How to Remove the Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview on Nokia Devices
So maybe you’re done messing around with the new developer preview of Windows Phone 8.1 and ready to go back to Windows Phone 8. Maybe the new features just aren’t quite ready for daily use in your opinion or they just aren’t enough for you to justify using the, essentially, beta software and now, you’re over with it. Regardless of the reasoning, if you have a Nokia device, you’re in luck. Thanks to Nokia’s tool for flashing new firmware (and readers confirming that it works), you can do just that. Simply download the Nokia Flashing Tool, plug your device in and follow a few prompts to allow it to do its thing. For a more detailed look at the process, I’ve added a video someone put on YouTube of their process.
I. Before You Begin
1. This will only work on Nokia devices.
2. You must have Windows to use the program.
II. Remove the Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview
1. Download the Nokia Software Updater Tool and save it to your desktop.
2. Double click the .exe file and follow the prompts to install the tool.
3. At some point it asks for a name, just put in any name and also check the box to open the program and hit Finish (if the installer doesn’t go away, just minimize it and use the program that popped up).
4. Plug your device in via USB to the computer.
5. The Updater tool should recognize the device and say there is an update for it. Follow the prompts to install the “update”.
6. The device will reboot and you should be on the latest Windows Phone 8 firmware instead of Windows Phone 8.1.
Here’s Someone’s YouTube Video of Their Process:
Did it work for you?
i’m using Lumia 525 and i donno if its the device or the computer but the software is not detecting my phone. its saying ‘error reading device. does anyone know how to fix that or what could be the prob. tq.
Try a different USB port (and preferably one that isn’t USB 3.0). If that doesn’t work, maybe download the Windows Phone syncing program and see if that installs drivers for you and then try again. Let me know if it works!
I had the same problem and can i send my phone back with 8.1 installed on it.
No you need to remove it. Google for Nokia USB drivers, try a different USB port etc and it should work. Even try a different computer if you can.
Umm I have my Lumia 1520 and I have wp8.1 installed, but I don’t want it anymore, if I do these steps and get it off of my phone will it erase all of my data? Including: Contacts, messages, apps, games, music, office documents, photos, etc?
Yes it will, stop just make sure to save your pictures etc to your computer before beginning and make sure your contacts are synced with whatever service you use (outlook, Google, etc) and you should be good.
man does it work from and have u changed from developer preview Lumia black…i am asking this bcoz I cant
Worked for me no problem on a Nokia 1520.
I bought an unlocked AT&T Lumia 920 with WP8.1 already installed. Using it on the Simple Mobile network. Loving WP8.1 but if I downgrade back to WP8 will it lock the phone? I don’t have an unlock code.
Good question. Not sure honestly. I would assume it wouldn’t but again, not positive. Maybe look around on the internet for anyone else who has tried it. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
hi i am using lumia 1520.. i installed developer preview last week i am tired of using it… iwant to roll back to my lumia black….but through nokia recovery tools it shows that”software package not available for this phone””
wat to do???
Unfortunately, you need to wait until there is a package available for the 1520 (i.e. Nokia sends an update to it).
Hello. I do not know what is going on but I have a Lumia 520 running the preview. I would like to downgrade from it just because 1. I know that I am in violation of the warranty and 2 thankfully it has worked fine so far but I do not want to run the risk of damaging the device and most importantly, 3, the rest of my devices are running windows 8. Would just upgrade them to 8.1 via the store but I have had several problems with that. Anyway, back to the main point. So, I download this tool. I again have a Lumia device (520) Then I launched the program. It said there was an update (version 4.2.1) So I went ahead and installed that as it tells me that it was either that option or exit so okay. Next, after having to reopen the program, it recognized my device so good. I followed the steps, downloaded the firmware and then, as soon as it was about to install it, I got an error code. Unfortunately I cannot remember what the code was so sorry for that. Meanwhile, I looked at my phone only to see it sitting there with a black screen that said NOKIA in large white letters at the top of the screen but the loading bar was not appearing. The only thing that I was able to do was perform a hard reset on my phone which by the way worked. One problem, it is still running Windows Phone 8.1 How the H*** do I get rid of this and revert to 8.0.
P.S. Before you go around just giving me a solution, please make sure that it works and if there is a possibility of flaws, then just mention them to me please.
I’m not sure if you are asking me for another solution, or if you are angry because something happened during your procedure… Either way, I’d suggest trying it again and seeing if this time it goes through. PS To your reasonings for downgrading, 1. Why does that matter? They should still all sync fine, run fine, and connect to each other fine. 2. You are violating the warranty technically. But as with most of my experience flashing custom software this simply stops you from sending it in if you froze the software (as that is a direct cause of your flashing the firmware), and since it seems to be working fine you really have no reason to just reinstate your warranty out of fear. If it broke and you needed to send it in is another story, but if it’s just because your worried you are not in warranty, I wouldn’t count that as a good reason to revert back (especially when 8.1 is so much better than Windows Phone 8 and you aren’t having any issues with it).
Whatever you decide, good luck!
