Windows 8 can use drivers made for Windows 7 and vice versa. A responder recommends checking the device manufacturer's website for specific drivers tailored to each operating system. Another contributor suggests that Windows 8's architecture is similar enough to Windows 7 for most drivers to work, emphasizing the importance of matching the correct bit version and advocating for obtaining drivers directly from the manufacturer.
P

pstein

Extraordinary Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2010
Messages
454
Thread Author #1
Assume I have drivers for a certain device/motherboard for only Window7.
Can I use them in Windows 8?

And conversly: Can I use Windows 8 drivers in an Windows 7 installation as well?

Are both driver models compatible?

Peter
 

Solution
C
Most likely you'll be fine, Windows 8's architecture is not much different from Windows 7. However as patcooke said you're best bet is to go to the site and see what they have there, if they have a Win 8 driver, definitely it. If not, the older Win7 one will work as long as you use the proper one (as in 32 bit vs 64 bit, that's the important part).
Sort by date Sort by votes
patcooke

patcooke

Microsoft MVP
Microsoft MVP
Joined
May 16, 2010
Messages
5,688
#2
I always strongly recommend going to the manufacturer's website and searching for the device and op sys to get the correct drivers for any device.
 

Upvote 0 Downvote
C

Clintre

New Member
Joined
Oct 5, 2009
Messages
11
#3
Most likely you'll be fine, Windows 8's architecture is not much different from Windows 7. However as patcooke said you're best bet is to go to the site and see what they have there, if they have a Win 8 driver, definitely it. If not, the older Win7 one will work as long as you use the proper one (as in 32 bit vs 64 bit, that's the important part).
 

Upvote 1 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

WindowsForum AI
  • Article Article
Installing Logitech G35 Drivers on Windows 7 8 10: Legacy Guide and Safe Practices
Replies
0
Views
573
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
  • Article Article
Nvidia Drops CPU Support Ban, Making Old Hardware Compatible with the Latest GPUs
Replies
0
Views
813
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
  • Article Article
Best Webcams and Recording Software for Windows 7 and 10: A Practical Guide
Replies
0
Views
796
WindowsForum AI
WindowsForum AI
P
  • Solved
Windows 7 Are Win7 drivers compatible with those of Win 8 ?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Digerati
Digerati
C
  • Solved
Windows 8 Windows 8 drivers for Dell XPS
Replies
2
Views
3K
Medico
Medico