Hi David,
Thank you for your information. Sorry if I did sound a bit upset at first but you are right, the device thankfully is working fine and so far, I have not needed to worry about that which is good really. Okay so as for the warranty, you are saying that even though I am technically violating it, since I have not actually damaged the device, then it shouldn’t be that big a deal? I just do not want to get in legal trouble or anything like that. Not that the company will find out though. Okay thanks again!
HI ..i have tried above steps..but after downloading package i am not able to downgrade to 8.0 ..continuously it is asking to either recover or cancel..For recovery,it is asking to hold down the power and volume down keys until vibrates..i have tried so many times this recovery procedure..but still i am not able to downgrade to windows 8.1
Did you try and do a reset of the device? Google for your devices name followed by the words “hard reset” and usually its a button combination that’ll reset the device. Then try again.
hi….m havin 520 and ive done all the steps….and when i connect ma device…it shows “software package not available for this device” could you please tell me what to do???? cuz im stuck here….dont knw what to do….please help me
Sounds like there just isn’t a WP 8 firmware in the tool for your phone unfortunately.
🙁 i just installed 4.1.0 version and after that another update came 4.2.1 and i just updated that too….but when i connected….it says thrs no update…any idea??
Oh, so you installed 4.1.0 from the toolkit? Then you should be on Windows 8 again, no? Mission accomplished?
hi any idea what might happen if select “clean” option in the settings ???
No clue, never used it.
can u just tell me what it says??? please
Again, never used it. No clue what you are asking.
okey ill tell…theres an option in settings…..called application data clean!! What does that mean
Did work for me and it is easy to do! Thank you for this easy guid to restore from devoloper.
Welcome!
Thank you David Cogen.
clean option does nothing at all just tried to do that.
sir : is it work in nokia lumia 920 in india ?
It should. Try it.
I want to try this but I’m afraid it will screw up my phone like the developer did :/ Will it do any harm to my phone?
This is Nokia’s program for fixing phones so its pretty safe.
I got a problem. The program never detect my device (525)…. I tried it for more than 10 times, including using the admin ID. I don’t know if the problem is about my device or my Computer that is running Win7. Well, this is quite an urgent matter for me cause the device is malfunctioning (the speaker to be exact), and Nokiia refused to repair it (not only about the violation of warranty, they said they don’t have the tool for Win 8.1 so no repair can be done). Please give me a hand on that, thanks a lot.
Sounds like a driver issue, you’ll have to Google for Nokia Lumia 525 usb drivers and try and get those to work. Then try. Even if you get the drivers to work though, there’s no guarantee the program has the software for your phone (as you can see by the other comments only some devices are working with it).
Thanks a lot. It is a driver issue as you said.
Maybe the speaker is loos inside the device. Dit have that on my 920. Loosing warranty? I stil got mine after restoring it with this guide. Goodlucktoyou!
I have a Nokia Lumia 920 ….. !!!!!! I am a bit tired of using preview for developers so I would really like to downgrade to 8.0 ! But I would like to ask you if it is safe…..because my brother tried it on his iPhone ( not the one you are showing, it is only for iPhones ) and th Iphone stack ! Is there a possibility that I may damage my phone 🙁 please answer me it is really important !!!!! And something else , I am not really good with technology, do you think it will be hard for me to do ! Because I don’t know a lot about this stuff…. Thanks you a lot !
I die try alot of things and i know You canot damage the hardware of the smart Phone. However it could damage software. But when restoring it with this tool it will be restored. This tool should work for al nokia Lumia devices. If not I can link you to another tool that will offer more devices firmwares.
So you mean I can damage phone :'( , will I be able to do it i am not really good with technology
Yes anyone can follow this guide.
I mean you can damage the software. I give an example. You are installing the restore and unplug the device. Then it could be damaged. But that is in a worst case scenario. Just follow the guide and noting wil go wrong.
I really wish you are right ! Thanks…
If You have any troubles doing that. I Will personally help you true teamviewer.
Thanks , I thought again and maybe I shouldn’t do it . I will definitely screw up:(
Die You get my email? If you do it let me know I will assist you on teamviewer. There is noting to screw up. But it is your choise to do so.
No , I didn’t get email ! Don’t worry I wont do it ! But ether way thanks a lot , you were very helpful and understanding! Thank you
NO probleem mate. That’s why we are here!
Thanks a lot…..but I don’t want to risk damaging my phone ! Your tutorial looks easy but I wont make it….. But don’t worry , thanks again ^_^
You can safe your fotos and videos on SkyDrive or OneDrive as it is named now. Music could be gone but safe that to your desktop. As a Mather in fact you wont lose anything. If you want i have team viewer on my phone and laptop I cam help you do this. No worrys I don’t cost any money. And I wont be a security risk at all. Just here to help you guys out. Nothing to worry about and you’ll lose nothing.
it say that it cant download the update package for this phone….. ( my phone is lumia 520)
Sorry it doesn’t work for all devices.
If It does not work with This tool try NSU nokia restore tool for Retail Version 4.0.1 download or update version. 4.2.1. Good luck!
Thankyou So Much Sir. helped me a lot. bless you 🙂
Welcome!
Iam using Lumia 820 i signed in for developer
program but i never updated to preview program. Because i want official update . Now i unsubscribe the preview app by untick the box. But its still showing update is available. How should i unsubscribe form preview app . N can i directly update to 8.1 when it will be available or it will create any pblm for signed in preview app although i never update. Need help because i don’t want to reset my phone . Back to Lumia amber or initial update m now at Lumia black update
I’m trying this right now, if it work I want you to know that you’re a boss!
If it doesn’t it’s ok, I my fault I installed the piece of shit that is Windows Phone 8.1
um its not recognizing my device. Lumia 520
Sounds like a driver issue. Try giggling for the drivers and try again.
I was sick of windwos8.1 i shoudon’t watch anime in fullscreen
so thanks
but why doesnt work this on lumia520
does this re-activate my warranty?
Yes.
can i uninstall
lumia black ?
Try it and find out.
Ok so I have now reverted back to 8.0 from the 8.1 developer preview so that I can receive the official update, however my colleagues that were not using the preview have already had their updates. I did this 5 days ago and have so far not received a push update, do I just have to wait or is there a way to speed the process up? I have checked the phone for available updates but it tells me that there are none available.
The updates go out in waves based on the devices IMEI usually. You just need to be patient and wait for your manufacturer to send it to you.
PS you didn’t need to downgrade to get the update it should have replaced the developer preview regardless.
Ah, the phone still said it was in developer preview mode so I thought this was the case, by the way does cortana now work in uk mode or do you still need to use USA? We are on a work contract for the phones so I thought the updates would come at the same time. If I have now missed the push will it just come around again?
You’ll have to check Microsoft’s site about if it works in the UK yet or when it will.
As for the update, it’ll come around just keep manually checking in settings once a day.
Ok will do, thanks
can i get back my erased data after getting back to 8.0
i have an unlocked phone. if i do this, will it undo the unlocking and lock the phone back to original network?
No this shouldn’t effect the unlock in the same way the loading of WP 8.1 didn’t effect it.
Hi David Cogen,
I bought Lumia 720 8.0 and i installed 8.1 Developer Preview beta version now i am facing the issues like home keys are not responding sometimes and opened applications are closing and opening automatically .(bugs issue i think) like cortana specially and vibrating without any inputs…do you think uninstalling 8.1 D.P. beta version would be the right step? Assist me with the remedy to overcome please.
Thanking you in advance.
Try and just reset the phone first through the normal settings.
i got the same problem on my lumia 1520 and i tried reformating my phone twice , and i think that i should try downgrading and use the real update 8.1
Hello David Cogen,
My phone upgraded to windows 8.1 Cyan yesterday , but im not satesfied with the updates , and i want to downgrade it back to windows 8.0, but i cant downgrade it . I used Nokia Software Updater like in the video , but after the rebooting it still 8.1.
There is a way to get back the windows 8.0?
Nokia Lumia 920
This tutorial is for downgrading from the developer preview from a while ago. It will not work for the actual Windows Phone 8.1 Update.
Sorry for now you are stuck with Windows Phone 8.1.
Hi, I just updated my phone to the Lumia Cyan 8.1 version and absolutely HATE it, it won’t let me do anything, freezes up, freaks out, doesn’t let me open my apps, messes up my sound and calls, etc.
Is there any way I could uninstall it and go back to 8.0 (don’t know what th eprevious update color was)?
Sorry this tutorial is only for if you updated using the developer preview. If you updated normally, then you’re sort of stuck :/
For How Many Times Should i have to download data of 1.5 gb in nokia software recovery tool to download my phone from 8.1 to 8…. plz.. tell me… thank u in advance….
Hello,
This tutorial is ONLY if you have the DEVELOPER PREVIEW of Windows 8.1. If you have the real version of 8.1 that was just released, there’s no way to get back at the moment (similar to iOS 7 no longer allowing people to go back to iOS 6). Sorry!
For My Nokia Lumia 520
pls help me bcoz i cant revert to wp 8 from developer preview 8.1.1update i tried nokia software recovery ….it gave firmware version 3058.50000.1425.0001…pls help
Will downgrade from 10 Technical preview to 8.1 delete all my local files ?
also is there a way to open excel files as i am left in a state where i can not update or open the file..please help
okay so ive tried the steps on the video above and im still stuck on windows 8.1 on my 1520…..HELP!
Read the featured comment. You have real 8.1 not the developer preview. This is only for removing the preview. You cannot remove the full version of 8.1 once it’s on your phone.
o.O how come both legit n developer preview face the same issue? and i read somewhere that that flight mode issue is a result of the os incompatibility with the hardware responsible for networking?? do you find that to be a valid hypothesis? and is there hope for my case anywhere?
Honestly, I’ve never had that issue myself so can’t really speak on it. If it’s an OS issue though, you need to contact technical support at either Microsoft of Nokia as with any other issue with your phone. Good luck!
plus my screen freezes every 5 minutes and the only way to unfreeze is to restart the damn phone
Again this is for the preview. For issues like that you need to contact Nokia.